42 



Fig. 28. Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze.— a, A portion of the 

 axis of one of the spikes, showing 7 spikelets; band c, spikelets. 



28. STENOTAPHRUM Trin. Fund. Agros. 175. 1820. Spikelets 2-flowered, the 

 lower staminate or hermaphrodite, 2-4 in very short spikes imbedded in one 

 side of a flattened rachis, forming a spike-like panicle. Empty glumes 3, the 

 outer one very small, sometimes wanting; the 3d usually with a palea or stami- 

 nate flower in its axil; the 4th (or the 3d glume in the absence of the 1st) con- 

 taining an hermaphrodite flower. Stamens 3. Styles distinct to the base; 

 stigmas plumose. Grain oblong, included within the somewhat rigid glumes 

 and palea, free. Creeping, stoloniferous perennial grasses with short, ascend- 

 ing branches; spreading, flat, or convolute leaves; and spike-like, terminal 

 inflorescence. 



Species 3 or 4, one of which is widespread in the tropical and subtropical 

 regions of both hemispheres; the others are natives of the islands of the Indian 

 and Pacific oceans. 



