Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Bromus L., Sp. Pl. 76 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Brome; Chess
 Description

Annuals or perennials, tufted or occasionally rhizomatous. Leaf-sheath often pubescent; margins connate. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat. Inflorescence an open or contracted panicle, or rarely a raceme. Spikelets 2-many-flowered, ± laterally compressed; florets chasmogamous or cleistogamous; disarticulation above glumes and between lemmas. Glumes unequal or subequal, acute or shortly awned; lower 1–7-nerved, upper 3–9-nerved. Lemma rounded or keeled, 5–13-nerved, bidentate, awned from near apex; awn straight, bent or recurved, or 0. Palea usually < lemma, 2-keeled, keels ciliate or scabrid. Lodicules 2, entire, connate below, glabrous. Stamens (2)–3. Ovary with a terminal, hairy appendage and styles inserted laterally. Fig. 12.

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

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Non-endemic)
Number of species in New Zealand within Bromus L.
CategoryNumber
Indigenous (Non-endemic)1
Exotic: Fully Naturalised16
Exotic: Casual2
Total19
 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.