153 



Fig. 122. Panicularia aquatica(Sm.)Kuntze. (Gli/ceria aquatica J. E. Smith) . 

 REED MEADOW-GRASS.— a, A spikelet: 6, a spikelet in which the lower 

 empty glumes have been separated from the florets above. Figs. 281 to 285, in 

 Bui. 7, and 568 to 570, in Bui. 17, illustrate other species of Panicularia. 



122. PANlCTJliARlA Fabr. Enum. PI. Hort. Helmst. 373. ed. 2. 1763. (Glyceria 

 R. Br. 1810.) Spikelets few- to many-flowered, terete or slightly flattened, in 

 narrow or spreading panicles; rachilla articulated between the florets, usually 

 smooth; florets hermaphrodite or the uppermost imperfect. Empty glumes at 

 the base of the spikelet 2, unequal, shorter than the flowering glumes, obtuse 

 or acute, 1- to 3-nerved. Flowering glumes smooth or scabrous, rounded on the 

 back, herbaceous, excepting at the scarious and usually blunt apex, 5- to 9- 

 nerved, nerves usually prominent and parallel. Palea a little shorter than the 

 glume, 2-nerved. Stamens 2 or 3. Styles short, distinct; stigmas plumose. 

 Grain oblong, smooth, free, or when dry slightly adherent to the palea. 

 Usually tall, aquatic, perennial grasses with flat leaves and generally diffuse 

 terminal panicles. 



Species about 16, widely dispersed in the temperate regions of both hemis- 

 pheres, chiefly North American. 



