83 



FIG. 19. Paspalum laeve Michx. SMOOTH PASPALUM.— a, A portion of a 

 raceme, dorsal view showing axis; 6, anterior view of a spikelet; c, dorsal view 

 of a spikelet; d, a spikelet showing its attachment to the rachis. Figures 23 to 

 31 in Bui. 7 and figs. 325 to 335 in Bui. 17, illustrate other species of this genus. 



19. PASPAI/CM Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 855. 1759. Spikelets 1-flowered, 

 plano-convex, nearly sessile in 2 to 4 rows along one side of a continuous 

 narrow or dilated rachis, forming simple racemes, these either solitary or two 

 or more, digitate or paniculate; rachilla articulated below the empty glumes. 

 Glumes 3 (rarely only 2 or 4) awnless, usually obtuse, the 1st two empty, mem- 

 branaceous, equal or nearly so, and usually as long as cartilaginous 3d glume 

 which incloses a palea of similar texture and a hermaphrodite flower. Grain 

 oblong, inclosed Avith the indurated fruiting glume and palea. Perennials, 

 very variable in habit, usually growing in moist grounds. 



Species about 160 widely distributed, especially abundant in the tropical 

 regions of America. There are about 40 species and varieties in the United 

 States, chiefly in the southern districts. 



15444— No. 20 3 



