Classification
 Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Dactylis L., Sp. Pl. 71 (1753)
 Description

Perennials, with young shoots much flattened. Leaf-sheath closed, at least below. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat or involute. Inflorescence a compound panicle, of dense, secund spikelet clusters terminating erect or spreading branches; lower branches often distant and longer. Spikelets 2–6-flowered, laterally compressed, shortly pedicelled; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla prolonged. Glumes subequal, keeled; lower 1–3-nerved, upper 3-nerved. Lemma > glumes, 5-nerved, stiffly chartaceous, keel spinulose, apex mucronate to shortly awned. Palea ≈ lemma, 2-keeled, keels finely ciliate. Lodicules 2, membranous, glabrous, denticulate. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles free, very short, terminal; stigmas plumose. Caryopsis dorsiventrally compressed; embryo small, < ⅓ length of caryopsis; hilum punctiform or shortly elliptic.

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

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species in New Zealand within Dactylis L.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised1
Total1
 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.