89 



Fig. 65. Holcus lanatus L. VELVET-GRASS.— o. A spikelet; b, the same 

 with the empty glumes removed, showing the curved awn of the second floret 

 and curved joint of the rachilla below the first floret; c, upper portion of a 

 sheath and lower portion of the leaf-blade. 



65. HOL.CTJS Linn. Sp. PI. 1047. 1753. Spikelets 2-flowered, the lower flower 

 raised above the outer glumes upon a curved internode of the rachilla, her- 

 maphrodite, awnless; the upper flower staminate (rarely hermaphrodite) , its 

 glume bearing an awn near the apex; rachilla articulated below the empty 

 glumes and also below the floral glumes. Empty glumes nearly equal, com- 

 pressed, boat-shaped, longer than the florets. Stamens 3. Annual or perennial 

 herbs, with usually flat leaves and densely flowered terminal panicles. 



Species about 8, in Europe and Africa; one species, Holcus lanatus L., often 

 cultivated in meadows and lawns, has become widely dispersed. 



