CL. III.] TEIANDKIA DIGYNIA. 81 



29. GLYCE'RIA. SWEET-GRASS. 



Calyx of two unequal, awnless chaff-scales, containing a linear 

 spikelet of numerous, alternate, two-rowed, awnless flowers, 

 unconnected by a web at the base. Corolla of two unequal 

 husks ; the outer cylindrical, ribbed, entire, more or less abrupt, 

 with inflected edges ; the inner narrower, obtuse or notched, flat, 

 membranous, with two marginal ribs. Nectary a notched 

 scale. Filaments hair-like, longer than the corolla ; anthers 

 pendulous, linear, cleft at both ends. Germen egg-shaped. 

 Styles distinct; stigmas spreading, feathery, repeatedly branched. 

 Seed oblong, loose, covered with the unaltered husks. Name 

 from glucus, sweet. 45. 



1. G. aqudtica. Reedy Sweet-grass. Panicle erect, repeatedly 

 branched, spreading ; spikelets with numerous obtuse, seven-ribbed 



flowers. Straw six feet high, stout : leaves broad, flat, rough on 



the keel and edges : panicle large, with half-whorled branches : 

 spikelets of from five to ten flowers. This is one of the most beau- 

 tiful, as well as one of the largest of our grasses. It is eaten by 

 cattle, and deserves to be cultivated, as it would yield an abundant 

 crop in moist land. Perennial : flowers in July : grows by the 

 margin of rivers: not common. Eng. Bot. vol. xix. pi. 1315. Eng. 

 Fl. vol. i. p. 116. 150. 



2. G.fluitans. Floating Sweet-grass. Panicle slender, very long, 

 slightly branched ; spikelets with numerous obtuse, seven-ribbed, 



cylindrical flowers. Root creeping, long : straws partly floating, 



as are many of the linear, flat, obtuse leaves : panicle nearly erect, 

 narrow, with roughish branches; spikelets erect, long, linear, of 

 from eight to twelve flowers : outer husk cylindrical, obtuse. Pe- 

 rennial : flowers in June and July : grows in ditches and stagnant 

 waters : common. Eng. Bot. vol. xxii. pi. 1520. Eng. Fl. vol. i. p. 

 117. 151. 



3. G. maritima. Creeping Sea-sweet-grass. Panicle branched, 

 rather close ; spikelets with about five, slightly five-ribbed, some- 

 what pointed flowers ; root creeping. Stems about a foot high : 



leaves involute, pointed : flowers cylindrical, hairy at the base. 

 Perennial : flowers in July and August : grows on the sea-coast : 

 frequent. Eng, Bot. vol.xvi. pi. 1140. Eng. Fl. vol. i. p. 116. 152. 



4. G. distans. Reflexed Sweet-grass. Panicle branched, spread- 

 ing : spikelets with about five obscurely five-ribbed, blunt, shining 



flowers ; root fibrous. Straws about a foot high, decumbent at 



the base : the whole plant slightly glaucous : panicle erect, with 

 half-whorled, rough branches: flowers cylindrical. Perennial: 

 flowers in July and August : grows near the coast in sandy pastures : 

 rare. Eng. Bot. vol.xiv. pi. 986. Eng. Fl. vol. i. p. 118. 153. 



5. G. procumbens. Panicle lance-shaped, two-rowed, unilateral, 

 close, with rough stalks; spikelets of five bluntish, five-ribbed 



flowers. 'Root fibrous : the whole plant glaucous : straws about 



eight inches long, procumbent : outer husk cylindrical, its central 

 rib more prominent towards the summit : inner husk bristly at the 

 lateral ribs. Perennial : flowers in July and August : grows in 

 pastures near the sea: common. Eng. Bot. vol. viii. pi. 532. Eng. 

 Fl. vol. i. p. 119. 154. 



6. G. rigida. Hard Sweet-grass. Panicle lance-shaped, close, two- 



Hi 



