138 



Fig. 107. Meiica mutica Walt. (M. glabra Mx.).-o, A spikelet; b, a palea; 

 o. 2 stamens. Figures 258 to 261, in Bui. 7, and 518 to 528, in Bui. 17, illustrate 

 other species of Meiica. 



107. melica Linn. Sp. PI. 66. 1753. Spikelets 2- to several-flowered, terete 

 or slightly flattened; raehilla articulated above the empty glumes and between 

 the fertile florets, usually bearing 2 or 3 empty, often club-shaped or cucullate 

 glumes at the apex. Empty glumes at the base of the spikelet 2, unequal, mem- 

 branaceous, awnless, 3- to 5-nerved; flowering glumes larger, rounded on the 

 back, 7- to 13-nerved, margins scarious, awnless or short-awned. Palea broad, 

 2-keeled, shorter than the glume. Stamens 3. Styles distinct: stigmas plumose. 

 Grain free. Perennials, with usually soft, flat leaves, rather large spikelets in 

 lax or dense, usually narrow panicles, sometimes simply racemose. 



Species 30 or more throughout the temperate zone. Some 18 species belong 

 to the United States, chiefly in the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Coast regions. 



