68 



Fig. 46. Heleochloa schoenoides (L.) Host. (Crypsis schccnoides Lam.) . RUSH- 

 LIKE TIMOTHY.— a, A spikelet; b, the same with the empty glumes removed; 

 c, grain. 



HEIiEOCHIiOA Host, Gram. 46. 1 : 23, t. 29-80. 1801. (Crypsis Lam. 1791, not 

 Ait. 1789. Spikelets 1-flowered, hermaphrodite, rachilla articulated above the 

 empty glumes and not produced beyond the flower. Glumes 3, the first two 

 empty, slightly unequal, membranaceous, acute, somewhat compressed, keeled, 

 awnless; the 3d or flowering glume similar to the outer ones, but usually a little 

 exceeding them in length. Palea shorter than its glume, hyaline, very faintly 

 2-nerved. Stamens 3. Styles distinct; stigmas plumose. Caryopsis loosely 

 inclosed within the flowering glume, free. Usually low, densely csespitose, 

 branching perennials, with oblong or ovoid, spike-like panicles, which are 

 usually partially inclosed in the upper leaf sheath. 



Species 7 or 8, in southern Europe and temperate Asia; one sparingly intro- 

 duced in the Atlantic States. 



