110 



Fig. 84. LeptocMoa mucronata (Michx.) Kunth. FEATHER-GRASS.— a, 

 The empty outer glumes of a spikelet; b, a spikelet with the outer glumes re- 

 moved. Figures 211 to 218 iu Bui. 7 illustrate other species of the genus. 



84. LEPTOCHLOA Beauv. Agrost, 71, 1. 15, f. 7. 1812. Spikelets 2- to several- 

 flowered, sessile, in 2 rows along one side of the slender and often numerous 

 branches of a simple panicle; rhachilla articulated above the empty glumes. 

 Empty glumes 2-keeled, awnless or very short-awned; flowering glumes keeled, 

 3-nerved, acute, awnless or very short-awned, or 2- to 3-toothed, mucronate or 

 short-awned between the teeth. Palea 2-keeled. Usually tall annuals, with 

 flat leaves and elongated simple panicles made up of the numerous and more 

 or less spreading slender spikes scattered along the main axis. 



Species about 20, in the warmer countries of both hemispheres. In the United 

 States the species are mostly southwestern. 



