IX] 



"seeds" 153 



= = Awn dorsal, kneed, longer than the palea. 



Holcus mollis, L. (Fig. Q>Q). 



Palea 2'5 min., fruit 3'1 mm. long ; glumes with stiff 

 hairs or serrulse od keel. 



The seeds of Holcus often fall from the glumes, but 

 may bring them away. 



Fig. 66, Holcus mollis. Type of "double seed," which really consists 

 of the entire spikelet [a, nat. size; c a6d d, x 8) comprised of the 

 two glumes enclosing two pairs of paleae and their enclosures 

 (6. nat. size; e, x about 8). The lower pair of paleae are devoid 

 of awns and enclose the caryopsis: the upper pair have stamens 

 only, and the outer palea has a dorsal kneed awn, not twisted or 

 hooked. Nobbe. 



Holcus is of little use. The two-flow^ered spikelets and peculiar 

 awns sufficiently distinguish it among the smaller forms. It is said 

 to occur as an adulterant in " seed " of Alopecurus. 



