122 



FIG. 91. Munroa squarrosa (Nutt.) Torr. FALSE BUFFALO-GRASS.— a, A 

 spikelet; b, the outer empty glumes; e, a floret. 



91. MTJNROA Torr. Pae. R. R. Rept. 4^ : 158. 1857. Spikelets2-to4-flowered, 

 hermaphrodite, 3 to 5 together, and nearly sessile in the axis of the floral 

 leaves. Rachilla articulated above the empty glumes. Lower empty glumes 

 2, lanceolate, acute, hyaline, 1-nerved; flowering glumes larger than the empty 

 ones, 3-nerved, entire, retuse, or 3-cleft, the midnerve, or all the nerves excur- 

 rent as short mucronate points. Usually 1 or 2 empty glumes above the flower- 

 ing glumes, similar to these, excepting that they are smaller and narrower. 

 Palea hyaline, 2-keeled, inclosed within the flowering glume. Stamens 3. 

 Styles distinct, elongated; stigmas loosely and shortly plumose, barbellate. 

 Grain inclosed within the fruiting glume and palea, free. Low, diffusely 

 much-branched annuals with short, usually sharp-pointed leaves, which are 

 clustered at the ends of the branches. 



Species 3 or 4, on the plains of North and South America. 



