Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov.
Family: Poaceae, Tribe: Paniceae
Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)
Pennisetum ruppellii Steud., Cenchrus asperifolius Desf.
Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)
crimson fountaingrass
Primary Disseminule Type
spikelet(s) subtended by involucre of bristles
Description (diagnostics are in brown)
Disseminule is a fascicle consisting of a deciduous cluster of 1–3 spikelets subtended by a persistent involucre of bristles in two whorls plus one conspicuously longer bristle, the subtending branch is hairy. Bristles numerous, terete, straight, flexible, purplish, unequal (the longer ones 16–40 mm long), lower portion plumose.
Spikelet lanceolate, dorsally compressed, 4.5–7 mm long, 1 mm wide, consisting of a basal sterile floret, a fertile floret (caryopsis and lemma without significant palea) and sterile or absent rachilla.
Glumes dissimilar, shorter than spikelet, thinner than fertile lemma, without keels or awns, lateral veins absent, surface glabrous. Lower glume ovate to round, ca. 1 mm long, hyaline, 0-veined, apex obtuse. Upper glume lanceolate or ovate, 1.2–3.6 mm long, membranous, 1-veined, surface asperulous, apex acute or acuminate, mucronate.
Sterile lemma lanceolate or ovate, same length as spikelet, membranous, 1–3(5)-veined, scabrulous, rough on veins, acuminate, mucronate. Sterile palea (when present) hyaline.
Fertile lemma oblong, 4–7 mm long, membranous, without keel, 5-veined, veins scaberulous near tip, margins flat and glabrous, apex acute, mucronate.
Fertile palea (when present) 4.5–5 mm long, hyaline.
Caryopsis ca. 3 mm long x 1.2 mm wide, yellowish, smooth.
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