Group XL Eared Grasses. 



Ribs prominent; ligule remarkably short; a hard- 

 bladed, sand-binding grass. Elymus. 



Elymus arenarius, L. (Sand lyme grass). Blade large, 

 apex permanently rolled up, forming practically 

 an apical thorn. 



Fig. I. Eared base of blade. After Lund. 

 Fig. 2. Section of blade with prominent ribs (magni- 

 fied). After Lund. 



Red-sheathed meadow grass (I. i). The blade, though 

 firm, is comparatively soft and hairless. Lolium, 

 Festuca. 



Lolium perenne, L. (Perennial rvegrass). Sheath flat M\<\ 

 blade folded. All other members of Group XL have 

 round sheaths and rolled blades. 



Fig. 3. Eared base of blade. 



Fig. 4. Section of blade with prominent ribs. After 

 Stebler. 



Lolium Italicum, Braun. (Italian ryegrass). Sheath 

 round ; basal margin of blade smooth. 



Lolium temulentum, L. (Darnel). An annual very like 

 L. Italicum. Reputed poisonous ! 



Festuca elatior, Z. (Tall and meadow fescues). Sheath 

 round ; basal margin of blade rough ; veins appear 

 as pure white lines by transmitted light. 



Fig. 5. Eared base of blade. After Stebler. 

 Fig. 6. Section of rolled blade with prominent ribs 

 (magnified). After Stebler. 



