58 



FIRST BOOK OF GRASSES 



racemose (Figs. 50, D, and 51, E); that is, the axis 

 between the spikes is elongate instead of greatly re- 

 duced. (In Fig. 10, B, is shown a raceme of spike- 

 lets ; in Bouteloua we have a raceme of spikes, each 



Fig. 51. A, spikelet of Bouteloua gracilis; B, fer- 

 tile lemma spread out; C, first sterile lemma 

 spread out; D, second ster^e lemma spread out; 

 E, inflorescence. 



composed of few to many sessile spikelets.) In Boute- 

 loua gracilis (Fig. 51) and related species the florets, 

 as is usual in this group, fall from the glumes, these 

 remaining on the rachis. In B. curtipendula (Fig. 50) 

 and its relatives, the entire spike falls from the 

 main axis. 



