34 Botanical Section [pt i 



(6) Eoots tough and stringy. 



Nardus stricta (p. 119), upper leaves erect, lower 

 ones reflexed. 

 B. Bristle-like appearance due to inr oiling or folding of edges 

 of leaves. 

 Avena pratensis (p. 70). 

 Aira canescens (p. 58). 

 A. prcecox (p. 59). 

 A. caryophyllea (p. 59). 

 Poa maritima (p. 125) ; 

 and sometimes others. 



CHAPTER V 



COMMON BRITISH GRASSES GROUPED ACCORDING TO THEIR 

 INFLORESCENCES AND FLORAL CHARACTERS 



The following key may be used to determine the different 

 genera, and in some cases the common species; further details 

 must be looked for in the full description given in Chapter vii. 



In using this key the student should first decide whether the 

 inflorescence of the specimen is a spike or a panicle. If a spike, 

 whether the spikelets are borne singly or in pairs, threes, or clusters. 

 If a panicle, to which of the four types (A, B, C, D in the key) it 

 belongs. In addition he should observe (1) the number of flowers in 

 the spikelet, (2) whether all the flowers in the spikelet are perfect 

 or not, and (3) whether the outer palea bears an awn. 



If an awn is present, note whether it is terminal, sub-terminal, 

 dorsal or basal. In cases where the awn or awn -like projection 

 is generally less than half the length of the palea bearing it, I 

 have called it an awn-point. In the key O.P. indicates the outer 

 palea. 



I. Inflorescence a Spike of Spikelets. 



(Spikelets sessile or sub-sessile on the rachis.) 

 A. Spikelets solitary, i.e. borne singly. 



1. Spikelets without empty glumes 1 and one-flowered. 



Nardus (p. 119), only one row of spikelets apparent. 

 1 Or one rudimentary glume only. 



