SPERMATOPHYTA—GRAMINEAE— GRASSES 349 



3. Paspalum, L. Paspalum 



Spikelets spiked or sometimes racemed, in 2 to 4 rows on one side of the 

 flattened or filiform rachis, awnless, 1-flowered; glumes 3, rarely only 2, 1 glume 

 flowering; flower coriaceous, orbicular or ovate; stamens 3; spikes 1 or more at 

 or toward the summit of an elongated peduncle. 



Species about 160, chiefly in warm temperate regions in both hemispheres. 

 In South America they constitute an important part of the plants of the Pampas. 

 One species is used in medicine and several species are excellent forage plants 

 for the South. One species is troublesome as a weed in the Southern States. 

 The Koda Millet (P. scrobiculatuin) known to be poisonous and injurious to 

 animals and man in India is used during times of scarcity of food and causes 

 poisoning. The seed, especially the testa and pericarp, contains a narcotic 

 poison which causes delirium and vomiting. Cattle should not be allowed to 

 feed on it when it is ripening. 



Fig. 142. Corean Foxtail (Setaria italica.) 



Fig. 143. Corean Foxtail Millet (Setaria). 

 V. S. Dept. Agr. 



