38 



Fig. 24. Oplismenus hirtellus (Linn.) R. & S. CREEPING BEARD-GRASS.— 

 a, A spikelet showing the outer empty glumes and the upper portion of the 

 3d and 4th glumes. 



24. OPLISMENUS Beauv. Fl. Owar. et Ben. 2: 14, t. 68. 1807. (Orthopogon R. 

 Br.) Spikelets 1-flowered, in small groups or clusters, usually unilateral along 

 the branches of the panicle. Outer empty glumes 3, more or less awned, the 

 3d glume usually with a palea; flowering glume shorter than the 3d glume, 

 obtuse, awnless, with the palea becoming indurated at maturity. Stamens 3. 

 Styles distinct to the base; stigmas plumose. Grain included within the 

 hardened fruiting glume and palea, free. Usually weak, much branched, 

 creeping or ascending grasses, with narrow or broad, lanceolate, fiat leaves, 

 terminal panicles composed of unilateral racemes. 



Species 4 or 5, in tropical or subtropical regions of both hemispheres. 



