Panicum and Megathyrsus (ms.) May 2010

PANICUM

B.K.Simon, C.M.Weiller & R.D.Webster

Panicum L., Sp. Pl. 55 (1753) & Gen. Pl. 5th edn, 29 (1754); from Panicum, old Latin name for common millet (Setaria italica).

Type: P. miliaceaum L.

Annual or perennial, sometimes rhizomatous, sometimes stoloniferous. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent; nodes hairy or glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane to a fringe of hairs. Collar hairy, or glabrous. Leaf blades flat to convolute, hairy or glabrous. Plants bisexual, with hermaphrodite florets. Inflorescence a panicle, exserted at maturity or not fully exserted. Primary branches appressed to the main axis or divaricately spreading or reflexed, all whorled or not all whorled. Spikelets with disarticulation above the glumes or at the base of the spikelet (usually) or at the base of the primary branches, dorsally compressed (with few exceptions), lanceolate to obovate. Glumes 2, nearly always very unequal, rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them or without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume not fused with the callus, ovate to lanceolate, 1–5 nerved, hairy or glabrous, puberulent to velutinous, without setae organized in a transverse row, rounded to acuminate; upper glume lanceolate to obovate, 3–11 nerved, margins neither noticeably flared nor hyaline, hairy or glabrous, puberulent to velutinous, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret male, or sterile; lemma membranous to chartaceous, lacking a hyaline area at the base, 3–11 nerved, with nerves without slit-like interspacing, indumentum shorter than the spikelet, puberulent to velutinous, with apex acuminate to rounded; palea present or vestigial or absent, acuminate to with a rounded apex. Upper floret bisexual, subequal to the lower floret or shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth or uniformly striate or muricate or coarsely transversely rugose or finely transversely rugose, the apex not differentiated into a membranous green point, lacking an apical crest; palea indurate, smooth or muricate or transversely rugose. Hilum nearly always short. Rachilla not prolonged beyond the upper floret. x = 7, 9, and 10. 2n = 18 (seemingly rarely), 36, 37, 54, 72.

A variable and widespread genus of about 500 to 600 species; 34 species in Australia, 22 native and 12 introduced. The genus lies at the heart of a sprawling complex of interrelated neighbours. Some of these are minor satellites, dependent upon a subjective judgement as to whether they warrant recognition at generic level; this judgement has, perhaps, been exercised more critically in the Old World than the New. Others are certainly of generic status but their circumscription is complicated by the presence of intermediate species linking them to Panicum (Clayton and Renvoize, 1986). It is obvious that Panicum is a polyphyletic genus, and should be divided into several taxa (Zuloaga, Morrone and Giussani, 2000). A cosmopolitan genus with approximately 450 species, presently consisting of a clade of five sections (Panicum sensu stricto) and other species grouped within monophyletic clades that may require new names but for the present are treated as Panicum sensu lato (Aliscioni et al, 2003).

D.K.Hughes, The genus Panicum of the Flora Australiensis. Bull. Misc. Inf. Kew 1923:305–332 (1923); C.-C. Hsu, The classification of Panicum (Gramineae) and its allies, with special refernce to the characters of lodicule, style-base and lemma. .J. Fac. Sci. U. Tokyo 9:43–143 (1965); J.F.Veldkamp, Revision of Panicum and Whiteochloa in Malesia (Gramineae - Paniceae). Blumea 41:181–216 (1996); S.S.Aliscioni, L.M.Giussani, F.O.Zuloaga, E.A.Kellogg, A molecular phylogeny of Panicum (Poaceae: Paniceae): Tests of monophylly and phylogenetic placement within the Painicoideae. Amer. J. Bot. 90: 796-821 (2003).

1: Lower glume 1/8‑1/3 spikelet length
2 Lower floret male
3 Annual	*13. P. schinzii**
3: Perennials
4 Rhizomatous elongated; lower glume truncate to rounded	*11. P. repens**
4: Rhizomes swollen or knotty; lower glume acute	*12. P. coloratum**
2: Lower floret sterile
5 Aquatic or swamp grasses
6 Rhizomes thick and spongy; spikelets acuminate	9. P. paludosum
6: Rhizomes slender; spikelets acute	10. P. obseptum
5: Non‑aquatic grasses
7 Prostrate grasses
8 Spikelets less than 2 mm long	7. P. pygmaeum
8: Spikelets 2‑3 mm long	8. P. lachnophyllum
7: Caespitose grasses
9 Upper floret ± 1/2 spikelet length	6. P. buncei
9: Upper floret ± equal spikelet length
10 Inflorescence branches ± flexuous, lower ones solitary
11 Perennial	5. P. larcomianum
11: Annual or biennial
12 Upper glume 9-11-nerved; glumes with distinct rachilla between them	*4. P. gilvum**
12: Upper glume 7-nerved; glumes without distinct rachilla between them	1. P. laevinode
10: Inflorescence branches rigid, spreading and flattened, lower ones whorled
13 Spikelets 2.5‑3.5 mm long	2. P. decompositum
13: Spikelets 3.5‑4.1 mm long	3. P. latzii
1 Lower glume more than 1/3 spikelet length
14 Lower floret male
15 Spikelets 5.5-7 mm long, densely pilose	34. P. racemosum
15: Spikelets to 3.5 mm long, glabrous
16 Fertile floret finely transversely rugose	*33. P. bulbosum** Zuloagaea bulbosa
16: Fertile floret smooth and shiny	*30. P. antidotale**
14: Lower floret sterile
17 Spikelet 5‑6.5 mm long, apex obtuse	*29. P. miliaceum**
17: Spikelet less than 5 mm long or if 5 mm long apex mucronate
18 Lower glume obtuse to sub‑acute
19 Lower glume less than half spikelet length	28. P. luzonense
19: Lower glume at least half spikelet length
20 Spikelets 0.8-1.4 mm long	31. P. trichoides
20: Spikelets more than 2 mm long	32. P. incomtum
18: Lower glume acute to acuminate
21 Lower glume at least 3/4 spikelet length
22 Lower glume ± equal to or longer than spikelet length
23 Spikelet 2.5‑3 mm long	25. P. mindanaense
23: Spikelet at least 4 mm long	26. P. trachyrhachis
22: Lower glume shorter than spikelet
24 Annual; inflorescence branches flexuous	23. P. seminudum
24: Perennial; inflorescence branches divaricately spreading	24. P. queenslandicum
21: Lower glume 1/2 - 2/3 spikelet length
25 Palea absent in lower floret
26 Decumbent and glabrous; rooting at nodes	17. P. bisulcatum
26: Tufted; leaves with tubercle‑based hairs; not rooting at nodes	*16. P. capillare**
25: Palea present in lower floret
27 Fertile lemma with a lunate scar at base	18. P. hillmanii
27: Fertile lemma without a lunate scar at base
28 Upper glume and lower lemma 9‑nerved
29 Tufted perennial; leaves with silky hairs, producing a velvety surface	19. P. bombycinum
29: Decumbent annual; leaves with tubercle-based hairs	*22. P. novemnerve**
28: Upper glume and lower lemma 5‑7-nerved
30 Culm internodes and base distinctly hairy	14. P. effusum
30: Culm internodes and base glabrous or slightly hairy
31 Inflorescence a fairly narrow panicle; spikelets acute	15. P. simile
31: Inflorescence a large open panicle; spikelets acuminate
32 Annual; inhabits limestone outcrops	21. P. chillagoanum
32: Perennial; habitats other than limestone	20. P. mitchellii

?Panicum sp. Hairy Glumes (C.R.Mitchell 4192) (DNA)

1. Panicum laevinode Lindl. in T.L.Mitchell, Three Exped. Australia 1: 235 (1838)

T: lecto:CGE (photo BRI) , fide Jacobs, S.W.L., Kew Bulletin 40: 662 (1985).

P. whitei J.M.Black, Trans. & Proc. Roy. Soc. South Australia 41: 632 (1917). T: Strzelecki Ck SW of Innamincka, S.A White 3; holo: AD, n.v.; iso: K.(photo BRI).

Illustrations: J.M.Black, op. cit. t. 39; J.P.Jessop in J.P.Jessop & H.R.Toelken (eds), Fl. S. Australia 4th edn, 4: 1969, fig. 898C (1986) as P. whitei; T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 198, fig. 31I (1989).

Annual or biennual. Flowering culms caespitose, 30–120 cm tall, 3–7 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane, 1.5–2.5 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy (rarely) or glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 6–15 cm long, 3–8 mm wide, hairy (rarely) or glabrous. Inflorescence 12–30 cm long. Primary branches flexuous, not whorled at base, 10–24 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation above the glumes and at the base of the spikelet, 30–100 on a typical lowermost primary branch, elliptic, 2.3–3.1 mm long, 0.8–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 0.5–1.2 mm long (less than 0.5 x spikelet length), 1/2 to 2/3 spikelet length, obovate, 1 nerved (but faint), glabrous, obtuse (but frequently with an acute to rounded central point); upper glume 2.2–3 mm long, elliptic, 7 nerved, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.2–3 mm long, 0.8–1.1 mm wide, membranous, 7-9-nerved, with apex acuminate to acute; palea present, acute. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 1–1.2 mm long. Pepper Grass.

Endemic; an important forage species over a wide area of arid and semiarid central Australia. Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, acacia shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering throughout the year. Map 928.

W.A.: Meda Stn., Derby, R.D.Royce 6852 (PERTH). N.T.: 12 miles [19.3 km] N of Creswell Downs, G.Chippendale 5577 (NT). S.A.: 32 km SW of Hawker Gate, S.Jacobs 3537 (AD, BRI, NSW). Qld: Prairie, C.E.Hubbard 7089 (BRI); Longreach, S.T.Blake 6630 (BRI). N.S.W.: 10 km N of Jerilderie, A.J.Brown 382 (BRI, MEL).

Morphologically similar to P. decompositum and these taxa are frequently confused. Characters which distinguish it from P. decompositum are the flexuous inflorescence branches with spikelets clustered at the ends, and the annual or biennial growth habit.

May cause photosensitisation in sheep.

2. Panicum decompositum R. Br., Prodr. 191 (1810)

Panicum proliferum Lam. var. decompositum (R.Br.) Thell., Vierteljahrsschr. Naturf. Ges. Zürich 52: 435 (1908). T: Keppel Bay, N.S.W., R.Brown Iter Australiense 6104; syn: BM (photo BRI); Carpentaria, R.Brown; syn: BM (photo BRI).

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, 3 cm tall, 2–6 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane, 1–2.4 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy or glabrous (mostly glabrous but occasionally hirsute). Leaf blades flat, 7–25 cm long, 2.5–12 mm wide, hairy or glabrous (only rarely with scattered setaceous hairs). Inflorescence 17–35 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading (rigid), usually whorled at base, 10–22 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 40–100 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate (but approaching elliptic), 2.5–3.5 mm long, 0.8–1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them (ca. 0.2–0.3 mm long); lower glume 0.5–1 mm long, 1/2 to 2/3 spikelet length, obovate, 0 nerved or 1 nerved, glabrous, obtuse; upper glume 2.1–2.9 mm long, lanceolate, 7–9 nerved, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.1–2.9 mm long, 0.8–1 mm wide, membranous, 7 nerved, with apex acuminate to acute; palea present, acute. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Native Millet. Fig xx (Fl. Victoria 2: 589, fig. 119f (1994).

Endemic: occurs naturally over a wide area of arid, semiarid and mesic Australia in all mainland States. Dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, shrub steppe shrublands, acacia shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering throughout the year.

The primary branches of P. decompositum are rigid and distinctly flattened and swollen at the base. A perennial decreaser species with herbaceous culms and abundant foliage, producing good fodder, but susceptible to heavy grazing. Its grain provides food for Aborigines. Morphologically variable with intergrading forms. It grades into P.latzii from northern Australia with larger spikelets, rigid and filiform leaf blades, and hairy axils

Two varieties are recognised in Australia

Spikelets 2.5–2.8 mm long a. var. tenuius

Spikelets 3–3.5 mm long b. var. decompositum

2a. Panicum decompositum var. decompositum

Panicum decompositum var. scaberrimum Domin, Journal of the Linnean Society. Botany 41: 270 (1912). T: between Ashburton and De Gray Rivers W.A., E.Clement s.n., holo: K ; iso: BRI.

Panicum decompositum var. utile Domin, Journal of the Linnean Society. Botany 41: 270 (1912). T: between Ashburton and Yule Rivers, E. Clement s.n., holo: K (photo BRI).

Illustrations: T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 198, fig. 31H (1989) as P. decompositum; S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 487 (1993) as P. decompositum; N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 589, fig. 119f (1994) as P. decompositum.

Spikelets 3–3.5 mm long.

Map 929.

W.A.: Lennard R. crossing, 26 km on track to Millewinde from Gibb R road, B.K.Simon 3881 (BRI, DNA, PERTH). N.T.: VRD Station, J.Egan 4040 (BRI, CANB, DNA, MEL). S.A.: 13 kms N of Wintinna Ck, between Cooberpedy and Welbourn Hill (AD, BRI). Qld: between Moorobie and Fawsley, C.E.Hubbard 5604 (BRI). N.S.W.: Griffith, A.J.Brown 279 (BRI, MEL). Vic.: Echuca, R.V.Smith 71/7 (AD, BRI, CANB, MEL, NSW).

2b. Panicum decompositum var. tenuius F.M. Bailey as "tenuior", Queensl. Agric. J. 30: 314 (1913)

T: Gindie, Qld, Bick 5; lecto, fide R.D.Webster, Austral. Paniceae 127 (1987): K (photo BRI); isolecto: BRI.

Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Spikelets 2.5–2.8 mm long.

Map 930.

W.A.: Cave Springs Rd, 28 km from Kununurra, A.A.Mitchell 5745 (BRI, DNA, PERTH). N.T.: Fitzmaurice R, G.Leach 4119 (BRI, DNA). Qld: Station Creek, 1 km E of Inkerman homestead, V.J.Nelder 2879 & J.R.Clarkson (B, BRI, MBA, NSW). N.S.W.: Gurley Creek, on Moree-Narribri road, A.R.Bean 9496 (BRI).

3. Panicum latzii R.D. Webster, Austral. Paniceae 132 (1987)

T: Victoria River Crossing, N.T., 18 Jun 1967, D.E.Symon 5214; holo: CANB; iso: AD, AHUC, DNA, K.

Panicum decompositum var. acuminatissimum Domin, J. Linn. Soc. Bot. 41: 269 (1912). T: between the Ashburton and De Gray Rivers, W.A., Clement; lecto: K; isolecto: BRI, fide R.D.Webster, Austral. Paniceae 132 (1987).

Panicum decompositum f. laevifolium Domin, J. Linn. Soc. Bot. 41: 270 (1912); holo K; iso: BRI.

Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Perennial (with a hard knotty crown at ground level). Flowering culms caespitose, 40–80 cm tall, 3–8 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane, 1.2–3 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 14–40 cm long, 2.5–8 mm wide, glabrous (rarely hairy). Inflorescence 20–40 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, usually whorled at base, 15–30 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 24–80 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 3.5–4.1 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 0.8–1.2 mm long, 1/2 to 2/3 spikelet length, obovate, 1 nerved, glabrous, obtuse; upper glume 3.1–3.9 mm long, lanceolate, 9 nerved, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 3.1–3.9 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide, membranous, 9 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea present, acuminate to acute. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 1.3–1.5 mm long.

Endemic; occurs across tropical Australia. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, arid and semi-arid low woodlands, arid hummock grasslands, and tropical sub-humid grasslands. Flowering mostly Feb. to July. Map 931.

W.A.: Buttons Gap, Kununurra, T.O.Wolfe & W.Martin 49 (CANB); East Kimberley, F.Connor (PERTH). N.T.: Victoria River Stn., P.K.Latz 5193 (NT); Moroak Stn, Roper R., P.K.Latz 11161 (BRI, DNA, NT). Qld: 5 km NW of Corinda, S. Jacobs 1487 (CANB).

Similar to P. decompositum but differs in having larger spikelets more than 3.5 mm long

4. *Panicum gilvum Launert, Mitt. Bot. Staatssamml. München 8: 153 (1970)

T: Pad Okahandja-Otjisazu, 12 km, Okahandja District, Namibia [South West Africa], 20 Mar 1912, Dinter 2544; holo: Z; iso: M.

Panicum laevifolium var. contractum Pilger, Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 15: 448 (1940). T: Okahandja-Otjisazu, Namibia [South West Africa], Feb 1912, Dinter 2544a; holo: B destroyed; iso: Z.

Illustrations: T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 198, fig. 31C (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 489 (1993);.

Annual. Flowering culms caespitose, 15–60 cm tall, 3–6 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane to a fringe of hairs, 1.2–2.5 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths glabrous. Leaf blades flat to conduplicate, 7–25 cm long, 3–8 mm wide. Inflorescence not fully exserted, 7–18 cm long. Primary branches flexuous, not whorled, not whorled at base, 4–12 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 30–60 on a typical lowermost primary branch, elliptic, 2.3–3 mm long, 0.8–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 0.5–0.8 mm long, 1/2 to 2/3 spikelet length, obovate, 0–1 nerved, glabrous, obtuse (usually with a central acute to rounded point); upper glume 2.2–3 mm long, elliptic, 9–11 nerved, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.3–3 mm long, 0.8–1.1 mm wide, membranous, 9 nerved or 11 nerved, with apex acute; palea present, acute. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 1–1.4 mm long. Fig xx (N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 589, fig. 119e (1994).

Introduced from arid regions of southern Africa to SE Australia. Dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, temperate sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Flowering mostly Jan. to June. Map 932.

N.T.: Ja Ja, Kakadu, Jan 1980, N.Sanderson s.n. (DNA); Qld: Brisbane, Ferny Grove, S.T.Blake 22371 (BRI); N.S.W.: Oberon, J.W.Vickery NSW26684(BRI, NSW); A.C.T.: Canberra, R.Pullen 4402 (BRI); Vic.: Portland, A.C.Beauglehole 93478 (BRI, MEL); Tas: Hobart, approach to Bailey Bridge, Prince of Wales Bay, Jun1976 D.I.Morris s.n. (HO).

A relatively recent introduction. A weed of cultivation, suspected of causing photosensitisation in sheep. It is similar to P. laevonode, differeng by the 9–11 nerved upper glume and by the glumes having a distinct rachilla between them.

5. Panicum larcomianum Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1923: 326 (1923)

T: Mt. Larcom, Qld, E.W.Bick s.n.; holo: K; iso: BRI.

Illustrations: T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 198, fig. 31E (1989); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, 40–100 cm tall, 4–8 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane, 0.7–1.5 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths glabrous. Leaf blades flat to conduplicate, 9–35 cm long, 2–4 mm wide. Inflorescence 12–26 cm long. Primary branches flexuous, not whorled at base, 5–12 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation above the glumes and at the base of the spikelet, 20–60 on a typical lowermost primary branch, elliptic, 2–2.7 mm long, 0.8–1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them (only about 0.1 mm long); lower glume 0.5–0.8 mm long, 1/2 to 2/3 spikelet length, obovate, 1 nerved, glabrous, obtuse to acute; upper glume 1.9–2.6 mm long, elliptic, 7–9 nerved, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 1.9–2.6 mm long, 0.8–1 mm wide, membranous, 7-9-nerved, with nerves without slit-like interspacing, with apex acuminate to acute; palea present, acuminate to acute. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth, lacking an apical crest; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 0.8–1.1 mm long.

Endemic; fairly widespread throughout the eastern part of Qld. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Flowering Sep. to May. Map 933.

Qld: Broadsound Shire, E.R.Anderson 754 (BRI); Laglan St., L.S.Smith 10337 (BRI); Belmont N of Rockhampton, S.T.Blake 19970 (BRI); Rockhampton, C.E.Hubbard 8066 (BRI, CANB, K); near Ayr, S.T.Blake 18649 (BRI, CANB).

Panicum larcomianum is similar to P. laevinode. The species have in common the slender primary branches and numerous spikelet features. Generally, P. larcomianum has smaller spikelets, filiform leaf blades and a distinctly perennial habit.

6. Panicum buncei F.Muell. ex Benth., Fl. Austral. 7: 487 (1878)

T: Bokhara Flats, Qld, L.Leichhardt s.n.; holo: K (photo BRI); iso: BRI, MEL,n.v..

Panicum tulcumbense F.Turner, Proc. Linn. Soc. New South Wales 23: 56 (1898). T: Tulcumbah, Liverpool Plains, N.S.W., F.Turner s.n; holo: NSW, n.v.

Illustrations: T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 198, fig. 31F (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 486 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Perennial, rhizomatous (with short internodes). Flowering culms caespitose, 30–70 cm tall, 3–6 noded; nodes hairy (occasionally). Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane, 0.6–1.2 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy (with scattered strigose hairs) or glabrous. Leaf blades flat to involute, 5–15 cm long, 2–5 mm wide. Inflorescence 9–18 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis or divaricately spreading, not whorled at base, 5–13 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 30–80 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate to ovate, 3.1–3.6 mm long, 1.1–1.3 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them (the stipe minute, ca. 0.15 mm long); lower glume 0.8–1.5 mm long, 1/2 to 2/3 spikelet length, ovate (to oblate), 3–5 nerved (with obscure lateral nerves), glabrous, cleft to acute; upper glume 2.8–3.3 mm long, lanceolate to ovate, 7–9 nerved, glabrous, mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.9–3.5 mm long, 1.1–1.3 mm wide, membranous, 7 nerved, with apex acuminate to acute; palea present, acute. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret (half as long); lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 0.8–1 mm long. Native Panic.

Endemic; subtropical to tropical eastern Australia; also rare in S.A. Brigalow forests, temperate sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Flowering Mar. to July. Map 934.

S.A.Grand Junction Road, Gepps Cross, R. Bates 17374 (AD). Qld: Milmerran, C.E.Hubbard 5852 (BRI, K); Goondiwindi, S.T.Blake 10510 (BRI, CANB); Chinchilla area, M.G.Lithgow 27 (BRI). N.S.W.: 4 ml [6.4 km] E of Caroona towards Quirindi, Apr.1969, D.J.McQuinn s.n.(BRI, CANB, NSW).

Diagnostic features of this distinctive species include the very short upper floret (c. 1/2 spikelet length) and the inflated base on the lower glume. A native perennial fodder species.

7. Panicum pygmaeum R.Br. Prodr. 191 (1810)

T: Port Jackson, R.Brown Iter Australiense 6108; holo: BM (photo BRI); iso: BRI, E, K (photo BRI), US.

Illustrations: K.Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 311, fig.69 (1915); T.D.Stanley in T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 195, fig. 30E (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 484 (1993).

Perennial, stoloniferous. Flowering culms decumbent, 8–29 cm tall, 2–5 noded; nodes hairy or glabrous. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.2–0.4 mm long. Collar hairy, or glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy (with reflexed bulbose based setae). Leaf blades flat, 1–4.5 cm long, 3–5 mm wide, hairy. Inflorescence exserted at maturity or not fully exserted, 2–8 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, 1.5–6 cm long. Spikelets 6–30 on a typical lowermost primary branch, elliptic, 1.7–1.9 mm long, 0.8–0.9 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 0.3–0.9 mm long, 1/2 to 2/3 spikelet length, triangular, 0 nerved (nerveless), glabrous, obtuse to cleft; upper glume 1.7–1.9 mm long, elliptic, 5 nerved (rarely 6 or 7), glabrous, mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 1.7–2 mm long, 0.8–0.9 mm wide, membranous, 5 nerved, with apex acute; palea absent. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 0.5–0.65 mm long. Dwarf Panic.

Endemic; coastal SE Qld and NSW and a couple of collections from N Qld. Tropical heaths, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and temperate sub-humid woodlands. Flowering Jan. to May. Map 935.

Qld: Neurum Ck, Mt. Mee State Forest, B.K.Simon 2943 (BRI); Tamborine Mt., C.E.Hubbard 2419 (BRI, CANB, K); Yarraman Plantation, Jun 1961, J.H.Willis s.n. (BRI, MEL). N.S.W.: Toonumbar State Forest, R.J. Henderson & J.Parham H1269 (BRI); Rory's Rd, Ewingar SF, S of Tabulam, A.R.Bean 17328 (BRI, NSW).

A prostrate native species similar to P. lachnophyllum, but differing from this species by having smaller spikelets.

8. Panicum lachnophyllum Benth., Fl. Austral. 7: 486 (1878)

T: Moreton Bay, Qld, C. Stuart s.n.; holo: K (photo BRI); iso: BRI.

Panicum lachnophyllum Benth. var. tropicum Domin., Biblioth. Bot. 85: 314 (1915). T: between Allumbah (Yungaburra) and L. Eacham, Qld, Feb. 1910, K.Domin [1182, 1183, 1184]; holo: PR (photos BRI).

Illustrations: K.Domin. op. cit. fig.72, as Panicum lachnophyllum var. tropicum; T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 195, fig. 30F (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 484 (1993).

Perennial, stoloniferous (the internodes usually 50–80 mm long). Flowering culms decumbent, 10–30 cm tall, 7–12 noded; nodes hairy or glabrous. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.1–0.3 mm long. Collar hairy, or glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy. Leaf blades flat, 3–10 cm long, 3–7 mm wide, hairy. Inflorescence 25–40 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis, not whorled at base, 1–4 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 6–40 on a typical lowermost primary branch, ovate to elliptic, 2–3 mm long, 0.9–1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 0.8–1 mm long, 1/2 to 2/3 spikelet length, ovate, 0–3 nerved, glabrous, acute; upper glume 2–2.4 mm long, ovate to elliptic, 5 nerved, glabrous, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2–2.4 mm long, 0.9–1 mm wide, membranous, 5 nerved, with nerves producing slit-like interspaces, with apex acute; palea absent. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth, lacking an apical crest; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 0.7–1 mm long. Don't Panic.

Endemic; found in the shaded forested areas of coastal Qld, mostly in the south-east and a few collections from N.S.W. Tropical heaths, tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, and tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Flowering Feb. to Aug. Map 936.

Qld: Gadgarra, B.Hyland 1831 (BRI); between Ravenshoe and Tully Falls, S.T.Blake 22114 (BRI, CANB, K, L, NSW, MO, US); near Kenilworth, S.T.Blake 13950 (BRI); Levers Plateau, R.J.Henderson H 1295 (BRI, NSW, K). N.S.W.: Tooloom Ra., J.Vickery (BRI, NSW).

A prostrate native species similar to P. simile, but differing from this species by having larger spikelets. Some specimens of P. lachnophyllum glabrous or nearly glabrous leaves whereas others are distinctly hairy.

9. Panicum paludosum Roxb. Fl. Ind. 1: 310 (1820)

Panicum proliferum var. paludosum (Roxb.) Stapf in Thiselton-Dyer, Fl. Cap. 7: 407 (1899). T: Circar Mtns, Herb Roxburgh 806, India holo: BM (photo BRI); iso: BRI, K (photo BRI)).

Illustrations: T.D.Stanley in T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 198, fig. 31G (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 485 (1993); Monika Osterkamp Madsen.

Perennial, rhizomatous (thick and spongy), stoloniferous. Flowering culms decumbent, 40–100 cm tall, 3–8 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane and a fringe of hairs, 1–3 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 7–30 cm long, 5–15 mm wide. Inflorescence exserted at maturity or not fully exserted, 15–30 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading (the lower branches spreading early), 6–18 cm long. Spikelets 40–60 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 3.2–4.1 mm long, 0.9–1.2 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 0.6–1.4 mm long, 1/8–1/3 spikelet length, ovate, 1–3 nerved, glabrous, obtuse; upper glume 3.1–4 mm long, lanceolate, 9 nerved, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 3.1–4 mm long, 0.9–1.2 mm wide, membranous, 9 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea present or vestigial, acute. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 1.2–1.5 mm long. Rachilla not prolonged beyond the upper floret. Swamp Panic.

Native; from coastal NE NSW, Qld, NT and the Pacific to tropical and subtropical Asia. Tropical heaths, tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and coastal grasslands. Flowering throughout the year. Map 937.

N.T.: EAsr Alligator R, S.T.Blake 17140 (BRI, CANB, DNA, NSW); Bullkine Billabong, Waigait Reserve, C.R.Dunlop 5905 & L.Craven (BRI, CANB, DNA, K). Qld: Eubenangee Swamp N.P. J.P.Stanton E13 (BRI)); Kalinga Park, C.E.Hubbard 2386 (BRI). N.S.W.: Grafton, J.K.Robson s.n. (NSW).

An aquatic or swamp grass similar to P. obseptum, but differing from this species by the rhizomes being thick and spongy and the spikelets are acuminate. The spongy stoloniferous culms provide succulent fodder for cattle and buffaloes, but the plants may obstruct irrigation flows.

10. Panicum obseptum Trin., Gram. Pan. 149 (1826)

T: Port Jackson, N.S.W., Lindley s.n.; holo: CGE, (photo, ABLO).

Illustrations: T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 195, fig. 30D (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 485 (1993).

Perennial, rhizomatous (slender), stoloniferous or without stolons. Flowering culms decumbent, 10–30 cm tall, 5–10 noded; nodes hairy (with velutinous hairs). Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.5–0.9 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 5–10 cm long, 2.5–5 mm wide. Inflorescence exserted at maturity or not fully exserted, 1.5–6 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to divaricately spreading, 1–3 cm long. Spikelets 4–10 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 2.7–3.2 mm long, 1–1.2 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 0.5–0.8 mm long, 1/8–1/3 spikelet length, ovate to oblong, 0 nerved, glabrous, obtuse; upper glume 2.7–3.2 mm long, lanceolate, 7–9 nerved, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.7–3.2 mm long, 1–1.2 mm wide, membranous, 7-9-nerved, with nerves without slit-like interspacing, with apex acute; palea absent. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea cartilaginous to indurate, smooth. Anthers 1.1–1.3 mm long. Whitewater Panic. Fig xx ( N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 589, fig. 119d (1994).

Endemic; SE Qld and eastern N.S.W.; introduced to Vic. Tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, and tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Flowering Oct. to May. Map 938.

Qld: Wellington Point, C.T.White (BRI); Stanthorpe, C.E.Hubbard 5732 (BRI, K). N.S.W.: 1 mile [1.6 km] by road NNE of Cattai, R.Coveny 774 (BRI, CANB, NSW); Glen Innes, C.E.Hubbard 8255 (BRI, K); Centennial Park, E.Cheel (BRI, NSW). Vic.: 300 m NW of Fernbank (28 km W of Bairnsdale), A. Paget 1940 (MEL).

Diagnostic features include the decumbent perennial habit, the racemose primary branches, the relatively short lower glume and the semi-aquatic growth habit. Differs from P. paludosum by the rhizomes being slender and the spikelets acute.

The species reduces erosion of waterways or provide turf on seasonally flooded ground.

11. *Panicum repens L., Sp. Pl. 2nd edn, 1: 87 (1762)

T: Hispania [Spain], ?Alstroemer; holo: LINN, n.v., fide W.D.Clayton & S.A.Renvoize in R.M.Polhill (ed., Fl. Trop E. Africa, Gramineae 3: 482 (1982).

Illustrations: B.Rosengurtt et al., Gramin. Uruguayas 343, fig. 147 (1970); T.D.Stanley in T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 198, fig. 31B (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 488 (1993).

Perennial, rhizomatous (internodes elongated), stoloniferous or without stolons. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 30–80 cm tall, 7–15 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringe of hairs, 2–3 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy (on the lower leaves) or glabrous. Leaf blades flat to involute, 5–25 cm long, 2–7 mm wide, hairy (rarely glabrous). Inflorescence 7–25 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to divaricately spreading, 4–15 cm long. Spikelets 14–80 on a typical lowermost primary branch, elliptic, 2.2–3 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 0.45–0.8 mm long, 1/8–1/3 spikelet length, obovate (to obtriangular), 0 nerved (nerveless), glabrous, rounded to truncate; upper glume 2.2–3 mm long, elliptic, 7 nerved, glabrous, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret male; lemma 2.1–2.9 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide, membranous, 7–9 nerved, with nerves without slit-like interspacing, with apex acute; palea present, acute. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret (only slightly); lemma smooth to uniformly striate; palea cartilaginous to indurate, smooth to uniformily striate. Anthers 1.2–1.5 mm long. 2n = 18, 36, 40, 45 (see Tropicos). Torpedo Grass.

Introduced from the Mediterranean region and Africa where it occurs on sandy coastal Spasmodic in the mesic regions of Qld and N.S.W. Tropical heaths, tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, and tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Flowering Oct. to Dec. Map 942.

Qld: Kingaroy, G.Grant (BRI); Wynnum, Dec 1959, S.McDonald s.n. (BRI); Albert R., S of Brisbane, C.E.Hubbard 3848 (BRI, K). N.S.W.: Broadmeadow, Mar 1961, K.Green s.n. (NSW).

Diagnostic features include the pronounced scaly rhizomes, and a pronounced lower palea. Differs from P. coloratum by the lower glume being truncate to rounded as opposed to acute.

A pantropical summer-growing vigorous difficult-to-eradicate weed of crops and pastures, which spreads by its strong rhizomes.

12. *Panicum coloratum L., Mant. Pl. 1: 30 (1767)

T: Cairo, Egypt, Forsskal; holo: LINN.

Panicum coloratum L. var. makarikariense Gooss. Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1934: 195 (1934). T: Makarikari pan, on the Nati R., Botswana, Pentz; syn: PRE; Phillips & Goossens; syn: PRE.

Panicum decompositum R.Br. var. biflorum Gauba, Victorian Naturalist 65: 109 (1948). T: on the banks of the Murray R. opposite Moorook, Vic., 26 Nov. 1944, E.Gauba; holo: MEL; iso: BRI.

Illustrations: M.A.N.Muller Grasses S.W. Africa/Namibia 197, fig. 97 (1984); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 488 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Perennial, rhizomatous (internodes swollen or knotty). Flowering culms caespitose (rarely decumbent), 50–120 cm tall, 6–12 noded; nodes hairy or glabrous. Internodes glabrous. Ligule membranous or a fringed membrane, 0.5–2.5 mm long. Collar hairy, or glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy or glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 10–30 cm long, 4–10 mm wide, hairy or glabrous. Inflorescence 7–25 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, 7–15 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 30–250 on a typical lowermost primary branch, ovate to elliptic, 2–3.2 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 0.7–1 mm long, 1/8–1/3 spikelet length, ovate, 1 nerved, glabrous, acute; upper glume 2–3.2 mm long, ovate to elliptic, 7–9 nerved, glabrous, apiculate. Lower floret male; lemma 2–3.2 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide, membranous, 7-9-nerved, with apex acute; palea present, acute. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 1.4–1.8 mm long. Rachilla prolonged beyond the upper floret. 2n = 18 (+3B), 36 (Tropicos). Coolah Grass. Fig xx (N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 589, fig. 119h (1994).

Introduced from tropical Africa but now widely introduced as a forage species in W.A., N.S.W. and Vic. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, and shrub steppe shrublands. Flowering throughout the year. Map 943.

W.A.:. Kimberley Research Stn., M.Lazarides 3051 (CANB). S.A.: R.J.Bates,s.n, 1987, N of Morgan (.Jessop et al) Qld: Moura, Dec 1986, J.Agnew s.n. (BRI). N.S.W.: Tulla, D.L.W.Henderson 118 (CANB, NSW); Darlington Point, A.J.Brown 384 (BRI, CANB, NSW). Vic: 1.5 km NE of Colignan, S.J.Forbes 1417 (BRI, MEL).

The vegetative characteristics are highly variable. Diagnostic features are the presence of the staminate lower floret, glabrous cataphylls, and the first glume less than one third the spikelet length. It may cause photosensitisation in sheep.

13. *Panicum schinzii Hack. ex Schinz, Verh. Bot. Vereins Prov. Brandenburg 30: 142 (1888)

T: Olukonda, Ondonga Stamm (Amboland), southern Africa; ?holo: W n.v..

Panicum laevifolium Hack., Bull. Herb. Boissier 3: 378 (1895). T: Kuduspoort, Pretoria, Rehm. 4697; syn: n.v.; inter Elandsriver et Klippan, Rehm. 5123; syn: n.v.; inter Porter et Trigardsfont, Rehm. 6614, Donkershoek 6552; syn: n.v..

Illustrations: S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 489 (1993).

Annual. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 30–90 cm tall, 3–6 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane to a fringe of hairs, 1–3 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 8–20 cm long, 4–15 mm wide. Inflorescence 12–27 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, not whorled at base, 10–18 cm long. Spikelets 60–120 on a typical lowermost primary branch, elliptic, 2.3–3 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 0.5–1.2 mm long, 1/8–1/3 spikelet length, obovate, 0–1 nerved, glabrous, obtuse to acute; upper glume 2.2–3 mm long, elliptic, 9–11 nerved, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret male; lemma 2.2–2.9 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide, membranous, 7-9-nerved, with apex acute; palea present, acute. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 1–1.4 mm long.

Introduced from southwest Africa and introduced in India and Australia, where it is a spasmodic weed in all southern States. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, temperate sub-humid woodlands, and eucalypt shrublands. Flowering Dec. to May. Map 944.

W.A.: Tambellup, T.H.Hall s.n. (PERTH). S.A.: Tintinara, Herb. J.B.Black (AD). N.S.W.: Glen Innes, C.E.Hubbard 8210 (BRI, K); A.C.T.:CSIRO grounds, Black Mountain, Canberra, M. Gray 7044 (CANB); Vic: Harcourt, A.J.Brown 132 (BRI, MEL).

Diagnostic features that distinguish it from similar Australian species include the male lower floret, the subequal florets, and the obscure nerves on the upper floret.

14. Panicum effusum R. Br., Prodr. 191 (1810)

T: [Port Jackson], N.S.W., R.Brown Iter Australiense 6105; holo: BM; iso: BRI, E, K (photo BRI).

Panicum convallium F.Muell., Trans. & Proc. Victorian Inst. Advancem. Sci. 46 (1855); P. effusum var. convallium (F.Muell.) Benth., Fl. Austral. 7: 488 (1878). T: banks of the Torrens and Gawler R., Murray R. and along the Flinders Ra.; syn: MEL; isosyn: BRI.

Panicum effusum var. hispidissimum Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 322 (1915). T: between Mungana and Chillagoe, Feb. 1910, K.Domin [1219, 1220]: holo:PR (photos BRI); iso: BRI, K.

Panicum effusum var. subleiophyllum Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 322 (1915). T: Tambourine Mountains, Mar. 1910, K.Domin [1218]: syn: PR (photo BRI).

Panicum viale Chase, J. Arnold Arbor. 20: 310 (1939). T: Central Division, Papua New Guinea, L.J. Brass 3631; holo: A, n.v.; iso: BRI.

Illustrations: T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 195, fig. 30I (1989) as P. effusum var. effusum; S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 486 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Perennial, rhizomatous. Flowering culms caespitose, 2–100 cm tall, 3–7 noded; nodes hairy (rarely glabrous). Internodes distinctly hairy. Ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.8–1.1 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy or glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 5–25 cm long, 2–6 mm wide, hairy. Inflorescence 8–40 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, whorled at base, 7–20 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 20–60 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 2.3–3 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 1.2–1.7 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, ovate, 3–5 nerved, glabrous, acuminate; upper glume 2.2–2.8 mm long, lanceolate, 5 nerved, margins neither noticeably flared nor hyaline, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.2–2.8 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide, membranous, lacking a hyaline area at the base, 7 nerved, with nerves without slit-like interspacing; palea present, acute. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma muricate, lacking an apical crest, without a lunate scar at base; palea indurate, muricate. Rachilla not prolonged beyond the upper floret. Hairy Panic. Fig xx (N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 589, fig. 119g (1994).

Native; widespread in all mainland Australian states and extending to New Guinea;. also native to Norfolk Is. Tends to occurr in more xeric conditions than P. simile. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, arid and semi-arid low woodlands, arid tussock grasslands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering throughout the year. Map 945.

W.A.: Bedford Downs, M.Lazarides 5077I (BRI, CANB); N.T.: Ooramina Roadhouse, P.K.Latz 5127 (BRI, DNA); S.A.: Blair Athol, D.N.Kraehenbuehl 872 (AD, BRI); Qld: Miles, C.E.Hubbard 6392 (BRI, K); N.S.W.: Glen Innes, C.E.Hubbard 8278 (BRI, K); A.C.T.: Lady Denman Drive, E.M.Canning 6558 (BRI, L, MEL, MO, NSW, PRE); Vic: Korumburra, A.J.Brown 343 (BRI, CANB, HO).

The species is very close to P. simile, from which it differs by the base, leaf sheaths and culm nodes being distinctly hairy. Other reported differences are the upper lemma being muricate in P. effusum and smooth in P. simile (Webster 1987) and the panicle having greater secondary branching (Wheeler, Jacobs & Whalley 2000) in P. effusum, but these characters were not discerned in the type specimens. A profusely seeding rapidly growing native fodder perennial that is susceptible to close grazing. It can block irrigation channels and can constitute a fire hazard by accumulating against fences. It may cause photosensitisation in sheep under certain circumstances.

15. Panicum simile Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 322 (1915)

Panicum effusum var. simile (Domin) B.K.Simon, Austrobaileya 2: 22 (1984). T: Dividing Ra. E of Pentland, Feb. 1910, K.Domin; syn: PR (photo BRI); near Pentland, Feb. 1910, K.Domin; syn: PR (photo BRI); Cape Grafton near Yarraba, Jan. 1910, K.Domin; syn: PR (photo BRI).

Panicum bicolor R.Br., Prodr. 191 (1810), nom. illeg. non Moench (1794); Panicum fulgidum Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1923: 323 (1923), nom. illeg. non Stapf (1920); P. bicoloratum S.T.Blake, Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensland 59: 158 (1948). T: Port Jackson, N.S.W., R.Brown Iter Australiense 6107; holo: BM (photo BRI); iso: BRI, K (photo BRI).

Illustrations: N.T.Burbidge, Austral. Grasses 3: 93 (1970), as Panicum fulgidum; D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Perennial, rhizomatous. Flowering culms caespitose. Internodes glabrous or hairy (slightly). Ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.8–1 mm long. Leaf sheaths glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 5–25 cm long, 2–6 mm wide, glabrous. Inflorescence 8–20 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, not whorled at base. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 20–60 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 2.3–2.9 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 1.2–1.7 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, ovate, 3–5 nerved, glabrous, acuminate; upper glume 2.2–2.8 mm long, lanceolate, 5 nerved, margins neither noticeably flared nor hyaline, glabrous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.2–2.8 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide, membranous, 7 nerved, with nerves without slit-like interspacing; palea present, acute. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth, without a lunate scar at base; palea indurate, muricate. Rachilla not prolonged beyond the upper floret. Two-coloured Panic. Fig xx (Australian Biological Resources Study drawing by Enid Mayfield).

Endemic; widespread in the mesic regions of eastern Australia, with two records from tropical N.T. Tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, temperate wet sclerophyll forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, acacia shrublands, and eucalypt shrublands. Flowering throughout the year. Map 946.

N.T.: Humpty Doo. Apr. 1958, S.J.J.Davies s.n. (BRI); Qld: Mt. Mulligan, J.R.Clarkson 5854 (BRI, L, MBA, MEL, L, NSW, PERTH); Beerwhah, S.T.Blake 22400 (BRI, CANB, K, L, MO, NSW); N.S.W.: Nethercote Falls, Nullica SF, D.E.Albrecht 2294 (BRI, MEL, NSW); Vic: Tobin's Ck, East Gippsland, A.C.Beauglehole 32778 (BRI, MEL).

This species is very similar to P. effusum (q.v.) The species is very close to P. effusum, from which it differs by the base, leaf sheaths and culm nodes being glabrous to slightly hairy. Other reported differences are the upper lemma being muricate in P. effusum and smooth in P. simile (Webster 1987) and the panicle having greater secondary branching (Wheeler, Jacobs & Whalley 2000) in P. effusum, but these characters were not discerned in the type specimens.

16. *Panicum capillare L., Sp. Pl. 1: 58 (1753)

T: U.S.A.,Virginia, J. Clayton 454; lecto: LINN, fide Hitchcock, Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 12: 118 (1908).

Panicum capillare var. occidentale Rydb., Contr. U.S. Natl Herb. 3: 186 (1895). T: west of Whitman, Nebraska, 19 Sept. 1788, Rydberg; holo: US n.v..

Panicum capillare var. brevifolium Vasey ex Rydb. & Shear, U.S.D.A. Div. Agrostol. Rep. Agrostol. 5: 21 (1897)

T: C.L. Shear 436, 19 Jul 1895, USA: Montana: Gallatin Co.: Manhattan, on a shaded sand bar in the Gallatin River. holo: US (US-80525), n.v.

Illustrations: A.S.Hitchcock, Man. Grasses U.S. 668, fig. 1491 (1935); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 486 (1993).

Annual. Flowering culms caespitose, 20–80 cm tall, 4–7 noded; nodes hairy. Ligule a fringed membrane or a fringe of hairs, 0.8–1.3 mm long. Collar hairy. Leaf sheaths hairy (hirsute). Leaf blades flat, 4–21 cm long, 5–20 mm wide, hairy (tubercle-based). Inflorescence exserted at maturity or not fully exserted, 20–30 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, 15–22 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 40–120 on a typical lowermost primary branch, elliptic, 2–3.3 mm long, 0.8–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 0.9–1.1 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, ovate, 3–5 nerved, glabrous, acute; upper glume 2–3.3 mm long, elliptic, 7–9 nerved, glabrous, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2–3.4 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide, membranous, 7 nerved, with apex acuminate to acute; palea absent. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 0.9–1.1 mm long. Rachilla prolonged beyond the upper floret. 2n = 18. Witchgrass, Common Millet. Fig xx (N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 589, fig. 119a-b (1994).

Introduced from North America; fairly widespread in temperate Australia, where it is frequently a weed in disturbed sites. Temperate heaths, mallee heaths, dry sclerophyll forests, temperate sub-humid woodlands, and eucalypt shrublands. Flowering Jan. to May. Map 947 and 948.

W.A.: Katanning, L.K.Beech (PERTH). S.A.: Finnis along railway line, A.G.Spooner 7687 (AD). N.S.W.:Thule-Womboota, D.L.W. Henderson P9 (NSW). A.C.T.: Turner, R.Pullen 4342 (BRI, CANB); Vic.: Skipton, R.V.Smith 67/53 (BRI, CANB); Tas.:North West coast, March 1956, I.Murfet s.n. (HO).

Two varieties have been recognised in Australia based on the key characters

Inflorescence fully exserted at maturity; spikelets 2.5–3.3 mm long b. var. brevifolium

Inflorescence not fully exserted; spikelets 1.8–2.3 mm long a. var. capillare

The species to P. decumbens in having no palea in the lower floret, but the culms are caespitose as opposed to decumbent, and the culms do not root at the nodes.

17. Panicum bisulcatum Thunb. Nova Acta Regiae Soc. Sci. Upsal. 7: 141 (1815)

T: Japan (location uncertain). T: holo UPS; iso: BRI.

Panicum acroanthum Steud., Syn. Pl. Glumac. 87 (1854). T: Ovens R., Vic., F.Mueller; lecto: K (photo BRI); isolecto: P, n.v..

Panicum melananthum F.Muell., Trans. & Proc. Victorian Inst. Advancem. Sci. 47 (1855). T: Ovens and Kings R., collector unknown (?F.Muell.), 1853, holo: MEL ((photo BRI); iso: K.

Illustrations: T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 195, fig. 30C (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 485 (1993).

Annual, stoloniferous. Flowering culms decumbent (rooting at nodes), 20–80 cm tall, 3–10 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule membranous to a fringed membrane, 0.4–0.7 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 5–25 cm long, 4–12 mm wide, glabrous. Inflorescence 10–20 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, 7–13 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 20–80 on a typical lowermost primary branch, elliptic, 2.2–2.7 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 1–1.2 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, ovate, 1–3 nerved, glabrous, acute; upper glume 2.1–2.6 mm long, elliptic, 5 nerved (-7), glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.1–2.6 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide, membranous, 5 nerved, with nerves without slit-like interspacing, indumentum shorter than the spikelet, strigose (but minute), with apex acute; palea absent. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret (only slightly); lemma smooth, the apex not differentiated into a membranous green point; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 1.2–1.6 mm long. Black-seeded Panic, Chaff Panic. Fig xx ( N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 589, fig. 119c (1994).

Native, although thought by some to be introduced; occurs in Japan, China and India and in the southeastern coastal region of Australia from S.E.Qld to Vic. Tropical heaths, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, temperate wet sclerophyll forests, and dry sclerophyll forests. Flowering Mar. to June. Map 949.

Qld: Coolum, S.T.Blake 13758 (BRI); near Killarney, C.E.Hubbard 5779 (BRI, K); near Kenilworth, S.T.Blake 12996 (BRI). N.S.W.: Narara, L.Fraser s.n.(NSW); Tuckean Island Rd, W of Wardell, A.R.Bean 17575 (BRI, NSW). Vic Census 52 (naturalised)

Similar to P. capillare in having no palea in the lower floret, but the culms are caespitose as decumbent to caespitose, and the culms root at the nodes. A semi-aquatic perennial or biennial which reduces erosion of waterways or provides turf on seasonally flooded ground.

18. *Panicum hillmanii Chase, J. Wash. Acad. Sci. 14: 345 fig. 1 (1934)

T: USA: Texas: Amarillo, A.S. Hitchcock 16206; holo:US, n.v., fide TROPICOS.

Illustrations: W.M.Curtis & D.I.Morris, Student's. Fl. Tasmania 4B: 334, fig. 114 (1994); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Annual. Flowering culms decumbent, -60 cm tall, 4 noded. Internodes sparsely hairy. Ligule a fringed membrane. Leaf sheaths xxxxxx. Leaf blades 8–13 cm long, 5–7 mm wide. Inflorescence 15–20 cm long. Primary branches 14–16 cm long. Spikelets 40–50 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 2.4–2.6 mm long. Glumes without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 1–1.2 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, triangular to ovate, 1 nerved, glabrous, acute to acuminate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.2–2.5 mm long, 7-9-nerved; palea present. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth, with a lunate scar at base; palea indurate.

Introduced from the southern prairies of the USA (Texas to California). A weed from S.A. to Tas. Temperate heaths, or mallee heaths, or dry sclerophyll forests, or temperate sub-humid woodlands, or eucalypt shrublands. Flowering Jan. Map 950.

S.A.: Monarto, D.J.E.Whibley 8445 (AD, BRI); Lower Mitcham, R.D.Pearce 383 (AD, BRI, CANB, K, MO); Vic.: Railway line at Bacchus Marsh Rly Station, between Bacchus Marsh-Geelong Rd. and Fisken St., 17 Feb. 1994, V.Stajsic 1183 (CANB); Stathmerton, R,V.Smith 70/103 (BRI, MEL); Tas.: North Franklin, Apr. 1982., W.Watson (BRI, HO).

It differs from other species by the fertile lemma having a lunate scar at the base.

19. Panicum bombycinum B.K. Simon, Austrobaileya 3: 594 (1992)

T: 27 km W of Mirtna HS, Qld, E.J.Thompson BUC 148 & B.K.Simon; holo: BRI; iso: AD, B, BRI, CANB, DNA, K, L, MEL, MO, NSW, PERTH, US.

Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, -35 cm tall, 2–4 noded. Ligule a fringe of hairs, -1.5 mm long. Leaves hairy with silky hairs, producing a velvety surface. Leaf blades flat or involute, 9–21 cm long, 2–4 mm wide. Inflorescence -12 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, -6 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the primary branches, 3–5 on a typical lowermost primary branch, ovate (without basal appendages), 3–3.5 mm long, 1–1.5 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 1.7–2 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, triangular, 5 nerved (sub 7), glabrous, acute; upper glume 3–3.5 mm long, ovate, 9 nerved, glabrous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 3–3.5 mm long, membranous, 9 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea present, acute. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth, without a lunate scar at base; palea coriaceous, smooth. Anthers 1.5 mm long. Fig xx (B.K.Simon, op. cit. fig. 4).

Endemic; uplands of central Qld. Flowering Mar. to Apr. Map 951.

Qld: Headwaters of Poison Ck, S.T.Blake 8570 (BRI); 23 km NE of Prairie, E.J.Thompson HUG395, K.Stephens & S.Figg (BRI); 220 km NW of Jericho, E.J.Thompson BUC1003 (BRI).

The species is distinctive in that it has a dense covering of silky hairs on the leaf sheaths and blades, producing a vevety surface. It differs from P. decompositum by its longer lower glume and from P. queenslandicum by its shorter spikelets. It is recognised as Poorly Known in J.D.Briggs & J.H.Leigh, Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (1955).

20. Panicum mitchellii Benth., Fl. Austral. 7: 489 (1878), as P. mitchelli

T: Endeavour R., Qld, A.Cunningham 347; lecto: K (photo BRI), isolecto: BRI, fide .D.K.Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inf. Kew 1923: 326 (1923) if a lecto is selected surely the need to cite other syntypes becomes redundant.

Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, 100–200 cm tall, 4–8 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane to a fringe of hairs, 0.8–1.5 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy (strigose towards the apex) or glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 10–50 cm long, 6–14 mm wide, glabrous (occ. with a few velutinous hairs near the base). Inflorescence 20–40 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, not whorled at base, 12–30 cm long. Spikelets 40–200 on a typical lowermost primary branch, elliptic, 2.5–3 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them (ca. 0.15–0.25 mm long); lower glume 1.2–1.6 mm long (ca 0.5–0.6 x spikelet length), at least 3/4 spikelet length, ovate, 3–5 nerved, glabrous, acute; upper glume 2.3–2.8 mm long, elliptic, 7 nerved, glabrous, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.3–2.8 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide, membranous, 5 nerved or 7 nerved, with apex acute; palea present, with a rounded apex to cleft. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth, without a lunate scar at base; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 1.3–1.6 mm long. Fig xx (Australian Biological Resources Study drawing by Enid Mayfield).

Endemic; coastal Qld, more comon in the tropics. Tropical and subtropical rain forests and tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Flowering May to Sep. Map 952.

Qld: Kuranda, S.T.Blake 20275 (AD, BRI, CANB, DNA, K, L, MEL, MO, NSW, PERTH, PRE); N of Adeline Ck, Windsor Tableland, B.Wannan 1292, P.Forster,R.Booth, R.Russell (BRI, BSW, NSW); road from Cathu Forest Stn. to Mt. MaCartney, B.K.Simon 3352 (BRI, CANB, K, L); Dunk Is., S.T.Blake 18880 (BRI, CANB); near Gordonvale, S.T.Blake 21775 (BRI, CANB).

A robust erect perennial. It differs from P. simile by having a larger and more open panicle and acuminate spikelets and from P. chillagoanum by the perennial habit.

21. Panicum chillagoanum B.K. Simon, Austrobaileya 3: 596 (1992)

T: Chillagoe-Almaden road, 8 km from Chillagoe, Qld, 8 Mar 1980, B.K.Simon 3556 & J.R.Clarkson; holo: BRI; iso: BRI, CANB, DNA, K, L, MBA, NSW.

Illustrations: B.K.Simon, op. cit. 597: fig. 5; D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Annual. Flowering culms caespitose, 15–60 cm tall, 2–3 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane, 1 mm long. Leaf sheaths xxxxx. Leaf blades flat, 2–12 cm long, 2–5 mm wide, hairy (with a few tubercle-based hairs along nerves, especially midrib). Inflorescence 4–25 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, not whorled at base, 3–14 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 15–20 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 2.5 mm long, 0.8 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 1 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, triangular, 5 nerved, glabrous, acute; upper glume 2 mm long, ovate, 5 nerved, glabrous. Lower floret sterile; lemma membranous, with apex acuminate; palea present, apically truncate. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth, without a lunate scar at base; palea chartaceous, smooth. Anthers 1.5 mm long.

Endemic; restricted to limestone habitats of the Chillagoe area, Qld with only two collections thus far. Flowering Mar. Map 953.

Qld: Chillagoe, M.Godwin C4323 (BRI, K).

It differs from P. seminudum by its smaller spikelets and from P. mitchellii by the annual habit. It is recognised as Poorly Known in J.D.Briggs & J.H.Leigh, Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (1955).

22. *Panicum novemnerve Stapf, In D.Prain, Fl. Trop. Africa 9: 702 (1920)

T: Harare (Salisbury), Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), Allen 692, Mrs. Craster 27; syn: K; N. Mazoe District, Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), Mundy; syn: K; Bulawayo (Buluwayo) and Matopo (Matoppo) Hills, Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), Appleton 6; syn: K.

Illustrations: M.A.N.Muller, Grasses S.W. Africa/Namibia 205 fig. 101 (1984); T.D.Stanley in T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 195, fig. 30J (1989); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Annual, stoloniferous. Flowering culms decumbent, 30–120 cm tall, 5–8 noded; nodes hairy. Ligule a fringed membrane to a fringe of hairs, 1–3 mm long. Collar hairy. Leaves hairy with tubercle- based hairs Leaf blades flat, 3–20 cm long, 4–15 mm wide. Inflorescence 12–27 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, not whorled at base, 5–14 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet (with a distinct secondary point of disarticulation at the base of the upper floret), 16–100 on a typical lowermost primary branch, ovate, 2–2.5 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them (produced from a distinct constriction at the base ofo the upper glume) or with distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 1–1.3 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, ovate, 5 nerved, glabrous, acute; upper glume 2–2.5 mm long, ovate to elliptic, 9 nerved, glabrous, apiculate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2–2.5 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide, membranous, 9 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea present, acute to with a rounded apex. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret to shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth, without a lunate scar at base; palea indurate, smooth. Rachilla not prolonged beyond the upper floret.

Introduced from Africa; SE Qld. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Flowering Feb. to May. Map 952.

Qld: Mulgildie Plateau, on contour bank, Feb. 1970, G.H.Malcolmson (BRI); Feb. 1970, N.Bulow s.n.(BRI); May 1970, H. Bulow s.n. (BRI).

It differs from P. bombycinum by its decumbent annual habit but is simialr to this species in having the upper glume and lower lemma at least 9-nerved.

23. Panicum seminudum Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 320 (1915)

T: near Yarraba, Qld, Jan. 1910, K.Domin; holo: PR (photo BRI).

Annual. Flowering culms caespitose, 40–90 cm tall, 2–5 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.8–1.5 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy or glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 4–30 cm long, 3–9 mm wide, hairy or glabrous. Inflorescence 15–30 cm long. Primary branches flexuous, 10–25 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation above the glumes or at the base of the spikelet, 20–60 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate to elliptic, 3.1–3.7 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them (0.4–0.5 mm long); lower glume 2.3–3.3 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, ovate to lanceolate, 5 nerved, glabrous, acute to acuminate; upper glume 2.8–3.5 mm long, lanceolate to ovate, 7 nerved, margins neither noticeably flared nor hyaline, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.8–3.5 mm long, 1.1–1.3 mm wide, membranous, 5 nerved, with apex acuminate to acute; palea vestigial, with a rounded apex to cleft. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 1.2–1.4 mm long.

Occurs across the tropics and subtropics of northern Australia and into New Guinea. Tropical and subtropical rain forests and tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Flowering Mar. to July.

There are two varieties

Leaves glabrous var. seminudum

Leaves distinctly hairy var. cairnsianum

There are some intermediates and the analysis of more material may reveal that the varieties are not worth recognising.

23a. Panicum seminudum var. seminudum

Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Leaf blades glabrous.

Endemic; tropical W.A., N.T. and Qld. Map 955.

W.A.: Napier Range, Windjana Gorge saddle on E side of the range, W Kimberley, M.J.S. Sands 4502 (K, PERTH); N.T.: NW of Katherine, S.T.Blake 17482 (BRI, CANB, DNA, NSW, PERTH); Ryans Bend Waterhole, P.K.Latz 1450 (BRI, DNA). Qld: Thursday Is, Milman Hill, J.R.Clarkson 6453 (BRI, CANB, L, MBA, QRS); Kennedy R., on Laura to Cooktown Rd, J.R.Clarkson 7980 & V.J.Neldner (BRI, K, MBA, NSW).

23b. Panicum seminudum var. cairnsianum Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 320 (1915)

T: near Cairns, Qld, Dec. 1909, K.Domin; holo: PR (photo BRI).

Panicum chillagoense Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 324 (1915). T: near Chillagoe, Qld, Feb. 1910, K.Domin [1225]; holo: PR (photo BRI).

Illustrations: K.Domin. op. cit. fig.74; D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Leaf blades distinctly hairy.

Tropical W.A., N.T. and Qld. Also in New Guinea. Map 955.

W.A.: NE slope of Napier Ra, 3 km from Gibb River Rd, on track past Napier Downs, B.K.Simon 3907 (AD, BRI, CANB, DNA, K, L, PERTH). N.T.: Arnhem Land, 19 km E of Jabiru, R.W.Johnson 4590 (BRI, DNA). Qld: 2 km of Battle Camp turning on Laura to Cooktown Rd, J.R.Clarkson 7219 & B.K.Simon (BRI, MBA, K, L, QRS); Lakefield N.P., 3 km from Musgrave to Lakefield Rd, on track to Low Lake, J.R.Clarkson 7083 & B.K.Simon (BRI, MBA, NSW); 12 km N of Palmer R on Peninsula Development Rd, J.R.Clarkson 4675 (BRI, CANB, K, NSW, PERTH, QRS).

24. Panicum queenslandicum Domin, Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 10: 58 (1911)

T: Condamine R., Qld, Hartmann; holo: K (photo BRI); iso: BRI.

Panicum benthamii Domin as Benthami, Repert. Spec. Nov. 10: 59 (1911), nom. illeg. non Steud. (1853); Panicum shirleyanum Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 323 (1915). T: Peak Downs, Qld, F.Mueller; syn: K (photo BRI), isosyn: BRI, MEL (photo BRI); Springsure, Qld, Wuth; syn: , K (photo BRI); isosyn: BRI, MEL (photo BRI).

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, 30–80 cm tall, 3–6 noded; nodes hairy. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringe of hairs, 1.1–5 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths glabrous. Leaf blades flat (rarely flat), 12–35 cm long, 1.5–4 mm wide. Inflorescence 15–35 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, all whorled or not all whorled, whorled at base, 12–30 cm long. Lowermost inflorescence node smooth. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet (with a secondary point at the base of the upper floret), 12–60 on a typical lowermost primary branch, ovate, 3–7 mm long, 1–1.6 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them (ca 0.3–0.4 mm long); lower glume 2.5–5 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, lanceolate, 3–5 nerved (-7), glabrous, acute to acuminate; upper glume 3.3–4.8 mm long, lanceolate, 7 nerved, glabrous, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 3.3–4.8 mm long, 1–1.5 mm wide, membranous, 7 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea vestigial, acute. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 1.3–1.5 mm long. Yabila Grass.

Endemic; occurs in the mesic eastern regions of Qld and N.S.W. ?Vic

Diagnostic features of this interesting species include the digitate lowermost primary branches, upper floret with a minute stipe, the protruding base of the upper palea and the acuminate lower glume at least 2/3 the spikelet length.

There are 2 varieties.

Spikelets 3.5–5 mm long; upper floret lemma 2.3–2.7 mm long a. var. queenslandicum.

Spikelets 5.1–7 mm long; upper floret lemma 3–3.5 mm long b. var. acuminatum

The species may cause photosensitisation in sheep.

24a. Panicum queenslandicum var. queenslandicum

Illustrations: E.Breakwell, Grasses & Fodder Pl. New South Wales 78, fig. 27 (1923), as P. benthami; T.D.Stanley in T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 195, fig. 30A (1989), as P. queenslandicum; J.C.Tothill & J.B.Hacker, Grasses SE Queensland 210 (1973) as P. queenslandicum.

Spikelets 3.5–5 mm long, 1–1.5 mm wide; lower glume 2.5–3.9 mm long.

Dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Flowering Nov. to June. Map 956.

Qld: between Laidley and Forest Hill, C.E.Hubbard 5309 (CANB); Cashel Vale, S.L.Everist 3687 (BRI); between Tooburra and Rose Hill, C.E.Hubbard 5651. N.S.W.: 6 miles [9.7 km] W of Ravensworth, R. Story 7135 (CANB); 1 mile [1.6 km] E of Bunnan, R.Story 6944 (CANB). Vic.: Census 52

24b. Panicum queenslandicum var. acuminatum Vick., Contr. New South Wales Natl Herb. 1: 334 (1951)

T: Glenn Innes, Mar. 1913, H.Wenholz; holo: NSW; iso: K.

Spikelets 5.1–7 mm long, 1.3–1.6 mm wide; lower glume 4–5 mm long.

It appears to be fairly common in the New England Tableland. Dry sclerophyll forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and temperate sub-humid woodlands. Map 957.

Qld: Near Coominglah, WNW of Monto, C.T.White 10791A (BRI). N.S.W.: Glen Innes, C.E.Hubbard 8249 (BRI, CANB); Bellevue, E.N.McKie (NSW); Stonehenge, J.H.Maiden (NSW); 6 miles [9.7 km] S of Guyra, E.N.McKie (NSW).

This variety is similar to the typical variety but has distinctly longer spikelets.

25. Panicum mindanaense Merr., Philipp. J. Sci. 1, suppl. 5: 360 (1906)

T: L. Lanao, Mindanao, Phillippines, Jan.-Feb. 1906, M.S.Clemens 99; holo: US (photo BRI): iso: B, BRI, K (photo BRI).

Panicum delicatum Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inf. Kew 1923: 323 (1923). T: near Darwin, N.T., C.E.F.Allen 178; holo: K (photo BRI); iso: BRI.

Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Annual. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 25–80 cm tall, 3–6 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.4–1.2 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy (hirsute) or glabrous. Leaf blades flat or conduplicate, 3–18 cm long, 1.5–4.5 mm wide, hairy or glabrous. Inflorescence 13–30 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading (filiform, slender and fine), 10–20 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation above the glumes or at the base of the spikelet, 30–80 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate to ovate, 2.5–3 mm long, 0.7–0.95 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them (0.3–0.4 mm long); lower glume 1.7–2.7 mm long, equal to spikelet length, ovate to lanceolate, 3–5 nerved, glabrous, acute to acuminate; upper glume 2–2.8 mm long, lanceolate to ovate, 7 nerved, margins neither noticeably flared nor hyaline, glabrous (but scabrous on the mid-nerve), muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2–2.8 mm long, 0.7–0.9 mm wide, membranous, 5 nerved, with apex acute; palea vestigial (ca. 0.5 mm long), with a rounded apex to cleft. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 0.7–1.3 mm long. Fig xx (Australian Biological Resources Study drawing by Enid Mayfield).

Native; occurs across the tropics and subtropics of northern Australia and into Malesia (Philippines, the Moluccas and New Guinea). Tropical heaths, tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, coastal grasslands, and tropical sub-humid grasslands. Flowering throughout the year. Map 958.

W.A.: Anjo Peninsula, S of Sharp Point, N. Kimberley, May 1984, J.H.Willis s.n.(BRI, CANB, PERTH). N.T.: Near Hayes Creek Farm, S.T.Blake 16171 (BRI, CANB, DNA, K, PERTH, US); Jasper Gorge, A.C.Beauglehole 46648 & G.W.Carr (BRI, DNA). Qld: 7 km N of North Kennedy R, J.R.Clarkson 4803 (BRI, CANB, DNA, K, NSW, QRS); 25 km SW of Burketown, B.S.Wannan 1794 & R.L.Jago (BRI, MEL, NSW).

Diagnostic features include the relatively long lower glume equal to the spikelet length or longer and the filiform and lax primary branches. It is very similar to P. seminudum differing by the lower glume being almost as long as to as long as the spikelet as opposed to somewhat shorter than the spikelet.

26. Panicum trachyrhachis Benth., Fl. Austral. 7: 490 (1878)

T: Port Darwin, N.T., F.Schultz 343; lecto: K (photo BRI), isolecto: BRI, fide D.K.Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inf. Kew 1923: 323 (1923) if a lecto is selected surely the need to cite other syntypes becomes redundant.

Panicum robustum B.K.Simon, Austrobaileya 3: 598 (1992). T: Brandy Creek Rd., 12 km from its source, Qld, 13 Apr. 1978, B.K.Simon 3370, J.R.Clarkson & N.B.Byrnes; holo: BRI; iso: BRI, CANB, DNA, K, L, MO, NSW.

Illustrations: J.H.Maiden, Man. Grasses New South Wales 50 (1898) (figs not numbered & W.S.Campbell not a co-author); B.K.Simon, op. cit. fig. 6, as P. robustum; Monika Osterkamp Madsen.

Annual (but robust). Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent (sometimes), 60–180 cm tall, 3–6 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane or a fringe of hairs, 1.5–3 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy or glabrous. Leaf blades flat to involute, 12–45 cm long, 3–10 mm wide, hairy or glabrous. Inflorescence 25–65 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, all whorled or not all whorled, whorled at base, 10–30 cm long. Spikelets 40–100 on a typical lowermost primary branch, elliptic, 4–5 mm long, 1–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them (0.3–0.4 mm long); lower glume 3.5–5.5 mm long, equal to spikelet length, lanceolate, 5–7 nerved, glabrous, acute to acuminate; upper glume 3–4 mm long, lanceolate, 5–7 nerved, glabrous (the adaxial surface hairy at the apex), awned. Lower floret sterile; lemma 3–4 mm long, 1–1.1 mm wide, membranous, 9 nerved, with apex acuminate to acute; palea vestigial, acute. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea chartaceous, smooth. Anthers 1.1–1.5 mm long. Fig xx (Australian Biological Resources Study drawing by Enid Mayfield).

Native; occurs in semi-aquatic or aquatic habitats in the tropics and subtropics of northern Australia and New Guinea. Frequently grows as a weed in rice paddocks. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, coastal grasslands, and tropical sub-humid grasslands. Flowering throughout the year. Map 959 and 960.

W.A.: Swamp 10 km NW of Barton Plains Outcamp on Drysdale R, A.A.Mitchell 4755 (BRI, PERTH). N.T.: Finnis R floodplain, I.D.Cowie 1016 & G.J.Leach (BRI, DNA, MEL); 12 miles [19.2 km] N of Borroloola, P.K.Latz 1520 (BRI, DNA). Qld: Lakefield Natl Park, 7 km N of Morehead R on Lakefield- Musgrave Rd, J.R.Clarkson 7054 & B.K.Simon (BRI, L, K, MBS, NSW, QRS); 4 miles [6.4 km] N of Laura, D.E.Symon 4803 (AD, BRI, CANB, K).

The lower leaves are terete with spongy tissue on the adaxial surface whereas the upper leaves lack this modification. The upper floret has a poorly formed stipe at the base and at maturity the stipe swells and resembles that found in Yakirra. The base of the palea of the upper floret protrudes as in Ichnanthus. The lower glume is sometimes longer than the upper, which was the feature for the recognition of a separate species P.robustum, but there appears to be a continuous range in variation of this feature.

28. *Panicum luzonense J. Presl, In C.Presl Rel. Haenk. 1: 308 (1830)

T: Hab. in Luzonia, [Phillipines], Haenke s.n., n.v.; holo: PR (photo BRI)., P. cambogiense Bal., J. Bot. (Morot) 4: 142 (1890). T: Camboge, Indo-China, Godefroy 62, n.v.; lecto: L; isolecto: K, P, fide J.F.Veldkamp in Blumea 41:195 (1996).

Illustrations: Monika Osterkamp Madsen.

Robust. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 3 cm tall, 5–8 noded; nodes hairy (with setaceous hairs). Ligule a fringe of hairs, 1.3–1.9 mm long. Collar hairy, or glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy (with bulbose based setae). Leaf blades flat, 7–25 cm long, 7–15 mm wide. Inflorescence 17–40 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, not whorled at base, 20–30 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 40–150 on a typical lowermost primary branch, elliptic (usually turning purple at maturity), 2.1–2.6 mm long, 1–1.35 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them (a minute stipe); lower glume 0.7–1.2 mm long, 1/3 to 1/2 spikelet length, ovate, 5–7 nerved (usually with transverse nerves), glabrous, obtuse to acute (sub); upper glume 2–2.5 mm long, elliptic, 9–11 nerved with anastomosing nerves, glabrous, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2–2.5 mm long, 1–1.35 mm wide, membranous, 5 nerved or 7 nerved with anastomosing nerves, with apex acute to rounded; palea present, acute to with a rounded apex. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 0.9–1.1 mm long. Differentiated cleistogamous spikelets terminating leafy axillary branches. Fig xx (Australian Biological Resources Study drawing by Enid Mayfield).

Introduced from India and Malesia. It occurs in the Darwin area of the N.T. as a weed in rice fields. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands and coastal grasslands. Flowering Jan. to May. Map 961.

N.T.: Reynolds R floodplain, I.D.Cowie 1059A & B.A.Wilson (BRI, DNA); Coastal Plains Research Stn., M.Lazarides 6803 (CANB); Mouth of Daly R. near Palmerston Is, G.J.Leach 4005 (BRI, DNA); Tipperary Stn, G.J.Leach 2859 & I.D.Cowie (BRI, DNA); North Beatrice Lakes, Humpy Doo, H.J.Frith s.n. (BRI).

Diagnostic features include the anastomising nerves on the upper glume and lower lemma, the presence of a lower palea and the setaceously hairy sheaths.

An annual weed of tropical ricefields with low forage value. It is covered with prickly deciduous hairs that are an irritant to humans (Lazarides).

29. *Panicum miliaceum L., Sp. Pl. 1: 58 (1753)

T: India, Hb. Linn. 80–49: lecto: LINN, fide J.F.Veldkamp in Blumea 41:198 (1996).

Illustrations: B.Rosengurtt et al., Gramin. Uruguayas 325, fig. 138 (1970); T.D.Stanley in T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 195, fig. 30G (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 485 (1993).

Annual. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 20–120 cm tall, 4–8 noded; nodes hairy. Ligule a fringed membrane or a fringe of hairs, 1–3 mm long. Collar hairy, or glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy. Leaf blades flat, 12–30 cm long, 7–20 mm wide, hairy or glabrous. Inflorescence 7–25 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, 5–20 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation above the glumes (at the base of the upper floret), 30–200 on a typical lowermost primary branch, ovate to elliptic, 5–6.5 mm long, 1.8–2.2 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 2.5–3.5 mm long (typically o.6 x spikelet length), at least 3/4 spikelet length, ovate, 5–7 nerved, glabrous, acute to acuminate; upper glume 3.8–5.3 mm long, ovate to elliptic, 9–13 nerved, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 3.8–5.3 mm long, 1–2.2 mm wide, membranous, 9 nerved or 11 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea vestigial or absent. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth; palea indurate, smooth. 2n = 36 (Sinha, R. R. P., A. K. Bhardwaj & R. K. Singh, Journal of Cytology and Genetics 25: 140--143). Millet Panic.

Introduced from Asia and Europe where the grain is used for human consumption. It has been widely introduced and planted as forage species in all states except the N.T. Frequently escapes when occurs as a weed in disturbed habitats. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, and eucalypt shrublands. Flowering Jan. to May. Map 962.

W.A.: Jarrahdale, Mar 1953, T.Bell s.n. (PERTH). S.A.: Adelaide Plains, B.Copley 1265 (AD). Qld: Toowong. Nov. 1934, S.L.Everist s.n.(BRI). N.S.W.: Barton Highway, 1 km from Kavaneys Rd turnoff towards Yass, E.Canning 6742 (BRI, L, MEL, MO, NSW). A.C.T. Bank of Sullivan's Ck., Canberra, H.S. McKee 8947 (CANB). Vic.: Glen Waverley, A.Brown 316 (BRI, CANB, MEL); Tas: Brooker Highway, Claremont, May1978, D.I. Morris s.n. (HO).

Diagnostic characters are the spikelet size of 5-6.5 mm and the acute spikelet apex.

A common annual weed, a fodder plant and a suspected cause of photosensitisation in sheep. Its grain is used as food for poultry, pigs and caged birds.

30. *Panicum antidotale Retz., Observ. Bot. 4: 17 (1786)

T: Colitur in hortis Malabarorum, J.König; holo: LD (photo BRI); iso: K.

Illustrations: N.T.Burbidge, Austral. Grasses 3: 103 (1970); T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 198, fig. 31D (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 488 (1993).

Perennial, rhizomatous. Flowering culms caespitose, 60–200 cm tall, 5–15 noded; nodes hairy (pubescent) or glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane or a fringe of hairs, 0.7–1.3 mm long. Collar hairy (puberulent), or glabrous. Leaf sheaths glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 12–30 cm long, 4–15 mm wide. Inflorescence 15–27 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, 5–12 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 60–300 on a typical lowermost primary branch, glabrous, ovate, 2.6–3.2 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 1.3–2 mm long (usually about 1/2 the length of the spikelet), 1/3 to 1/2 spikelet length (slightly), ovate, 3–5 nerved, glabrous, cleft to acute; upper glume 2.5–3.2 mm long, ovate, 7–9 nerved, margins neither noticeably flared nor hyaline, glabrous, mucronate. Lower floret male; lemma 2.5–3.2 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide, membranous, 7-9-nerved, with apex acute; palea present, acute. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret; lemma smooth (and shiny); palea indurate, smooth. Anthers 1.5–2 mm long. 2n = 18 (Sinha, R. R. P., A. K. Bhardwaj & R. K. Singh, Journal of Cytology and Genetics 25: 140–143 (1990)), 28 (Bir, S. S. & M. Sahni, Journal of Cytology and Genetics 18: 58–59 (1983)). Dwarf Mulga Grass.

Introduced from the Indian subcontinent but now widely introduced as a forage species or for soil binding, but becoming weedy. In Australia it is recorded widely from every state except Vic. and Tas. Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, acacia shrublands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering essentially throughout the year. Map 963.

W.A.: Kimberely Research Stn., E.C.B.Langfield 334 (CANB). N.T.: c. 0.5 km NNW of Ghan Historical Reserve, Alice Springs, D.E.Albrecht 8216 (BRI, DNA). S.A.: Maize Island Lagoon, Consevation Park, 1994, R.J.Bates s.n (AD). Qld: Barney View, Rathdowney, C.Hardgrave AQ398306 (BRI); Boorara, L.S.Smith 6400 (BRI). N.S.W.: Moree district, Feb 1959, W.Mactier s.n.(NSW).

It is similar to P. bulbosum in having a male lower floret, but differing from this species by the fertile floret being smooth and shiny as opposed to finely transversely rugose. Other diagnostic features are pronounced rhizomes with hairy cataphylls and the glume more than 1/3 the length of the spikelet.

It is heavy-seeding, but frost-tender.

31. *Panicum trichoides Sw., Prodr. 24 (1788)

T: Jamaica, Hispaniola, O. Swartz n.v.; holo: S; iso: BRI.

Illustrations: S.A.Renvoize, Grasses Bahia 163, fig. 59E (1984); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Annual, stoloniferous. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 15–50 cm tall, 3–11 noded; nodes hairy (puberulent). Ligule membranous, 0.2–0.3 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy or glabrous. Leaf blades flat, 1.5–8 cm long, 5–15 mm wide. Inflorescence 4–20 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, not whorled at base, 2–10 cm long. Spikelets 20–50 on a typical lowermost primary branch, dorsally compressed, elliptic, 0.8–1.4 mm long, 0.5–0.7 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, with distinct rachilla between them (about 0.2 mm long); lower glume 0.7–0.9 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, ovate, 1 nerved, hairy, strigose (to pilose), obtuse to acute (sub); upper glume 1–1.3 mm long, elliptic, 5 nerved, margins neither noticeably flared nor hyaline (white and recurved at maturity), hairy, strigose (the hairs are short, straight and sparse), muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 1–1.3 mm long, 0.5–0.7 mm wide, membranous, 5 nerved, indumentum shorter than the spikelet, strigose, with apex acute to rounded; palea vestigial. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma finely muricate; palea indurate, muricate. Anthers 0.6–0.8 mm long. 2n = 18 (J.R.Reeder, Taxon 33:133 (1984)). Fig xx (Australian Biological Resources Study drawing by Enid Mayfield).

Introduced from the Americas where it occurs from Mexico to Brazil. It is introduced to tropical Asia, where it is widespread, and also introduced into tropical Africa and Australia, where it is common across the tropics. Grows well in moist, shaded forested areas at lower elevations. Tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and coastal grasslands. Flowering Feb. to Sep. Map 964.

W.A.: Point Springs, East Kimberley, E.C.B.Langfield 397 (PERTH). N.T.: Koolpunyah Stn., S.E.Pickering 97 (NT); vicinity of Woolaning H/S, L.A.Craven & C.Dunlop 6676 (CANB). Qld: near Cooktown, S.T.Blake 23205 (BRI).

Diagnostic features include the small spikelets 0.8-1.4 mm long, the finely muricate upper floret and the vestigial lower palea.

32. *Panicum incomtum Trin., Gram. Pan. 200 (1826)

T: Manilla [Phillipine Is.], Chamisso s.n, n.v..

Panicum prenticeanum F.M. Bail., Syn. Qld. Fl. Suppl. 3: 82 (1890). Panicum sarmentosum var. prenticeanum (F.M.Bailey) Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 315 (1915). Type: Queensland, Harveys Creek, F.M. Bailey, 1889, holo: BRI.

Illustrations: K.Domin. op. cit. fig.73, as Panicum sarmentosum var. prenticeanum; F.M.Bailey, Compr. Cat. Queensland Pl. 613, fig. 589 (1909), as P. prenticeanum; D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Perennial, stoloniferous. Flowering culms decumbent, 50–200 cm tall, 7–30 noded; nodes hairy (pubescent). Ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.5–1.2 mm long. Collar hairy. Leaf sheaths hairy. Leaf blades flat, 10–30 cm long, 7–18 mm wide, hairy. Inflorescence 10–18 cm long. Primary branches divaricately spreading, 4–12 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 30–120 on a typical lowermost primary branch, ovate to elliptic, 2–2.2 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 1.2–1.8 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, ovate, 3 nerved, glabrous, obtuse to acute (sub); upper glume 1.9–2.2 mm long, elliptic, 5 nerved, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 1.9–2.2 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide, membranous, 5 nerved, with apex acute to rounded; palea present to vestigial, acute. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma smooth, lacking an apical crest; palea indurate, smooth. Rachilla prolonged beyond the upper floret (present as a minute stipe about 0.1 mm long).

Introduced from the Asian tropics; shady wet tropics of N Qld. Tropical and subtropical rain forests and tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Flowering June to Aug. Map 965.

Qld: Iron Ra., L.J.Brass 19316 (BRI, CANB); SE of Tully, M.Lazarides 8131 (BRI, CANB); upper Daintree, Aug 1977, P.J.Crawford (BRI); Bullock Ck c. 8 miles [12.9 km] SW of Atherton, Jul 1968, L.Tilley (BRI); Daintree, S.T.Blake 14989 (BRI).

The culms become very hardened, bamboo-like and climb over understory vegetation.

33. *Panicum bulbosum (= Zuloagaea bulbosa) H.B.K., in F.W.H.A.Humboldt et al., Nov. Gen. Sp. 1: 99 (1815) [1816]

T: in Novae Hispaniae scopulosis et frigidus juxta Santa Rosa, Los Joares et Guanaxuato, [Mexico]; n.v..

Illustrations: E.Breakwell, Grasses & Fodder Pl. New South Wales 58, fig. 15 (1923); A.S.Hitchcock, Man. Grasses U.S. 674, fig. 1507 (1935); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 488 (1993).

Perennial, rhizomatous or without rhizomes (typically with a hard swollen crown at ground level). Flowering culms caespitose, 60–150 cm tall, 3–8 noded. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane, 0.6–1.2 mm long. Collar glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy or hairy. Leaf blades flat, 20–50 cm long, 4–15 mm wide, hairy or glabrous. Inflorescence 12–40 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis, 7–18 cm long. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 40–150 on a typical lowermost primary branch, glabrous, elliptic, 3–3.5 mm long, 1–1.2 mm wide. Glumes rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 1.5–2.4 mm long, at least 3/4 spikelet length, ovate, 3 nerved, glabrous, acute; upper glume 3–3.5 mm long, elliptic, 5 nerved, glabrous, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret male; lemma 2.8–3.5 mm long, 1–1.2 mm wide, membranous, 5 nerved, with apex acute; palea present, acute. Upper floret subequal to the lower floret; lemma finely transversely rugose; palea indurate, smooth or uniformily striate. Anthers 1.8–2.4 mm long. 2n = 54 (Hamoud, M. A., S. A. Haroun, R. D. Macleod & A. J. Richards, Biologia Plantarum 36: 37–45 (1994)). Bulbous Panic.

Introduced from southwestern U.S.A.; occasionally cultivated as a forage species in SW U.S.A. A weed in eastern N.S.W. Temperate wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, temperate sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Flowering Nov. to Apr. Map 966.

N.S.W.: Grafton Exp. Farm, Mar 1916, E.Breakwell s.n. (NSW); Scone, F.Haron s.n. (NSW); Apr 1913, Wagga Wagga, E.Breakwell s.n. (NSW); Mar 1958, Bathurst Exp. Farm, The Manager s.n., (NSW); Condobolin, Mar 1934, M. Nurman (NSW).

Similar to P. antidotale in having a male lower floret, but differing from this species by the fertile floret being finely transversely ridged as opposed to smooth and shiny.

A drought-resistant but frost-tender perennial producing high yields of forage and hay.

34. *Panicum racemosum (P.Beauv.) Spreng., Syst. Veg. 1: 313 (1825) [1824]

Monachne racemosa P. Beauv., Essai d'une Nouvelle Agrostographie 168, t. 10, f. 10. (1812). T: Commerson s.n., Argentina, Buenos Ayres; holo: P (photos BRI).

Perennial, rhizomatous, stoloniferous. Flowering culms 45–100 cm tall. Internodes glabrous. Ligule a fringe of hairs, 1.5–2.5 mm long. Leaf sheaths hairy. Leaf blades 23–70 cm long, 0.6–5 mm wide. Inflorescence 10.5–29 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis, 6.5–11 cm long. Spikelets hairy (densely pilose), 5.5–7 mm long, 3–5 mm wide. Glumes without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume 1/3 to 1/2 spikelet length, 5–9 nerved, hairy, acute; upper glume 4–5 mm long, ovate, 7 nerved, hairy, villous. Lower floret male; lemma 4.2–5 mm long, 9–10 nerved; palea present. Upper floret ;. Fig xx (Australian Biological Resources Study drawing by Enid Mayfield).

Recently introduced to N.S.W. and Vic. from S. America. Flowering Dec. Map 967.

N.S.W.: Stockton Beach, N of Newcastle, 10 Dec. 1993, P.C.Heyligers 93019A & 93019B (CANB); loc. cit., Aug 1993, P.C.Heyligers 93019 (CANB). Vic. Geelong, Grain Elevators property, Feb 1991, T.Steward s.n. (MEL).

Diagnostic characters are the densely pilose spikelets and the lower male florets.

A stout rhizomatous weed, recently recorded from grain storage areas in Victoria and from coastal dunes near Newcastle, New South Wales.

MEGATHYRSUS

B.K.Simon

Megathyrsus (Pilger) B.K.Simon & S.W.L.Jacobs, Austrobaileya xx: xx (2003); from the Greek mega (large) and thrysus (thryrse) referring to the large panicoid inflorescence.

Panicum subgenus Megathyrsus Pilger, Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 104:242 (1931)

Panicum sect. Maxima Hitchc. & Chase ex Pilg. Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 104:242 (1931)

Panicum sect. Maximae Stapf, Fl. Trop. Afr. 9(4): 639, 642 (1920), in part

Panicum UNRANKED. Maxima Hitchc. N. Amer. Fl. 3(2): 200, 203 (1915)

Type: M. maximus (Jacq.) B.K.Simon & S.W.L.Jacobs

Perennial, rarely rhizomatous with short internodes, rarely stoloniferous. Flowering culms caespitose. Leaf sheaths hairy or glabrous. Ligule a fringed membrane (usually with a dense tuft of hairs above the membranous portion). Leaf blades flat, hairy or glabrous. Plants bisexual, with hermaphrodite florets. Inflorescence a panicle, exserted at maturity. Primary branches divaricately spreading, whorled at base (usually with 6 to 8 whorled primary branches). Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, dorsally compressed, oblong. Glumes very unequal, rounded on the back, without distinct rachilla between them; lower glume not fused with the callus, 1–3 nerved (obscure), hairy or glabrous, obtuse to cleft; upper glume oblong, 5 nerved, hairy or glabrous, muticous. Lower floret male; lemma membranous, lacking a hyaline area at the base, 5 nerved, with apex acute; palea present, acute. Upper floret shorter than the lower floret; lemma coarsely transversely rugose. Palea indurate, transversely rugose. x = 9. 2n = 18, 32, 54

The genus Megathyrsus as currently circumscribed, is limited to the two species, M. maximus and M. infestus. The distinctive features of the genus are the transversely rugose surface of the upper lemma and palea, the open paniculate inflorescence and the possession of the PCK C₄ Kranz subtype of leaf anatomy and photosynthetic subtype.

Simon, B.K. & Jacobs, S.W.L. Megathyrsus, a new generic name for Panicum subgenus Megathyrsus. Austrobaileya xx: xx-xx (2003).

1. *Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K.Simon & S.W.L.Jacobs, Austrobaileya xx: xx (2003)

Panicum maximum Jacq., Ic. Pl. Rar. 1: 2, t. 13 (1781); Urochloa maxima (Jacq.) R.D.Webster, Austral. Paniceae 241 (1987). T: Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles, N.J.Jacquin; holo:W; iso: BM, fide F.O.Zuloaga, Darwiniana 22:24 (1979).

Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 60–200 cm tall, 4–10 noded; nodes hairy or glabrous. Internodes glabrous. Ligule 1–3 mm long. Collar hairy, or glabrous. Leaf sheaths hairy (hispid or hirsute) or glabrous. Leaf blades 15–60 cm long, 10–30 mm wide. Inflorescence 20–60 cm long. Primary branches 12–35 cm long. Lowermost inflorescence node smooth or hairy. Spikelets 30–150 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2.7–3.5 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.8–1.1 mm long, 1/8–1/3 spikelet length, ovate, glabrous, obtuse to cleft; upper glume 2.1–3.5 mm long,. Lower floret; lemma 2.7–3.5 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Upper floret; anthers 1.6–2.2 mm long. 2n = 18 (Ahsan, S. M. N., A. A. Vahidy & S. I. Ali, Ann. of the Miss Bot. Gard. 81: 775–783 (1994)), 32 (Hoshino, T. & G. Davidse, Ann. of the Miss Bot. Gard. 75: 866–873 (1994)), 54 (Bir, S. S. & M. Sahni, Proc. of the Indian Nat. Sci. Academy, Part B, Biol. Sci. 5: 609–626 (1985)), all as Panicum maximum.

Introduced (from tropical Africa); Native to tropical Africa but now widely introduced in the tropics and subtropics of the world. It is an important forage grass. Tropical heaths, tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and coastal grasslands. Flowering Nov.

There are three varieties and two known naturalised cultivars.

1. Culms decumbent, rooting at nodes *M. maximus var. maximus cv. Embu

Culms tufted and erect, not rooting at nodes 2

2. Spikelets indistinctly hairy *M. maximus var. pubiglumis

Spikelets glabrous 3

3. Leaf hairy at junction of sheath and blade *M. maximus var. coloratus

Leaf glabrous at junction of sheath and blade 4

4. Plant 1.8–2m tall; leaf-blades 15–18mm wide *M. maximus var. maximus

Plant 3–3.5m tall; leaf-blades 24–26mm wide *M. maximus var. maximus

cv. Hamil

1a. *Megathyrsus maximus var. maximus

Illustrations: S.A.Renvoize, Grasses Bahia 152, fig. 54A (1984); N.L.Jacqin, op. cit. t. 13; S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 487 (1993).

Collar glabrous. Spikelets purplish or pallid; upper glume glabrous.

Introduced. Flowering throughout the year. Map 939.

W.A.: Kimberely Research Stn., M.Lazarides 3052 (CANB). N.T.: Darwin, D.J.Nelson 1046 (NT); Sadgrove Ck, Darwin, M.Rankin 2663 (CANB). Qld: near Antil Ck, c. 22 km S of Townsville, R.J.Henderson H1427 (BRI); near Conjuboy St., M.Lazarides 4153 (CANB).

Of the cultivars developed in Australia some of those best known are cv. Gatton, cv. Makueni and cv. Riversdale

1b. *Megathyrsus maximus var coloratus (C.T.White) B.K.Simon & S.W.L.Jacobs, Austrobaileya xx: xx (2003).

Panicum maximum var coloratum C.T.White, Queensland Agricultural Journal 49: 112 (1938). T: Lawnton, near Brisbane (cultivated), F.B. Coleman T.167; holo: BRI.

Collar hairy. Spikelets dark purple or pallid.

Flowering Feb. to June. Map 940.

N.T.: RAAF Base, Berrimah, A.A.Mitchell 4869B (BRI, DNA); Qld: Yorkey's Beach near Cairns, G.N.Batianoff 1003 & T.J.McDonald (BRI); Woodstock, C.T.White 8813 (BRI); Townsville, along the Strand, D.A.Goy 360 (BRI); Bevan's Lookout, Eungella, B.K.Simon 3313 (BRI, CANB, K, SRGH); Brisbane Botanic Gardens, S.T.Blake 15933 (BRI).

1c. *Megathrysus maximus var. pubiglumis (K.Scum.) B.K.Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs, Austrobaileya xx: xx (2003).

Panicum maximum var. plubiglume K.Schum., Pflanzenwelt Ost-Afrikas 85 (1895) as “pubiglumis”, lecto: B, isolecto: K, fide J.F.Veldkamp, Blumea 41:197 (1996).

Panicum maximum Jacq. var. trichoglume Robyns, Mem. Inst. Roy. Colon. Belge, Sect. Sci. Nat. 1: 31 (1932). T: Moanda, Cotier District, Zaire, Vanderyst 27725; lecto: BR, fide J.F.Veldkamp, Blumea 41:197 (1996). Urochloa maxima var. trichoglume (Robyns) R.D.Webster, Austral. Paniceae 242 (1987)

Illustrations: T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 198, fig. 31A (1989).

Collar glabrous. Primary branches whorled at base. Spikelets purplish or green to yellow. Glumes without distinct rachilla between them; upper glume hairy, puberulent or strigose to velutinous. Puberulent or strigose to velutinous, lemma with apex acute. Green Panic

Introduced from Africa; a selected form of the typical variety. It is frequently introduced for pasture improvement. Tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, and acacia shrublands. Flowering throughout the year. Map 941.

W.A.: Headings Riverfarm Nursery, near Kununurra, A.A.Mitchell 6360 (BRI, PERTH). Qld: 5.5 miles [8.9 km] N of Wandoan, N.H.Speck 1969 (CANB); 8 miles [12.9 km] NW of Theodore, Nov.1968, D.Randal (BRI); Boorara, L.S.Smith 6399 (BRI); Moreton Is., L.Durrington 1294 (BRI). N.S.W.: Kingscliff, R.Coveny 5066 (BRI).

The one cultivar developed for agricultual puposes is cv. Petrie.

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Grasses of Australia

Flora of Australia

Panicum and Megathyrsus (ms.) May 2010

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Flora of Australia

Panicum and Megathyrsus (ms.) May 2010