27 



Fig. 15. iEgopogon. cenchroides Willd.— a, A group of spikelets; b, a perfect 

 spikelet; c, 1st glume; d, the second glume; e, flowering glume; /, palea. 



15. ^3GOPOGON H. & B, in Willd. Sp. PI. 4: 899. 1805. Spikelets sessile, in 

 groups of 3 to 5 at each joint of the main axis, 1-flowered, hermaphrodite or 

 the outer ones in each group imperfect or sterile. Empty glumes 2, usually 3- 

 dentate or 3-lobed, the lateral lobes smaller, the middle one often extending 

 into an awn; flowering glume 3-nerved, 3-lobed, or 3-toothed. Palea 2-nerved, 

 2-lobed, or bicuspidate. Stamens 3. Styles distinct; stigmas plumose. Grain 

 oblong, included in the glumes, free. Slender, diffuse, or csespitose grasses 

 with narrow, flat leaves and terminal, secund, spike-like inflorescence. Glumes 

 delicate, the fertile and sterile often intermixed. 



Species 2 or 3, Lower California, Mexico, to Brazil. A genus with the habit 

 of Melanocenchrus. 



