224 PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS. 



Stem upright, circular, smooth, and strong, bearing fifteen 

 and upwards of broad, lanceolate, many-ribbed, smooth leaves, 

 with roughish striated sheaths, which extend beyond their 

 leaves, and are destitute of ligules. Joints fifteen, smooth 

 and polished. Inflorescence compound-panicled; panicle large, 

 drooping on one side, pale brown in colour. Spikelets numerous, 

 spreading, and of three awnless florets. Calyx of two unequal, 

 acute, narrow glumes, with a rib on either side; upper one 

 situated on a brief peduncle. Florets of two paleee, exterior 

 one of basal floret lanceolate, three-ribbed, and twice the length 

 of the large glume; inner palea short. The peduncle of the 

 second floret having lengthy, white, silky hairs spreading in 

 every direction, and giving a beautiful silky appearance to the 

 large panicle. Length from sixty to seventy inches. Root 

 perennial and creeping. 



Plowers in August, and ripens its seed in September. 



The specimen for illustration was procured at Highfield 

 House. 



