27 



PHLEUM ALPINUM. 



LlNN^EUS. WlLlDENOW. J. E. SMITH. DlCKSON. DON. HOOKER. 



Schrader. Oeder, Withering. Kocn. Parnell. 



PLATE IX. A. 



Phleum commutalum, Gacdichattd. 



The Alpine Gats-tail Grass. 



Phleum — Reed Mace. Alpinum — Alpine. 



Exclusively a mountain Grass, flourishing in damp situations, 

 at elevations varying from two thousand five hundred to three 

 thousand five hundred feet. It is by no means a common 

 species, being unknown either in England or Ireland. Mr. 

 Dickson, the discoverer, first recognised Phleum alpinum near 

 Garway Moor, whilst other explorers have found it on Craig- 

 neulict, above Killin, Ben Lawers, Clova mountains, Breadalbane 

 mountains, Feula Burn, Canlochen Glen, Glashieburn, Glen 

 Fiadh, and Loch Brandy. 



Abroad it is plentiful in Norway, Sweden, Lapland, Switzer- 

 land, Germany, and North America. 



As an agricultural Grass it is useless. 



Root slightly creeping, perennial, and somewhat tuberous. 

 Stem upright, except near the base, where it is usually decumbent, 

 smooth, circular in form, with four or five leaves, which are 

 provided with polished striated sheaths. Uppermost sheath 

 slightly inflated, and being longer than its leaf; capped with 

 a short obtuse ligule. Joints smooth. Leaves broad, sharp 

 pointed, smooth both above and below, except along the edges, 

 where rough. Inflorescence simple, panicled. Panicle oval, tinged 



G 



