Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Brachypodium P.Beauv., Ess. Agrostogr. 100 (1812)
 Description

Perennials, rarely annuals, rhizomatous or tufted. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat or involute. Raceme linear, loose, with rather few, shortly pedicelled spikelets borne singly and alternately on either side of non-articulating rachis. Spikelets 5–20-flowered, subterete to slightly laterally compressed; disarticulation above glumes and below each lemma. Glumes unequal, distinctly 3–9-nerved, < lemma, firmly membranous, lanceolate, rounded, obtuse to shortly awned. Lemma 7–9-nerved, herbaceous to firmly membranous, sometimes becoming coriaceous, rounded, entire, usually with a terminal awn. Palea ≥ lemma, keel ciliolate. Lodicules spathulate, ciliolate. Stamens 3. Ovary pubescent at apex; styles free. Caryopsis narrowly ellipsoid; embryo small; hilum ± linear, ≈ caryopsis. Fig. 13.

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

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species in New Zealand within Brachypodium P.Beauv.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised2
Exotic: Casual1
Total3
 Bibliography
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
Palisot de Beauvois, A.M.F.J. 1812: Essai d'une Nouvelle Agrostographie. Paris.