GENERA OF GRASSES OF THE UNITED STATES. 
195 
a fairly well developed lemma and palea, the fourth floret, if 
present, usually reduced. 
Low cespitose or stoloniferous 
annuals or perennials, with short 
blades, and several or many short 
deciduous spikes scattered along 
the main axis. Species four, on the 
Mexican Plateau, one extending 
into western Texas. 
Fig. 115. — Side-oats grama, Boutcloua curtipendula. Plant, X I ; spikelet and floret 
with rudiment, X 5. 
Type species: Cathestecum prostratv/m Presl. 
Cathesteeum Presl, Itel. Haeuk. 1 : 294, pi. 42. 1830. Only one species de- 
scribed. 
