66 



Fig. 44. Brachyelytrum erectum (Sohreb.) Beauv. (B. aristatum R. & S.). 

 BEARDED SHORT-HUSK.— a, A spikelet; 6, the same with the awn and 'hurt 

 empty glumes removed; c, empty glumes; d, palea. 



44. BRACHYEliYTKTJM Beauv. . Agrost. 39. 1812. Spikelets 1-flowered, 

 hermaphrodite; rachilla articulated above the empty glumes, forming a short, 

 usually smooth and. rounded callus below the flowering glume, and prolonged 

 behind the palea into a slender, naked bristle. Glumes 3, the first two empty, 

 very small; the flowering glume herbaceous, rigid, 5-nerved, the narrow apex 

 extending into a long straight awn. Palea 2-nerved, about equaling the glume. 

 Stamens 2 (or 3). Styles short, distinct; stigmas elongated, plumose. Grain 

 oblong, inclosed within the fruiting glume and palea. An erect perennial. 

 with flat leaves and a narrow, few-flowered panicle. 



Species 1, North American. 



