Rytidosperma gracile (Hook.f.) Connor
& Edgar. New Zealand J. Bot. 17: 330 (1979).
Classification. (GPWG 2001) : Subfamily Danthonioideae. Tribe
Danthonieae.
Basionym and/or
Replacement Name: Danthonia
gracilis Hook. f., Fl. Nov.-Zel. 1: 303, t. 69B (1853).
Type of Basionym or
Protologue Information: LT: D. Munro 120, Feb 1851, New Zealand:
Rotoiti Lake, Aglionby Plains (K). LT designated by Zotov, New Zealand J.
Bot. 1: 123 (1963).
Recent synonyms:
Danthonia gracilis, Notodanthonia gracilis (Hook. f.) Zotov.
Key references
(books and floras): [2002] D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass, Grasses of
Australia.
Habit.
Perennial. Stolons absent or present. Culms 25–60 cm tall. Leaf-sheaths
glabrous on surface or hairy. Ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.2–1 mm long.
Leaf-blades flat or involute, 10–25 cm long, 2–4 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface
glabrous.
Inflorescence.
Inflorescence solid, a panicle. Panicle 5–10 cm long.
Spikelets.
Spikelets pedicelled. Fertile spikelets many flowered, with at least 2 fertile
florets (3–4(-6)), comprising 3–4(–6) fertile floret(s), with diminished
florets at the apex, cuneate, laterally compressed, 8.5–14 mm long.
Glumes. Glumes
similar, thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume lanceolate, membranous,
without keels, 5–7 -nerved. Upper glume lanceolate, 7–12 mm long, membranous,
without keels, 3–5 -nerved.
Florets.
Fertile lemma 1.6–7.5 mm long, without keel, 9 -nerved. Lemma surface
indumented. Lemma apex lobed, awned, 3 -awned. Median (principal) awn from a
sinus, 4.5–9 mm long overall, with a straight or slightly twisted column.
Column 0.5–1.2 mm long. Lateral lemma awns present. Lodicules present. Anthers
3. Grain 0.9–1.8 mm long.
Continental
Distribution: Australasia.
Australian
Distribution: New South Wales, Tasmania.
New South Wales:
South Coast. Tasmania: West Coast, Central Highlands, South West.
Notes. R.
gracile is very close to R. semiannulare, but is readily separated
by the extravaginal innovation buds, and by the long hairs on the leaf-sheaths.
It also appears to occupy wetter habitats, and the two taxa are never found
together.
Ranging
from Tasmania to southern New South Wales, local along damp, mossy margins of
rainforest; common and widespread in New Zealand. Flowers Jan.
