d the tip somewhat
thickened.

There are three _glumes_ in the spikelet. The _first glume_ is
membranous, covered densely with silky hairs, ovate-lanceolate,
acuminate, tip very minutely 3-toothed with three to five fine nerves.
The _second glume_ is similar to the first glume but with a more pointed
tip, faintly 3- to 5-nerved; _palea_ is not present and if present it is
very small, hyaline and empty. The _third glume_ is shorter than the
first and the second glumes, thinly coriaceous, punctate, oblong,
obtuse, pale, faintly 3- to 5-nerved with a short scaberulous awn,
paleate; _palea_ is oblong, similar to the glume in texture, margin
infolded. _Anthers_ are three, linear, pale yellow. _Stigmas_ are
feathery, white when young and purple later. _Lodicules_ are two and
distinct.

This is a common succulent grass growing in large or small tufts in
moist situations such as sides of water channels, rivulets and bunds of
paddy fields. It is very much liked by cattle. This grass is easily
recognized by the silky lanceolate spikelets which have a purple
thickening at the base.

_Distribution._--Plains of India and Ceylon and in all hot countries.

4. Panicum, _L._

The grasses of this genus are annual or perennial and of various habits.
Inflorescence is either a raceme of spikes or, a lax or contracted
panicle. Spikelets are small, solitary or two to four, rarely more
ranked, 1- to 2-flowered, ovoid or oblong, rounded, or dorsally or
laterally compressed, falling entire with the pedicels. There are four
glumes in a spikelet. The first two glumes are empty and the first glume
is small (sometimes minute) and fewest nerved. The second glume is equal
or very nearly equal to the third glume, oblong-ovate or lanceolate, 5-
to many-nerved. The third glume is similar to the second, male or
neuter, paleate or not, 3- to 9-nerved. The fourth glume is chartaceous,
sometimes shortly stalked, ovate-oblong or lanceolate, hardened in the
fruit, smooth or rough, bisexual, paleate; the palea is as long and of
the same texture as the glume. Lodicules are cuneate or quadrate and two
in number. There are three stamens and an ovary with two style branches
ending in feathery stigmas. Grain is free and enclosed by the hardened
fourth glume and its palea.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

A. Inflorescence racemose of simple (rarely
branched) spikes bearing secund spikelets.

I. Rachis of spikes broad and flattened.

(a) Spikelets