Hordeum marinum Huds.
Family: Poaceae, Tribe: Triticeae
Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)
only ssp. gussoneanum (Parl.) Thell. occurs in California
Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)
Mediterranean barley
Primary Disseminule Type
a triplet of spikelets (1 fertile, 2 sterile) subtended by a rachis segment
Description (diagnostics are in brown)
Disseminule is a deciduous cluster of 3 spikelets (1 fertile in center, 2 sterile laterals) subtended by a persistent pubescent rachis internode.
Fertile spikelet consists of a single sessile fertile floret without rachilla extension and is lanceolate, dorsally compressed, longer than sterile spikelets.
Sterile spikelet consists of a single sterile floret (empty lemma) and is pedicellate, lanceolate, dorsally compressed.
Glumes similar, collateral, straight to gaping, subulate (like bristles), 8–26 mm long, eciliate on margins.
Fertile lemma ovate, 6–8 mm long, coriaceous, smooth or scabrous, sometimes pubescent, without keel, 5-veined, apex acuminate, awn 6–24 mm long, scabrous.
Fertile palea similar to fertile lemma.
Sterile lemma 3–6 mm long, awn 3–8 mm long.
Caryopsis ellipsoid, 3–4 mm long x ca. 0.7 mm wide, brown, hairy (mostly apex), embryo 0.2 length of caryopsis, hilum linear, same length as caryopsis, in longitudinal groove.
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, NZBORIC, NZBPI