S. HALAPENSE, L., JOHNSON GRASS. 



171 



sessile spikelet 4, the lower larger than the others, empty, lan- 

 ceolate or ovate, hard and shining, obscurely nerved ; the sec- 

 ond empty, narrower, keeled, firm, acute or awned ; the third 

 much smaller, hyaline, empty ; the fourth or floral glume 

 very slender, hyaline, 2-lobed, awned. Palea minute or none. 

 Stamens 3. Styles distinct, stigmas feathery. Caryopsis in- 

 cluded, free. Annuals or perennials, often tall with broad, flat 

 leaves, panicle terminal, large. Species now reduced to two. 

 (S. halapense and S. vulgare). Extensively cultivated in warm 

 and temperate climates. 



S. halapense, L. Johnson Grass, Means' Grass, Cuoa 

 Grass, Egyptian Grass, Green Yalley Grass, Arabian 

 Millett, Egyptian Millett, Syrian Grass, Saint Mary's 

 Grass. From several sources I learn that in 1835 Gov. Means of 

 South Carolina obtained the seed from Turkey. A few years 

 later William Johnson of Alabama obtained the seed of the 

 Governor, and was quite active in advertising its good qualities, 

 hence the popular name of "Johnson grass." 



FIG. 78. ft-. Portion of panicle of Sorghum halapense, L.; Z>, two spikelets, tho other 

 having been removed ; c, lower spikelet with fertile flower ; d, one upper spikelet 

 with Btaminatu flower. 1 x6. Sud worth) 



