Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Critesion Raf., J. Phys. Chim. Hist. Nat. Arts 89: 103 (1819)
 Description

Tufted annuals or perennials. Leaf-sheath membranous to chartaceous, often with auricles. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat. Inflorescence an oblong to linear, spike-like raceme, with spikelets in triads alternately at nodes of rachis, each triad consisting of a sessile to pedicelled ☿ central spikelet flanked by 2 pedicelled lateral spikelets, ♂ or  Ø; rachis flattened; spikelets disarticulating as triads. Spikelets 1-flowered, dorsally compressed; rachilla prolonged. Glumes 2, anterior to spikelet, 1-nerved or faintly 3-nerved, linear, often awn-like, sometimes expanded at base, often with fine prickles in the 3 serrate lines. Lemma of central floret obscurely 5-nerved, rounded, awned or awnless; lemmas of lateral florets usually smaller to much reduced, sometimes larger. Palea ⊬ lemma, 2-nerved, folded. Stamens 3. Lodicules 2. Ovary with hairy corona and long hispid hairs at apex. Caryopsis free, or adherent to anthoecium, elliptic, deeply furrowed adaxially; embryo c. ⅕-¼ caryopsis. Fig. 14.

[From:  Edgar and Connor (2000) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 5 (second printing).]

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species in New Zealand within Critesion Raf.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised6
Total6
 Bibliography
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
Mabberley, D.J. 2017: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 4. Cambridge University Press.
Petersen, G.; Seberg, O. 2003: Phylogenetic analyses of the diploid species of Hordeum (Poaceae) and a revised classification of the genus. Systematic Botany 28: 293–306.
Rafinesque, C.S. 1819: Prodrome des nouveaux genres de plantes observés en 1817 et 1818 dans l'intérieur des Etats9Unis d'Amérique. Journal de Physique, de Chimie, d'Histoire Naturelle et des Arts 89: 96–107.