26 



Fig. 14. Hilaria cenchroides H. B. K. CURLY MESQUITE.— a, A group of 

 three spikelets; b, one of the staminate spikelets; d, the pistillate spikelet, 

 showing the exserted stigmas; c, two staminate florets, the firm outer glumes 

 removed. Other species of this genus are illustrated by figures 19, 20, and 21 

 of Bui. 7. 



14. HlliARlA H. B. K., Nov. Gen. et Sp. PI. 1: 116, t. 37. 1815. Spikelets sessile, 

 in groups of three at each joint of the zigzag, continuous rachis, forming terminal 

 spikes, the several groups falling off entire; the two outer or anterior spikelets 

 staminate and 2— 3-flowered, the posterior or inner one (next the rachis) pistil- 

 late or hermaphrodite, and 1-flowered. Empty or outer glumes firmer in tex- 

 ture than the others, unequal, many-nerved, more or less connate below, entire 

 at the apex or more often divided, usually unequally 2-lobed with one to sev- 

 eral intermediate awns or awn-like divisions; glumes of the inner or fertile 

 flower much narrower than those of the others. Stamens 3. Styles connate 

 below; stigmas shortly plumose. Grain ovate or oblong, included within the 

 glumes, free. Csespitose or decumbent grasses, often stoloniferous with flat or 

 involute leaves and terminal, solitary spikes. 



Species 5, in the Southwest, ranging from Colorado to Mexico. 



