IX] 



" SEEDS " 153 



= = Aym dorsal, kneed, longer than the palea. 



Holcus mollis, L. (Fig. 66). 



Palea 2'5 mm., fruit 31 mm. long ; glumes with stiff 

 hairs or serrulse on keel. 



The seeds of Holcus often fall from the glumes, but 

 may bring them awayi_ 



Fig. 66. Holcus mollis. Type of "double seed," wliich really consists 

 of the entire spikelet (a, nat. size ; c and d, x 8) comprised of the 

 two glumes enclosing two pairs of paleae and their enclosures 

 (6, nat. size; e, x about 8). The lower pair of palese are devoid 

 of awns and enclose the caryopsis: the upper pair have stamens 

 only, and the outer palea has a dorsal kneed awn, not twisted or 

 hooked. Nobbe. 



Holcus is of little use. The two-flowered spikelets and peculiar 

 awns sufficiently distinguish it anaong the smaller forms. It is said 

 to occur as an adulterant in " seed" of Alopecurus. 



