Class
Order
Family
Classification
Subordinate Taxa
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Cynosurus L., Sp. Pl. 72 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Dog's-tail
Description
Annuals or perennials. Leaf-sheath rounded. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat, ± lax. Inflorescence a ± secund, condensed panicle. Spikelets dimorphic, ☿ spikelets ± concealed by Ø spikelets. ☿ spikelets 1–5-flowered, often laterally compressed, disarticulating above glumes at maturity, rachilla prolonged; Ø spikelets below ☿ spikelets, consisting of narrow rigid bract-like glumes and lemmas. Glumes of ☿ spikelets subequal, hyaline, 1-nerved, excurrently mucronate or shortly awned. Lemma 5-nerved, chartaceous, oblong to lanceolate, rounded, awned from just below minutely or obscurely 2-toothed apex. Palea ≈ lemma, 2-keeled, apex shortly bifid. Lodicules 2, oblong. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles distinct, short; stigmas loosely plumose, laterally exserted. Caryopsis oblong, ± adhering to lemma and palea; embryo small, < ⅓ caryopsis; hilum short.
[From: Edgar and Connor (2000) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 5 (second printing).]
Biostatus
Exotic
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Exotic: Fully Naturalised | 2 |
| Total | 2 |
Bibliography
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
