48o GRAMINE^. TRUE GRASSES 



the spikelets are borne at the ends of the branches as in Fig. 149. 

 Such an inflorescence is termed z, panicle. 



When the branches of the panicle are long and the spikelets 

 consequently separated from each other, the panicle is described 

 as spreading, open, or diffuse (Figs. 174, 181, &c.). 



When the branches of the panicle are very short, so that the 

 spikelets lie close to the main axis as in foxtail and timothy grass 

 (Figs. 172 and r73), & false spike or spike-like panicle is formed. 



The Flower. — As pointed out previously the glumes are bracts 

 of the inflorescence and do not, of course, constitute a part of 

 the flower. The latter (4, Fig. 1 50) consists of an androeciura of 

 three hypogynous stamens and a gynaecium of one carpel. At 

 the base of the ovary on the side opposite to the pale, that is, 

 on the side next to the flowering glume, there are two small 

 transparent scales, the lodicules, I; they are usually considered 

 rudiments of the perianth, but may possibly represent a second 

 palea. 



The filaments of the stamens are long and slender and 

 attached to near the middle of the anthers ; the latter are readily 

 moved by the slightest breeze. 



In sweet vernal-grass two stamens only are present. 



The gynsecium consists of a single carpel with an ovary most 

 frequently surmounted by two brush-like styles (s). 



The grasses are cross-fertilised, though self-fertilisation is also 

 frequent. At the time of flowering the base of the lodicules 

 generally swell up and force the pale and flowering glume 

 apart; the filaments of the stamens grow rapidly about the 

 same time and push the anther out at the sides of the 

 glumes ; the pollen is then distributed by the wind and caught 

 by the feathery stigmas. 



In a short time (often not more than an hour or two) the 

 lodicules lose their turgidity and shrivel, and the pale and 

 flowering glume close up again shutting the ovary and stigmas 

 from view. 



