16 



FIG. 5. Imperata hookeri Rupr. "WESTERN BLADY-GRASS.-n, A portion of 

 the axis of the inflorescence; 6, a spikelet; c, first outer glume; <7, second outer 

 glume; e, third glume; /, fourth glume; g, palea. Imperata brasiliensis Trim is 

 illustrated by figure 303 in Bui. 17. 



5. IMPERATA Cyrilli, PL Rar. Ic. 2: 26. 1. 11. 1792. Spikelets in pairs at each 

 joint of the continuous panicle-branches, unequally pedicellate, articulated 

 with the pedicels, 1-flowered, awnless, densely clothed with long, silky hairs. 

 Glumes 4, the 2 outer membranaceous, the 2d a little longer than the 1st, the 

 3d empty, hyaline, as is the 4th when present. Palea broad, surrounding the 

 ovary. Stamens 1 to 2. Styles connate at the base; stigmas rather long, linear, 

 plumose. Rather stout, erect, perennial grasses, with spike-like and densely 

 woolly, terminal panicles. 



Species 5, widely distributed throughout the warmer countries of the world, 

 two of which occur in North America. 



