Sporobolus pamelae B.K.Simon. Austrobaileya 4: 61 (1993).
Classification. (GPWG 2001) : Subfamily Chloridoideae. Cynodonteae.
Common Name: Spring Dropseed
Type of Basionym or Protologue Information: HT: E.J. Thompson & B.K. Simon GAL-001, 1 Apr 1992, Australia: Queensland: South Kennedy Distr.: Cattle Creek moundspring, 3 km S of Doongmabulla Station, 22º05'39"S, 146º14'23"E (BRI; IT: AD, B, BRI, CANB, K, L, MEL, MO-4616122, NSW, PRE).
Key references (books and floras): [2002] D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass, Grasses of Australia.
Illustrations: [2005] K.Mallet (ed.), Flora of Australia 44B: Poaceae 3 (Fig. 60).
Habit. Perennial. Culms erect, 80–120 cm tall, 2–4 -noded. Mid-culm internodes glabrous. Mid-culm nodes glabrous. Lateral branches simple. Ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.5 mm long. Leaf-blades filiform, involute, 14–35 cm long, 1–1.5 mm wide.
Inflorescence. Inflorescence compound, a panicle. Panicle oblong, 3–40 cm long, 3–12 cm wide.
Spikelets. Spikelets pedicelled. Fertile spikelets 1-flowered, comprising 1 fertile floret(s), without rachilla extension, lanceolate, terete, 2.5–3 mm long.
Glumes. Lower glume oblong or ovate, membranous, without keels, 0 -nerved. Upper glume oblong, 1.5–3 mm long, membranous, without keels, 1 -nerved.
Florets. Fertile lemma 2.5–3 mm long, without keel, 3 -nerved. Palea 2 -nerved. Palea apex entire. Lodicules present. Anthers 3. Grain 1.3–1.8 mm long.
Continental Distribution: Australasia.
Australian Distribution: Queensland.
Queensland: Mitchell, South Kennedy, Warrego.
Notes. A distinctive grass with very open panicles and inflorescence branches not whorled.
Endemic; Known from moundsprings of the Qld artesian basin; flowers Nov.-Apr.
