Echinochloa muricata (P. Beauv.) Fernald
var. microstachya Wiegand
Family: Poaceae, Tribe: Paniceae
Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)
none
Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)
rough barnyardgrass
Primary Disseminule Type
spikelet
Description (diagnostics are in brown)
Spikelets occurring in pairs, with disarticulation at base of each spikelet. Spikelet pedicelled, ovate to elliptic, dorsally compressed, plano-convex (D-shaped in profile), 2.5–3.8 mm long x 1.5–2 mm wide, consisting of 1 fertile floret and 1 basal sterile floret without rachilla extension.
Glumes dissimilar, ovate, membranous, without keels, usually with some purple coloring, apices cuspidate. Lower glume 0.9–1.6 mm long (0.33–0.75 length of spikelet), enwrapping base of spikelet, surface scabrous. Upper glume same length as spikelet, 5-veined, surface hispid, with bristly hairs on veins.
Sterile lemma similar to upper glume (membranous with long bristly hairs on veins), ovate, same length as spikelet, 5-veined, surface hispidulous, apex cuspidate, awnless or awned from tip of lemma, to 10 mm long. Sterile palea subequal to sterile lemma, hyaline, purplish.
Fertile lemma elliptic to ovate, dorsally compressed, convex in profile, 3–3.8 mm long, indurate, glabrous, shiny, without keel, 5-veined, margins involute, apex acute or acuminate, laterally pinched, slightly withered, glabrous or pubescent, hairs not forming a line at base.
Fertile palea subequal to fertile lemma, indurate, reflexed at apex.
Caryopsis round to oblong, dorsally compressed, 1.2–2.5 mm long x 1.2–2.5 mm wide, yellowish, embryo 0.8–0.9 length of caryopsis, hilum ± round, dark.
Similar Species
Similar Species Comparison Chart
Risk Assessment (codes in yellow or red indicate cause for concern; assessments are current as of mid-2011; click AUQP, NZBORIC, or NZBPI for access to the most recent versions of these databases and possible assessment changes)
AUQP, NZWP, NZBORIC, NZBPI