Melica scaberrima

Melica scaberrima
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Melica
Species: M. scaberrima
Binomial name
Melica scaberrima
(Nees ex Steudel) J. D. Hooker
Synonyms

Glyceria scaberrima Nees ex Steudel

Melica scaberrima, is a species of grass in the Poaceae family that can be found in Yunnan, China, Nepal,[1] Pakistan and northern part of India (including Kashmir).[2]

Description

The species is perennial and have elongated rhizomes. It culms are erect and are 50–150 centimetres (20–59 in) long. The species leaf-sheaths are tubular and scabrous with one of their length being closed. It eciliate membrane is 1–2 millimetres (0.039–0.079 in) long and have a glabrous surface. They also have flat leaf-blades which are 15–35 centimetres (5.9–13.8 in) long by 3–5.5 millimetres (0.12–0.22 in) wide and have scaberulous surface.[3]

The panicle itself is open and is 20–40 centimetres (7.9–15.7 in) long. The branches are distant and are 6–15 centimetres (2.4–5.9 in) long. The spikelets are oblong, solitary and are made out of 2–3 fertile florets that are 8.5–13 millimetres (0.33–0.51 in) long. Fertile spikelets are pediceled, the pedicels of which are filiform and are 2–6 millimetres (0.079–0.236 in) long. Florets are diminished at the apex.[3]

Its lemma have scabrous surface and acute apex with fertile lemma is being chartaceous, elliptic, keelless, and is 7–8.5 millimetres (0.28–0.33 in) long. Both the lower and upper glumes are elliptic, keelless, membranous, and have acute apexes. Their size is different; Lower glume is 3.5–4.5 millimetres (0.14–0.18 in) long while the upper one is 4.8–6.3 millimetres (0.19–0.25 in) long. Palea is 2-veined. Flowers are fleshy, oblong, truncate, have 2 lodicules, and grow together. They have 3 anthers which have fruits that are caryopsis and have an additional pericarp with linear hilum.[3]

Ecology

It is found on forest fringes slopes, and grass on elevation of 2,800–4,000 metres (9,200–13,100 ft). It blooms from July to August.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 J. D. Hooker (1896). "Melica scaberrima". Flora of China. Fl. Brit. India. 4: 330.
  2. "Melica scaberrima". Flora of Pakistan. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 W.D. Clayton, M. Vorontsova, K.T. Harman & H. Williamson (November 16, 2012). "Melica scaberrima". The Board of Trustees, Royal Botanic Gardens. Kew: GrassBase. Retrieved June 19, 2013.

Further reading

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