Order GRAMINEZE. 
Genus Microlaina, Brown. 
Sub-Order Oryzea:. 
Genus II.—MICROLiENA, Brown. 
Spikelets racemed or panicled, i-flowered. Empty glumes 4: two lowermost opposite, minute; two 
following awned, much larger. Flowering glume terminal, acuminate, or awned. Palea short, linear, 
hyaline. Scales 2. Stamens 2—4. Ovary sessile. Styles short. Stigmas feathery. Grain free within 
the hardened glumes. Distribution of Genus : AUSTRALIA, TASMANIA, NEW ZEA¬ 
LAND. Etymology: Named from two Greek words meaning ‘‘small” and a “covering,” in 
allusion to the small outer glumes. 
Arrangement of the Species :— 
I .—Two lowest glumes distant from the following ... ... ... ... 1. M. stipoides. 
11 .— Two lowest glumes close to the following (Diplax) — 
Spikelets panicled. Leaves scaberulous, —-|-inch broad. Stamens 2 2. M. avenacea. 
Spikelets racemed. Leaves smooth, 1 — 1 -inch broad. Stamens 4 ... 3. M. polynoda. 
1.—MICROLiENA STIPOIDES. 
MEADOW RICE GRASS. 
{Plate II.) 
Ehrharta stipoides, Brown. Labill. FI. Nov. Hoik, I., 16, t. 118. 
Microla;na stipoides, Brown. Hook. fil. FI. N.Z., I., 289 ; Handb. N.Z. Flora, I., 320. 
A slender grass, on low grounds. Flowers November—January. Perennial. Root fibrous. Stems 
18—24 inches high. Leaves glabrous or sparingly hairy, 2—6 inches long; ligide very short, obtuse, 
entire or lacerate; mouth of sheath with silky hairs. Panicle slender, upright or inclined; branched 
below. Lower spikelets on long pedicels, upwards of one inch in length, awns included. Empty glumes, 
lowest pair very minute, acute, deciduous ; two following seated at distant intervals on the bearded 
rachis, scabrid, 7-nerved. Flowering glume acuminate or obtuse, with a short awn, 7-nerved. Palea 
linear, obtuse, 1-nerved. Scales large, triangular, incised at top and nerved at bottom. Stamens 4. 
Anthers long, very narrow. Sty Its short, nearly connate at the base. Stigmas feathery. Grain long, 
narrow, linear. Distribution of Species: AUSTRALIA, TASMANIA, NEW ZEALAND. 
