159 



Fig. 127. Lolram perenne L. RYE-GRASS.— a, A portion of the axis of a 

 spike to which is attached a spikelet with the lower florets expanded, showing 

 the stamens; &, anterior view of a single floret; c, dorsal view of a floret. Fig. 

 296, in Bui. 7, and fig. 587, in Bui. 17, illustrate other species of Lolium. 



127. LOLIUM Linn. Sp. PI. 83. 1753. Spikelets several-flowered, solitary and 

 sessile in alternate notches of the continuous rachis, one edge of each spike- 

 let placed against the rachis; rachilla articulated between the florets. Empty 

 glume at the base of the spikelet 1 (2 in the terminal spikelet) , on the side away 

 from the rachis (exterior) , shorter than, or exceeding the florets; flowering 

 glumes rounded on the back, 5- to 7-nerved, nerves converging above, apex 

 obtuse, acute, or awned. Palea 2-keeled. Stamens 3. Styles very short, dis- 

 tinct; stigmas plumose. Grain smooth, adherent to the palea. Annual or 

 perennial grasses, with simple erect culms, flat leaves and simple terminal 

 spikes. 



Species 6, in Europe, North America, and temperate Asia. Two, with sev- 

 eral varieties, introduced into the United States. 



