PASPALIDIUM
B.K.Simon, C.M.Weiller & R.D.Webster
Paspalidium Stapf, in D.Prain, Fl. Trop. Africa 9: 582 (1920); from the Greek eidos (shape) and Paspalum (another grass genus, q.v.), 'shaped like Paspalum'; or a diminutive of Paspalum.
Type: P. geminatum (Forssk.) Stapf
Annuals or perennials, rhizomatous (internodes short) or without rhizomes, bisexual. Flowering culms erect or decumbent; nodes hairy or glabrous. . Leaves: sheaths overlapping or not, hairy or glabrous, ciliate on margins or eciliate; ligule a fringed membrane; blades flat to involute to conduplicate, hairy or glabrous. Inflorescence a panicle of one-sided branches, rarely the lower branches once-divided; branches appressed or ascending to rarely reflexed, terminating in a ±inconspicuous bristle, sometimes reduced to one or a few spikelets (P. rarum). Spikelets falling entire, laterally compressed or terete or dorsally compressed (planoconvex), lanceolate to oblong or obovate. Glumes 2, very unequal, rounded on the back; lower glume shorter than upper glume, triangular to ovate or oblong 0–9-nerved, glabrous; upper glume ovate, oblong, obovate or elliptic, muticous or mucronate, 3–13-nerved, glabrous. Lower floret sterile or male; lemma acute, acuminate or truncate, membranous or cartilaginous (P. globoideum), 5–13-nerved, palea sometimes absent or vestigial, acute when present. Upper floret bisexual; lemma elliptic, ovate, obovate, oblong or lanceolate, indurate, finely to coarsely transversely rugose, yellow to brown; palea indurate, transversely rugose. Hilum short. x = 9. 2n = 18, 36 and 54.
A taxonomically difficult genus of about 40 species, with 19 native in Australia. Typically the genus has distant branches with neatly overlapping spikelets, which seems very different from Setaria. In fact the gap is bridged by intermediate species with looser racemes so that the diagnostic criterion of most of the spikelets lacking bristles is rather arbitrary, though seldom difficult to apply (W.D. Clayton & S.A. Renvoize, Genera Graminum, 1986). Some agrostologists (J.F. Veldkamp, Miscellaneous notes on southeast Asian Gramineae IX. Setaria and Paspalidium, Blumea 39: 373-384 1995) maintain that because there is a continuum in variation of the bristle arrangement between Paspalidium and Setaria, the generic separation is difficult to apply, and they place all species of Paspalidium under Setaria. A molecular phylogeny of the bristle clade of panicoid grasses (Kellogg et al 2009), places Paspalidium in a different clade from Setaria, although the latter genus is not monophyletic in this study.
The key distinctions between some of the Australian species of Paspalidium appear very fine in some cases and more study is needed to establish whether some of these differences should be maintained.
S.T.Blake, Paspalidium, in The Identification and Distribution of some Cyperaceae and Gramineae, chiefly from Australia, Proc. Roy. Soc. Qld 62: 92–99 (1952); S.T.Blake, Paspalidium, in Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Studies in the Gramineae, No. 3, Proc. Roy. Soc. Qld 84: 65–70 (1973); J.W.Vickery, Paspalidium, in M.D.Tindale, Flora of New South Wales 19(2): 138–155 (1975); R.D.Webster, Paspalidium, Austral. Paniceae 151–169 (1987); W.J.Crins, Paspalidium in The genera of Paniceae (Gramineae: Panicoideae) in the Southestern United States, 305-307(1991); R.D.Webster, Nomenclatural changes in Setaria and Paspalidium (Poaceae: Paniceae) , Sida 16: 439-446(1995).
Key to Species
1 Upper glume 9–13-nerved; upper floret curved in profile
2 Spikelets 2–2.7 mm wide; lemma of lower floret cartilaginous 1. P. globoideum
2: Spikelets less than 2 mm wide, lemma of lower floret membranous
3 Spikelets 1.4–1.6 mm wide 2. P. retiglume
3: Spikelets 1–1.1 mm wide 3. P. reflexum
1: Upper glume 3–9-nerved; upper (fertile) floret not curved in profile
4 Inflorescence branches reduced to 1 (rarely 2) spikelets
5 Spikelets 2.7-3.5 mm long 4. P. rarum
5: Spikelets 2.1-2.5 mm long 5. P. johnsonii
4: Inflorescence branches not reduced
5 Spikelets irregularly arranged on raceme axes
6 Annuals with compressible culms
7 Spikelets 2–2.4 mm long; culms smooth 6. P. clementii
7: Spikelets 2.75–3.1 mm long; culms ±scabrous 7. P. basicladum
6: Perennials with wiry culms
8 Spikelets up to 1 mm wide, less than 2.3 mm long 8. P. criniforme
8: Most spikelets more than 1 mm wide, more than 2.4 mm long
9 Lower lemma deeply grooved longitudinally 9. P. tabulatum
9: Lower lemma without a groove
10 Spikelets 4.1–4.8 mm long; culms arising from robust rhizomes; 10. P. grandispiculatum
10: Spikelets 2.4–3.6 mm long ; culms , arising from contracted rootstocks;
11 Upper lemma surface finely rugulose
12 Culms wiry and branched, not bushy, 50-115 cm tall; ligule c. 0.3 mm long, leaf blades flat or sometimes rigid to inrolled 11. P. spartellum
12: Culms bushy, 30-90 cm tall; ligule c. 1mm long; leaf involute and
becoming fililiform 12. P. gracile
11: Upper lemma surface coarsely rugose 11. P. gracile
13 Upper lemma surface moderately coarsely rugose; spikelets 2.4-3.6 mm long 13. P. constrictum
13: Upper lemma very coarsely rugose (the wrinkles visible
through the upper glume); spikelets 1.8-2.3 mm long 14. P. breviflorum
5: Spikelets regularly arranged on raceme axes
14 Spikelets at least 2.5 mm long
15 Most inflorescence branches, particularly those toward the apex of the inflorescence, often as long as or longer than adjacent internodes of axis 15. P. jubiflorum
15: Most inflorescence branches shorter than adjacent internodes of axis
16 Leaf sheaths ciliate on at least one margin in upper part
17 Rigid wiry perennial with rhizomes; dry habitats 16. P. gausum
17: Lax decumbent perennial without rhizomes; wet habitats 17. P. aversum
16: Leaf-sheaths glabrous on margins
18 Culms thick and spongy; leaf blades 15–30 cm long; upper glume muticous 18. P. udum
18: Culms slender and not spongy; leaf blades 4–10 cm long; upper glume mucronate 19. P. flavidum
14: Spikelets less than 2.5 mm long
19 Leaf‑sheaths and blades hairy 20. P. albovillosum
19: Leaf‑sheaths and blades glabrous
20 Leaf blades usually narrow and rolled leaf sheaths over-lapping, lemma of lower (sterile) floret acute 21. P. caespitosum
20: Leaf blades flat, leaf sheaths not overlapping, lemma of lower (sterile) floret rounded
or obtuse 22. P. distans
1. Paspalidium globoideum (Domin) Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1923: 317 (1923)
Panicum globoideum Domin, Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 10: 119 (1911); Setaria globoidea (Domin) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 443 (1995). T: Springsure, Qld, Wuth s.n.; lecto: K, fide D.K. Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inf. Kew 1923: 317 (1923); isolecto: MEL (photo BRI).
Illustrations: T.D.Stanley in T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 211, fig. 33B (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 478 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Perennials, very shortly rhizomatous. Flowering culms erect, wiry, 25–90 cm high, 4–10-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves glabrous; sheath with eciliate margins; ligule 0.5 –0.8mm long: blade flat or involute, 6–25 cm long, 4–6 mm wide. Inflorescences 10–20 cm long; lower branches usually longer than adjacent internode of axis; branches 1.5–6 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 3–4 mm long, 2-2.7 mm wide, 5–20 on a typical lowermost branch, regularly arranged on branches, terete or dorsally compressed, ovate to elliptic. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 1.6-2.3 mm long, ovate (base inflated), 5–9-nerved; upper glume 3–4 mm long, elliptic, muticous or mucronate, 11–13-nerved. Lower floret male; lemma 3–4 mm long, acute, cartilaginous, 11–13-nerved,; palea developed, acute. Upper floret curved in profile; lemma 3–4 mm long, elliptic, coarsely transversely rugose, straw coloured to brown. Shotgrass.
Endemic. Tropical and subtropical Qld and N.S.W. on black soils, with an isolated occurrence from the Kimberley, W.A. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Flowering Feb.–June. Map 986.
W.A.: Kununurra ***ABRS: add to map (15 46 S 128 44 E)*, C.Muerant A621 (BRI). Qld: N of Wowan, S.T.Blake 19982 (BRI, CANB); 4.5 km SE of Cassiopeia HS on road to Elgin Downs, E.J.Thompson BUC704 & B.K.Simon (BRI, CANB, NSW, PERTH); Mitchell, S.T.Blake 5696 (AD, BRI, CANB, NSW, PERTH) . N.S.W.: Gurley Ck, Moree–Narrabri rd, A.R.Bean 9500 (BRI, NSW).
Paspalidium globoideum is similar to P. retiglume in having the upper glume 11–13-nerved, but differs in having the spikelets at least 2 mm wide, and in being perennial and rhizomatous rather than annual. P. globoideum is the only Paspalidium species with a cartilaginous rather than membranous lower lemma.
The ripe seeds of P. globoideum are large and readily eaten by birds.
2. Paspalidium retiglume (Domin) Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1923: 317 (1923)
Panicum retiglume Domin, Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 10: 119 (1911); Setaria retiglumis (Domin) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 444 (1995). T: Upper Victoria R., North Australia, [N.T.], F.Mueller s.n.; holo: K (photo BRI); iso: BRI, MEL, n.v.. ***[Webster version (and APNI) have as lectotype and suggest] ***fide R.D.Webster, Austral. Paniceae 167 (1987)?* This is the only specimen and therefore no need for a lectotype.
Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Annuals. Flowering culms erect, wiry, 10–50 cm high, 2–5-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves glabrous: sheath with eciliate margins; ligule 0.7–1 mm long; blade flat to involute, 4–10 cm long, 3–5 mm wide. Inflorescences 6.5– 20 cm long; lower branches shorter than adjacent internode of axis; branches 1.5–3 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2.7–3.1 mm long, 1.4–1.5 mm wide, 7–17 on a typical lowermost branch, regularly arranged on branches, dorsally compressed, ovate to elliptic. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 0.8-1.1 mm long, ovate to oblong, 5-nerved (pronounced and with cross veins); upper glume 2.5–2.9 mm long, ovate, muticous, 11–13-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.7–3.1 mm long, acute to acuminate, 11-nerved; palea developed, acute. Upper floret curved in profile; lemma 2.6–3.1 mm long, elliptic, coarsely transversely rugose, straw coloured.
Endemic. Scattered distribution in tropical Australia from the Kimberley, W.A. to north Qld. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, arid and semi-arid low woodlands, arid tussock grasslands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering Mar.–June (–Dec). Map 987.
W.A.: Moola Bulla , E.C.Glover 102 (BRI, PERTH). N.T.: Limbunya, C.Dunlop 3514 (BRI, CANB, DNA, NT); c. 6.4 km N of Ranken, G.Chippendale 1858 (BRI, CANB). Qld: 20 km E of Musselbrook, R.W.Johnson MRS 359 & M.B.Thomas (BRI, CANB); 18 km N of Hughenden, E.J.Thompson HUG351 & R.J.Henderson (BRI).
Paspalidium retiglume is a distinctive annual species, similar to the perennial P. globoideum in its 11–13-nerved upper glumes, but differing from this species in having spikelets less than 2 mm wide, in its membranous lower lemma and being a non-rhizomatous annual. It differs from P. reflexum by having spikelets 1.4–1.5 mm wide, instead of 1–1.1 mm wide and the glumes and lower lemma having more nerves.
3. Paspalidium reflexum R.D.Webster, Austral. Paniceae 166 (1987)
Setaria reflexa (R.D.Webster) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 444 (1995). T: Boundary Bore, Erldunda Station, N.T., 6 Apr. 1974, P.K. Latz 4847; holo: DNA.
Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Annuals. Flowering culms erect, compressible, 20–55 cm high, 2–5-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves glabrous; sheath with eciliate margins; ligule 0.6–0.9 mm long; blade flat (becoming involute on drying), 8–26 cm long, 2–4.5 mm wide. Inflorescences 10–18 cm long; lower branches as long as than adjacent internode of axis; branches 2–6 cm long, reflexed. Spikelets 2.6–3.3 mm long, 1–1.1 mm wide, 8–20 on a typical lowermost branch, regularly arranged on branches, dorsally compressed, elliptic. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 1.8 2.2 mm long, ovate and with basal margins overlapping, 3-nerved; upper glume 2.6–3.3 mm long, elliptic, muticous, 9–11-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.6–3.3 mm long, acute, 7-nerved; palea vestigial. Upper floret curved in profile; lemma 2.5–3.2 mm long, elliptic, finely transversely rugose, yellow to brown.
Endemic. Arid W.A., N.T., S.A. and Qld. Shrub steppe shrublands, acacia shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering year long, but mostly Apr.– Sep. Map 988.
W.A.: 5 km N of Long Swamp, 14° 48' 20.000" S, 128° 39' E, G. Keighery & N. Gibson 193 (PERTH); Well 30, 22°50'S, 124°18'E, A.Mitchell 1028 (DNA); N.T.: c. 21 km S of Alice Springs, D.Albrecht 5694 (BRI, DNA, NT); c. 70 km NW of Lake Surprise (BRI, DNA). S.A.: Ooldea, J.B.Cleland (AD). Qld: Carlo, B.Tamayo 50 (AD, BRI).
Paspalidium reflexum has upper glumes 9–11-nerved, lower glumes 3-nerved and spikelets 1–1.1 mm wide, differing from P. retiglume with upper glumes 11–13-nerved, lower glumes 5-nerved and spikelets 1.4–1.6 mm wide. The reflexed panicle branches of P. reflexum are distinctive.
4. Paspalidium rarum (R.Br.) Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1923: 318 (1923)
Panicum rarum R.Br., Prodr. 189 (1810); Setaria rara (R.Br.) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 444 (1995). T: Gulf of Carpentaria, [N.T.], R.Brown Iter Australiense 6100; holo: BM (photo BRI); iso: BRI, E, n.v. K (photo BRI).
Illustrations: F.M.Bailey, Compr. Cat. Queensland Pl. 609, fig. 587 (1913), as Panicum rarum; S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 479 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Annuals. Flowering culms geniculate to erect, compressible, 20–45 cm high, 3–10-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves hairy (with scattered papilla-based hairs) or glabrous; sheath with eciliate margins; ligule 0.4–0.6 mm long; blade flat or conduplicate (when dried), 5–19 cm long, 2.2–3.5 mm wide. Inflorescence 5–13 cm long, a panicle or appearing as a raceme; lower branches shorter than adjacent internodes of axis; branches 0.3-0.9 cm long, reduced to 1 (rarely 2) spikelets. Spikelets 2.7–3.5 mm long, 1.1–1.5 mm wide, 1–2 on a typical lowermost branch, regularly arranged on branches, laterally or dorsally compressed, elliptic to obovate. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 1.5-2 mm long, triangular, 5-nerved; upper glume 2.7–3.4 mm long, elliptic, muticous, 7-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.7–3.4 mm long, acute, 5–7-nerved; palea vestigial or absent. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 2.5–3.3 mm long, elliptic to obovate, indurate, coarsely transversely rugose, yellow to brown. Rare Paspalidium.
Endemic. Widespread in tropical and subtropical Australia. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, acacia shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, arid hummock grasslands, and tropical sub-humid grasslands. Flowering mostly Feb.–July. Map 989.
W.A.: 12 Km N of Kununurra on road to Kimberley Research Station, B.K.Simon 3690 & R.J.Petheram (BRI). N.T.: McArthur River, B.K.Simon 3164 & T.Farrell (BRI, CANB, DNA, K) ; c. 27 km SE of Tableland Stn, M.Lazarides 5112 (BRI, CANB). Qld: Qld Nickel Industries Ore Refinery, Yabulu, B.M.Waterhouse 6203 (BRI, CANB). N.S.W.: Waverley Downs, Apr. 1906, A.W.Muller s.n. (NSW).
The inflorescence of Paspalidium rarum is unique in that the lateral branches are usually reduced to a single spikelet (rarely 2).
Fast-growing, early maturing and seeds well. Plants are highly palatable, preferentially grazed and readily grazed out, but very useful in mixed native pasture.
5. Paspalidium johnsonii B.K. Simon, Austrobaileya 9: 212 (2010)
T: Amphitheatre, 40 km N of Musselbrook Mining camp, R.W Johnson MRS792 & M.B.Thomas (BRI, DNA, K).
Annuals. Flowering culms decumbent, ultimately erect, 7–20 cm long, 3–5-noded, sheaths not overlapping. Leaves glabrous; sheaths with eciliate margins; ligule 0.3–0.4 mm long; blades involute, 1–4 cm long, 5–7 mm wide. Inflorescence 1.5–4 cm long, lower branches shorter than adjacent internode of axis between them, branches reduced to 1 (rarely 2) spikelets, 0.4–0.6 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2.1–2.5 mm long, 0.9–1 mm wide 1–2 on a typical lowermost primary branch, dorsally compressed to planoconvex, elliptic. Glumes glabrous; lower glume c. 1.5 mm long, triangular to ovate, 5 -nerved; upper glume 2.1–2.5 mm long, elliptic, 7-nerved, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.1–2.5 mm long, acute, 5 –nerved. Upper floret curved in profile; lemma 2.1–2.4 mm long, yellow, finely transversely rugulose, yellow. Fig. xx.
Endemic; only known from type locality in Qld. Flowering Apr. to May. Map xxx.
Similar to P. rarum but with much smaller spikelets and the culms are more decumbent.
6. Paspalidium clementii (Domin) C.E.Hubb., Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1934: 447 (1934)
Panicum clementii Domin, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 41: 272 (1912); Setaria clementii (Domin) R.D.Webster, Sida 16:442 (1995). T: between the Ashburton and Yule Rivers, W.A., E.Clement; holo: K (photo BRI).
Setaria pembertonensis Mez, Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem, 7: 57. 1917. T: W.A.: Pemberton, Walcott s.n.; holo: B (photo BRI); iso K (photo BRI).
Illustrations: J.P.Jessop in J.P.Jessop & H.R.Toelken (eds), Fl. S. Australia 4th edn, 4: 1971, fig. 899B (1986); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 480 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Annuals. Flowering culms erect, compressible, 15–30 cm high, 3–7-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves glabrous: sheath with eciliate margins; ligule 0.2–0.4 mm long; blade flat, 5–12 cm long, 2–4 mm wide. Inflorescence 6–12 cm long; lower branches shorter than adjacent internode of axis; branches 1.5–4 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2–2.4 mm long, 0.7–1.0 mm wide, 8–20 on a typical lowermost branch, irregularly arranged on raceme axes, dorsally compressed, elliptic to oblong. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 1.1 –1.5 mm long, ovate, 3–5-nerved; upper glume 1.7–2.4 mm long, elliptic to oblong, muticous, 7–9-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 1.8–2.4 mm long, acute to rounded, 5–7-nerved; palea vestigial or absent. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 1.8–2.4 mm long, oblong to elliptic, coarsely transversely rugose, brown. Awn 1.7–2.3 mm long.
Endemic. Arid parts of all mainland States, except Vic. Commonly collected in rock crevices of gorges. Shrub steppe shrublands, acacia shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering mostly Apr.–Sep. Map 984.
W.A.: 38 km from Ullawarra Stn on track to Glen Florrie Stn, B.K.Simon 3764 & J.K.Stretch (BRI, PERTH). N.T.: N'Dahla Gorge, A.C.Beauglehole 45000 (BRI, DNA,); Erldunda Stn, P.K.Latz 4973 (BRI, CANB, DNA), S.A. 3 km SSW of Needle Hill, Cordillo Downs Stn, F.J.Badman 4894 (AD, BRI, PRE). Qld: Tranby, S.T.Blake 11412 (BRI, CANB) N.S.W.: Little Koonenberry Mt, J.C. deNardi 856 (NSW).
Paspalidium clementii is similar to P. basicladum, being an annual with compressible culms, but it differs from this species by having smaller spikelets and smooth culms.
7. Paspalidium basicladum Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1923: 318 (1923)
Setaria basiclada (Hughes) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 441 (1995). T: Kiminoppin, W.A., F.Stoward 200; holo: K; iso: BRI.
Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Annuals. Flowering culms erect or decumbent, compressible, 20–70 cm high, 3–6-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves: sheath glabrous, with eciliate margins; ligule 0.8–1.2 mm long; blade flat or conduplicate, 4.5–18 cm long (mostly 6–12), 2–6 mm wide (mostly c. 3.0), glabrous (papilla-based hairs occasionally present). Inflorescence 8–20 cm long; lower branches usually as long as or longer than adjacent internode of axis; branches 2–4.5 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2.7–3 mm long, 1.1–1.3 mm wide, 9–20 on a typical lowermost branch, irregularly arranged on raceme axes, dorsally compressed, elliptic to oblong,. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 1.2-1.9 mm long, oblong, 3–5-nerved (mostly 3); upper glume 2.3–2.8 mm long, elliptic, muticous or mucronate, 7-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.4–2.9 mm long, acute to rounded, 5–7-nerved (the first lateral nerves are only partially developed); palea vestigial or absent. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma, 2.3–2.8 mm long, elliptic coarsely transversely rugose, brown.
Endemic. Arid parts of all mainland States, except N.S.W and Vic. Shrub steppe shrublands, acacia shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering mostly Feb.–Aug. Map 985.
W.A.: 9.7 km NE of Meedo HS on Meedo-Pimbee Road, G.J.Keighery & N.Gibson 920 (BRI, PERTH). ; N.T.: Illamurta Springs, A.C.Beauglehole 23618 (BRI, DNA); New Crown Stn, Beddone Ra, P.K.Latz 6886 (BRI, DNA, L, NSW). S.A.: Ingooma, 81 Miles NW of Mt Eba, A.C.Beauglehole 20106 (AD, BRI). Qld: Tranby, Gregory North, S.T.Blake 11410 (BRI, CANB).
Paspalidium basicladum is closely related to P. clementii but differs in having larger spikelets and ± scabrous culms.
8. Paspalidium criniforme S.T.Blake, Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensland 62: 98 (1952)
Setaria criniformis (S.T.Blake) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 442 (1995). T: Moggill near Brisbane, Qld, 10 Mar. 1934, S.T.Blake 5282; holo: BRI; iso: AD, BRI, CANB, K, L, MEL, MO, NSW.
Paspalidium gracile var. debile Vickery, Contr. New South Wales Natl Herb. 1: 331 (1951). T: Hurstville, N.S.W., May 1901, J.H. Camfield; holo: NSW.
Illustrations: S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 479 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Perennials, rhizomatous. Flowering culms erect or decumbent, wiry, 10–60 cm high, 4–7-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves: glabrous or pilose with tubercle-based hairs sheaths with eciliate margins; ligule 0.3–0.6 mm long; blade flat to involute, 3–12 cm long, 1–3 mm wide. Inflorescence 3–10 cm long; lower branches longer than adjacent internode of axis; branches 0.5–2 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2–2.3 mm long, 0.9–1 mm wide, 3–10 on a typical lowermost branch, irregularly arranged on raceme axes, dorsally compressed, lanceolate to elliptic. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 1.0-1.6 mm long, triangular, 3-nerved (the 4th and 5th nerves occasionally partially developed); upper glume 1.8–2.2 mm long, elliptic, muticous or mucronate, 5–7-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2–2.3 mm long, acute, 5–7-nerved; palea vestigial or absent. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 1.9–2.3 mm long, elliptic, coarsely transversely rugose, yellow to brown.
Endemic. Mainly subtropical Qld and N.S.W. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Flowering mostly Feb.–July. Map 980.
Qld: Wrattens SF, W.J.McDonald 4165 (BRI, L). Yarraman, S.T.Blake 20025 (BRI, CANB): Proston, S.T.Blake 14211 (BRI, CANB): c. 4.8 km NNW of Samford, S.T.Blake 23578 (BRI, CANB). N.S.W.: Hermidale, G.M.Cunningham 684 (BRI, CANB).
It is debatable whether this species should be recognised, as the only distinguishing character of spikelet is its slightly smaller size. When the leaf blades are filiform they could be considered as forms of P. gracile with narrow spikelets and where they are not filiform as forms of P. constrictum. More study is needed.
9. Paspalidium tabulatum (Hack.) C.E.Hubb., Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1934: 448 (1934)
Panicum tabulatum Hack., Engl. Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 6: 234 (1885); Setaria tabulata (Hack.) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 445 (1995). T: Neumann s.n.; holo: W, n.v. ); iso: B (photo BRI, K), US 81289***[what is this number? US Nat Herb] (photo BRI).
Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Perennials with a knotty crown. Flowering culms erect, wiry, 40–60 cm high, 4–7-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves glabrous; sheath, with eciliate margins; ligule 0.35–0.45 mm long; blade conduplicate, 5–8 cm long, 1.5–3 mm wide. Inflorescence 7.5–9 cm long; lower branches shorter than adjacent internode of axis; branches 0.5–1.2 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 3.5–4.4 mm long, 1.1–1.5 mm wide, 2–5 on a typical lowermost branch, irregularly arranged on raceme axes, laterally compressed, lanceolate,. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 0.7-0.8 mm long, ovate, 5–7-nerved; upper glume 3.5–4.4 mm long, lanceolate, muticous, 5-9 -nerved. Lower floret male; lemma 3.5–4.4 mm long, gibbose at base, acute to rounded at apex, deeply grooved longitudinally, 11–13-nerved; palea developed, acute. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 2.1–2.3 mm long, elliptic, coarsely transversely rugose, brown.
Endemic. Restricted to the Pilbarra Region of W.A. Acacia shrublands and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering Apr.– Oct. Map 982.
W.A.: Kalamina Falls, Karajin NP, P.M.Peterson 14421, R.J.Soreng & G.Rosenberg (BRI, PERTH, US); Adydos Stn, S of Port Hedland, N.T.Burbidge 5871 (BRI, CANB); 6 miles [9.7 km] N of Roebourne, C.A.Gardner 6340 (BRI); Mundabullangana Stn, N.T.Burbidge 5804 (BRI, CANB); Bamboo Springs, 150 km NNW of Newman, A.A.Mitchell PRP 1305 (BRI, CANB, PERTH).
Pasplidium tabulatum is distinctive from all other Australian species in having a lower lemma which is deeply grooved longitudinally and gibbose at the base.
10. Paspalidium grandispiculatum B. K. Simon, Austrobaileya 1: 465 (1982)
Setaria grandispiculatum (B.K.Simon) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 443 (1995). T: 14 km N of Helidon, Qld, M.Peart 1990; holo: BRI; iso: BRI, CANB, K, L, MO, NSW.
Illustrations: T.D.Stanley in T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 211, fig. 33A (1989); B.K.Simon, op. cit 464, fig. 35 (11–19). (? Fig in Flora).
Perennials, with robust rhizomes. Flowering culms decumbent to erect, woody, wiry, 40–70 cm high, 4–7-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves glabrous: sheath with eciliate margins; ligule 0.5–1.2 mm long; blade flat to involute, 3–9 cm long, 3–5 mm wide. Inflorescence 10–22 cm long; lower branches longer or shorter than adjacent internode of axis; branches 0.5–4.5 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 4.1–4.8 mm long, 1.3–1.5 mm wide, 3–8 on a typical lowermost branch, irregularly arranged on raceme axes, dorsally compressed, lanceolate. Glumes: lower glume 2.3-3.0 mm long, triangular to ovate, 5-nerved, glabrous; upper glume 3.3–3.9 mm long, lanceolate, mucronate, 7–9-nerved, margins noticeably flared and hyaline, glabrous. Lower floret male; lemma 4.1–4.8 mm long, acute, 5–7-nerved; palea developed, acute. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 3.9–4.6 mm long, lanceolate, coarsely transversely rugose, yellow to brown. Fig. xx.
Endemic. Mainly from SE Qld with one record from North Coast of N.S.W. Tropical and subtropical rain forests and tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Flowering Feb.–Nov. Map 983.
Qld: Tarong mine site, 18 km SW of Nanango, S.Bellairs 30 (BRI); Helidon to Ravensbourne road, M.Peart 1913 (BRI), State Forest 258, 12 km ESE of Cooyar, A.R.Bean 16086 (BRI, MEL); Beaudesert, J.A.Thomas 1454MP (BRI). N.S.W.: Doubleduke SF, 29 12'10" S 153 10'50"E. D. Binns 4505 (NSW).
Paspalidium grandispiculatum is recognised as Vulnerable in J.D.Briggs & J.H.Leigh, Rare or Threatened Australian Plants 1995). It is the most robust species of Paspalidium in Australia, with spikelets more than 4 mm long and woody culms.
11. Paspalidium spartellum S.T.Blake, Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensland 62: 97 (1952)
Setaria spartella (S.T.Blake) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 445 (1995). T: on slopes of Great Dividing Ra., between Warrigal and Burra, W of Pentland, North Kennedy District, Qld, 19 Oct. 1935, S.T.Blake 9939; holo: BRI; iso: K.
Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Perennial, without rhizomes. Flowering culms erect, woody and wiry (cane-like), hollow, 50–115 cm tall, 5–8 noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves glabrous: sheath with eciliate margins; ligule 0.15-0.3 mm long; blade flat to involute, 6–20 cm long, 0.5–4 mm wide. Inflorescence 3–8 cm long; lower shorter or longer than adjacent internode of axis; branches 0.5-4 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2.4–3 mm long, 1–1.2 mm wide, 1-40 on a typical lowermost primary branch, planoconvex, elliptic. Glumes rounded on the back; lower glume 1.7-1.8 mm long, ovate, 3–4 nerved, glabrous; upper glume 2–2.6 mm long, ovate, 5–7 nerved, glabrous, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.4–3 mm long, membranous, 7 nerved, with apex acute; palea absent. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 2.5–3 mm long, yellow, indurate, finely transversely rugulose, elliptic. Fig. xx.
Endemic in Qld from Cape York to the White Mts, central Qld. Flowering Mar - Jun. Map 981.
Qld: 1 km NE of Cape Flattery, J.R.Clarkson 8649 & V.J.Neldner (BRI, MBA, NSW); Mt. Mulligan, J.R.Clarkson 5767 (BRI, MEL, QRS, PERTH); 5 km W of Waring HS, White Mts N.P., M.B.Thomas 1595 & E.J.Thompson (BRI, CANB, NSW); White Mts N.P. 20 27 39 S, 144 58 34E, E.J.Thompson HUG727 & M.B.Thomas (BRI); 41 km NW of Torrens Ck, Mitchell District, E.J.Thompson HUG348, S.Figg & K.Stephens (BRI).
Distinct from P. gracile in the robust, cane-like culms and the finely rugulose upper lemma. The type specimen is atypically stunted. Shares with P. gracile finely rugose surface of the upper lemma opposed to the coarsely rugulose upper lemma in the related P. constrictum and P. beviflorum.
12. Paspalidium gracile (R.Br.) Hughes, Bull Misc. Inform. Kew 1923: 318 (1923)
Panicum gracile R.Br., Prodr. 190 (1810). T: “Carpentaria”, Qld, R.Brown Iter Australiense 6096; lecto : K (photo BRI), fide B.K. Simon, Fl Australia 44c: xxx (200x)
Panicum flavidum var. tenuis Benth., as tenuior, Fl. Austral. 7: 474 (1878), p.p.; Paspalidium gracile var. rugosum Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inf. Kew 1923: 318 (1923), p.p. T: New England, N.S.W., C.Stuart; syn: K (photo BRI).
Panicum gracile f. dimorphum Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 302 (1915). T: Nord-Queensland: am Fusse des Smelling Bluff bei Chillagoe, Feb. 1910, K.Domin s.n.; holo: PR, n.v.
Panicum gracile f. pauperum Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 302 (1915). T: Nord-Queensland: auf halboffenen, erdigen Stellen in den Saavannenwäldern bei Chillagoe mit besonderer Vegetation einjähriger Kräuter, Feb. 1910, K.Domin s.n.; holo: PR, n.v.
Illustrations: S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 479 (1993); N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 602, fig. 122h (1994); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Perennials, rhizomatous (internodes short). Flowering culms erect, herbaceous, wiry, 30–90 cm high, 5–10-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves glabrous or slightly hairy: sheath with eciliate margins; ligule 0.5–0.8 mm long; blade flat to involute (then filiform), 4–13 cm long, 1–2 mm wide. Inflorescence 5–10 cm long; lower branches shorter than adjacent internode of axis; branches 1–3 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2.4–3.2 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide, 5–12 on a typical lowermost branch, irregularly arranged on raceme axes, laterally compressed or terete, elliptic. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 1.2-1.9 mm long, triangular, 3–5-nerved; upper glume 1.9–2.7 mm long, elliptic, mucronate, 5–7-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.1–3.1 mm long, acute, 5–7-nerved; palea vestigial. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 2.2–3 mm long, elliptic, finely transversely rugose, yellow to brown. Slender Panic. Fig. xx.
Endemic. Widespread in all mainland States, although mainly in Qld and N.S.W. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, acacia shrublands, and arid tussock grasslands. Flowering mostly Mar.–July. Map 978.
W.A.: Woolibar Stn , A.A.Mitchell 5082 (BRI, PERTH).N.T.: 11.8 miles [19 km] SW of Beetaloo, G.Chippendale 5456 (BRI, CANB). S.A.: Barton, C.E.Hubbard 8341 (BRI, K). Qld: Townsville, S.T.Blake 5949 (BRI, CANB). N.S.W.: Shoalhaven Gullies, Feb. 1865, C.Moore s.n. (BRI, NSW). Vic.: Bonang-Gelantipy Rd, A.C.Beauglehole 37150 (BRI, MEL).
Paspalidium gracile is similar to P. spartellum in that the surface ornamentation of the upper lemma is finely rugose, differing in this respect from the coarsely rugose upper lemmas of P. constrictum and P. breviflorum. Also the leaves are often fastigiate and become filiform with age, giving the plant a bushy appearance. The vegetative parts are bright green, when fresh and not bluish-green as in P. constrictum. It is hardy and readily grazed.
13. Paspalidium constrictum (Domin) C.E.Hubb., Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1934: 447 (1934)
Panicum constrictum Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 302 (1915); Setaria constricta (Domin) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 442 (1995). T: near Pentland, Feb. 1910, K.Domin [1108]; holo: PR. (photo BRI).
Panicum flavidum var. tenuis Benth., as tenuior, Fl. Austral. 7: 474 (1878), p.p. ; Paspalidium gracile var. rugosum Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inf. Kew 1923: 318 (1923), p.p. T: interior, N.S.W., A.Cunningham; syn: K (photo BRI)
Illustrations: C.A.Lamp et al., Grasses Temp. Australia 217 (1990); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 479 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Perennials, rhizomatous or without rhizomes. Flowering culms erect or occasionally slightly decumbent, herbaceous, wiry, 20–115 cm high, 4–8-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves: sheath glabrous although sometimes slightly hairy at apex, with eciliate margins; ligule 0.2–1 mm long; blade flat to involute, 6–20 cm long, 1–4 mm wide, glabrous or sometimes slightly hairy. Inflorescence 3–12 cm long; lower branches shorter than adjacent internode of axis; branches 0.45–1.8 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2.4–3.6 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide, 5–12 on a typical lowermost branch, irregularly arranged on raceme axes, dorsally compressed, elliptic to oblong. Glumes: lower glume 1.3-1.9 mm long, triangular, (3-) 5-nerved, glabrous; upper glume 2.1–2.9 mm long, elliptic, muticous, 7–9-nerved, glabrous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.4–3.5 mm long, acute to rounded, 5–7-nerved; palea vestigial or absent. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 2.4–3.2 mm long, elliptic, coarsely transversely rugose at the base, yellow to brown. Knottybutt Grass, Slender Panic, Box Grass. Fig. xx.
Endemic. Widespread in all mainland States. Semi-arid shrub woodlands, shrub steppe shrublands, acacia shrublands, eucalypt shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering mostly Apr.–Aug. Map 979.
W.A.: 9.8 km S of Watheroo, B.J.Lepschi 2643 & T.R.Lally (AD, BRI, CANC, MEL).). N.T.: 104 km W of Henbury HS on Kings Canyon Rd, P.K.Latz 260. S.A.: Everard Ranges, A.C.Beauglehole 25476 (AD, BRI, DNA). Qld: Morven, S.T.Blake 5677 (BRI, CANB); N.S.W.: Griffith, A.J.Brown 393 (BRI, CANB, NSW). Vic.: Cocamba, A.J.Brown 152 (BRI, MEL).
Paspalidium constrictum is similar to P. breviflorum in having coarsely rugose upper lemmas, although the surface is very coarse in P. breviflorum. It is also similar to P. gracile, differing by the coarse upper lemma surface, the bluish-green colour of the culms and leaves, and by the leaves not being fastigiate or becoming filiform.
Drought-resistant, regenerates rapidly and is highly palatable and susceptible to preferential grazing.
14. Paspalidum breviflorum Vickery, Telopea 1: 40 (1975). T: NSW: North Coast: Richmond River, May 1912, Foster & Sons s.n. in NSW8946; holo: NSW (photo BRI)
Illustrations: S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 480 (1993).
Perennial, without rhizomes. Flowering culms erect, herbaceous, to 40 cm tall, 3-5 noded, sheath not overlapping. Leaves:glabrous; sheaths ciliate on one margin; ligule to 0.5 mm long; blades flat, to 9 cm long, to 3.5 mm wide. Inflorescence 1.5-4 cm long; lower branches longer than adjacent internode of axis, 0.5–1.5 cm long; branches 0.5-1cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 1.8–2.3 mm long, 1.2–1.3 mm wide, 3-8 on a typical lowermost primary branch, dorsally compressed. Glumes rounded on the back, glabrous; lower glume 1.0-1.4 mm long, ovate, 3 nerved; upper glume 1.6–2 mm long, 7–9 nerved, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 1.8–2.3 mm long, not grooved, membranous, 5 nerved; palea vestigial. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 1.8-2.3 mm long, indurate, very coarsely transversely rugose (the wrinkles visible through the upper glume and proximal/lower floret), elliptic. Fig. xx.
Statement re distribution, flowering
Qld: Leichhardt Distr, Aug 1934, Land Commissioner Emerald 5 (BRI); Mungallala, C,E,Hubbard 6054 & C.Winders (BRI, CANB, K). 28 miles [45 km] from Marlborough on inland highway towards Sarina, M.Fagg 647 (BRI, CANB). N.S.W.: New England, collector unknown, NSW 8937 (NSW).
This species is similar to P. constrictum but has a more coarsely rugose indumentum of the upper lemma to the extent that the wrinkles are visible through the upper glume. It may only be a form of P. constrictum, but appears different enough at this stage to warrant recognition.
15. Paspalidium jubiflorum (Trin.) Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1923: 317 (1923)
Panicum jubiflorum Trin., Gram. Panic. 130 (1826); Panicum flavidum var. jubiflorum (Trin.) Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 300 (1915); Setaria jubiflora (Trin.) R.D.Webster, Sida 16:443 (1995). T: Nov. Holl., Lindley s.n.; holo: ?CGE n.v.
Panicum flavidum var. tenuis Benth., as tenuior, Fl. Austral. 7: 474 (1878), p.p. ; Paspalidium gracile var. rugosum Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inf. Kew 1923: 318 (1923), p.p. T: Warwick, Qld, Beckler; syn: K (photo BRI)
Illustrations: J.P.Jessop in J.P.Jessop & H.R.Toelken (eds), Fl. S. Australia 4th edn, 4: 1971, fig. 899C (1986N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 602, fig. 122f-g (1994); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Perennials, rhizomatous. Flowering culms erect or decumbent, wiry, 50–90 cm high, 4–7-noded; sheaths over-lapping or not overlapping. Leaves glabrous: sheath with eciliate margins; ligule 0.5–1.2 mm long; blade flat, 7–22 cm long, 4–10 mm wide. Inflorescence 14–36 cm long; lower branches often as long as or longer than adjacent internodes of axis; branches 1–4 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2.5–3.1 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide, 13–50 on a typical lowermost branch, regularly arranged on raceme axes, terete or dorsally compressed, elliptic. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 1.2-1.6 mm long, triangular to ovate, 3–5-nerved; upper, 2.3–2.9 mm long, glume elliptic to oblong muticous or mucronate, 5-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.4–3 mm long, acute, 5-nerved; palea vestigial or absent. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma, 2.3–2.9 mm long, lanceolate to elliptic coarsely transversely rugose, yellow to brown. Warrego Grass.
Endemic. Widely distributed in all mainland States. Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, acacia shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering mostly Mar.–Aug. Map 968.
W.A.: Lyons R, 46 km from Gascoyne Juction road to Minnie Creek Stn, B.K.Simon 3729 & J.K.Stretch (BRI, K, PERTH). N.T.: Mappata Water Hole, 20 mi (32 km) NNE of Huckitts HS, P.K.Latz 1113 (BRI, DNA). S.A.: near Zoar cemetery, Carclew, N of Adelaide, D.N.Kraehenbuehl 4521 (AD, BRI). Qld: Cunnamulla, S.T.Blake 11209 (BRI). N.S.W.: Narromine, Nov 1892 R.Helms s.n. (BRI, NSW). Vic: Yarrawonga, H.Aston 2188 (BRI, MEL).
Paspalidium jubiflorum differs from other species with regularly arranged spikelets at least 2.5 mm long that are not curved in profile (P. aversum, P. gausum, P. udum and P. flavidum ) by most of the inflorescence branches often being as long as or longer than adjacent internodes of the axis.
A rhizomatous semi-aquatic, which responds to flooding, stabilizes wet ground and provides nutritious fodder.
16. Paspalidium gausum S.T.Blake, Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensland 84: 68 (1973)
Setaria gausaI (S.T.Blake) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 443 (1995). T: Burpengary, Qld, 14 Apr.1956, S.T.Blake 19914; holo: (2 sheets): BRI; iso: BRI.
Illustrations: S.T.Blake, op. cit. t. 7, fig. 6;; S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 480 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Perennials, rhizomatous. Flowering culms erect, wiry, 50–80 cm high, 3–4-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves glabrous: sheath ciliate on one margin; ligule 0.5–0.8 mm long; blade flat (with margins occasionally partially inrolled), 8–24 cm long, 4–9 mm wide. Inflorescence 10–24 cm long; lower branches shorter than adjacent internodes of axis; branches 0.5–3.5 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2.5–3 mm long, 1.2–1.5 mm wide, 9–20 on a typical lowermost branch, regularly arranged on raceme axes, terete or dorsally compressed, elliptic. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 1.1–1.5 mm long, ovate, 5-nerved; upper glume, 2.2–2.6 mm long, elliptic, mucronate, 7–9-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.5–3 mm long, acute to rounded, 5-nerved; palea vestigial. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 2.3–2.9 mm long, elliptic, coarsely transversely rugose, yellow to brown.
Endemic. Mainly coastal subtropical Qld and northern N.S.W. Tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, and tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Flowering Mar.–May. Map 975.
Qld: Canungra, S.T.Blake 12874 (BRI); Cooktown, on Hopevale Rd., T.J.McDonald 1530 (BRI); Cedar Creek Falls, B.K.Simon 2600 & S.B.Andrews (BRI, CANB); Bribie Is., C.E.Hubbard 2597 (BRI, CANB). N.S.W.: North Coast, between Kingscliff and Nories Head, S.T.Blake 18495 (BRI, CANB).
P. gausum has leaf sheaths ciliate on at least one margin in the upper part, in common with P. aversum, but is distinguished by its rigid wiry rhizomatous habit and preference for dry habitats.
17. Paspalidium aversum Vick., Contr. New South Wales Natl Herb. 1: 331 (1951)
Setaria aversa (Vickery) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 441 (1995). T: Tamworth, N.S.W., 18 Feb. 1941, T.F.Mair s.n.; holo: NSW; iso: BRI.
Illustrations: N.T.Burbidge, Austral. Grasses 3: 143 (1970);; S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 480 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Perennials, without rhizomes. Flowering culms decumbent, compressible, 40–90 cm high, 4–6-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves glabrous: sheath ciliate on one margin; ligule 0.8–1 mm long; blade flat, 8–25 cm long, 3–9 mm wide. Inflorescence 9–30 cm long; lower branches shorter than adjacent internodes of axis; branches 1–4 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2.5–2.8 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide, 9–20 on a typical lowermost branch, regularly arranged on raceme axes, dorsally compressed, ovate to elliptic,. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 0.8–1.2 mm long, ovate, 3–5-nerved; upper glume 2.2–2.6 mm long, elliptic, mucronate, 5–7-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.2–2.6 mm long, acute, 5-nerved; palea vestigial. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 2.1–2.6 mm long, elliptic, indurate, coarsely transversely rugose, yellow to brown. Bent Summer Grass.
Endemic . Eastern Qld and N.S.W. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, temperate wet sclerophyll forests, temperate sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Flowering Jan.–May, or Sep.–Oct. Map 976.
Qld: Chesterton Stn, S.T.Blake 11103 (BRI); S. of Chinchilla, S.T.Blake 19177 (BRI, CANB). N.S.W.: 25 ml [40 km] S of Cobar, G.M.Cunningham 683 (BRI, NSW); Rooty Hill, R.Coveny 10127a (BRI, NSW); near Bylong Lower, R.Story 7585 (BRI, CANB).
P. aversum shares with P. gausum the one ciliate upper sheath margins, but differs in its lax decumbent habit, absence of rhizomes and its preference for wetter habitats. P. aversum is the only Paspalidium species with a membranous rather than indurate upper lemma.
18. Paspalidium udum Vick., Proc. Roy. Soc. Qld. 62(10): 98 (1952)
Setaria uda (S.T.Blake) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 445 (1995). T: near Alligator Pt, Northern Territory, 28 Jul 1946, S.T.Blake 16659; holo: BRI; iso: CANB, K, L, US.
Illustrations: I.D.Cowie, P.S.Short & M.Osterkamp Madsen, Floodplain Flora 316, Fig 81 (2000); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Perennials (aquatic or semi-aquatic with relatively large spongy culms), rhizomatous. Flowering culms erect or decumbent, compressible, 40–90 cm high, 6–10-noded; sheaths over-lapping. Leaves glabrous: sheath with eciliate margins; ligule 1–1.3 mm long; blade flat to involute, 15–30 cm long, 5–11 mm wide. Inflorescence 12–19 cm long; lower branches shorter than adjacent internodes of axis; branches 1.5–2 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2.7–3 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide, 7–13 on a typical lowermost branch, regularly arranged on raceme axes, dorsally compressed, elliptic. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 0.4-0.6 mm long, oblong, 0-nerved, upper glume 1.7–2 mm long, oblong to obovate, muticous, 3–5-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.7–3 mm long, acute, 5-nerved; palea vestigial or absent. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma, 2.5–2.9 mm long, elliptic, coarsely transversely rugose, yellow to brown. Fig xx (C.Wardrop).
Endemic. Coastal N.T. and subcoastal to coastal tropical Qld. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Flowering July–Aug. Map 977.
N.T.: Ramingining area, Dhabila area. I.D.Cowie & C.R.Dunlop 7888 (BRI, CANB, DNA). Qld.: near Saltern Lagoon, 5 km west of Valley of Lagoons, M.Lazarides 8165 (BRI, CANB); Long Swamp, Townsville, Town Common, P.R.Williams 1753 (BRI, CANB, NSW).
The aquatic or semi-aquatic habit with floating spongy stems makes P. udum unique for Australian members of this genus. It also differs from P. flavidum by having more inflorescence branches (10–16 rather than 3–8).
19. Paspalidium flavidum (Retz.) A.Camus R.H.Lecomte], Fl. Indo-Chine 7: 419 (1922)
Panicum flavidum Retz., Observ. Bot. 4: 15 (1786); Setaria flavida (Retz.) Veldkamp, Blumea 39: 376 (1994). T: Zeylona [Sri Lanka], König s.n.; holo: LD (photo BRI).
Illustrations: E.Breakwell, Grasses & Fodder Pl. New South Wales 64, fig. 19 (1923) as Panicum flavidum; D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Perennials, rhizomatous. Flowering culms erect, compressible, 10–45 cm high, 3–5-noded; sheaths over-lapping. Leaves glabrous: sheath with eciliate margins; ligule 0.2–0.4 mm long; blade flat, 4–10 cm long, 4–6 mm wide. Inflorescence 7–16 cm long; lower branches shorter than adjacent internodes of axis; branches 1–2 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 2.5–3 mm long, 1.2–1.4 mm wide, 5–8 on a typical lowermost branch, regularly arranged on raceme axes, laterally compressed or terete, elliptic. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 1.2-1.4 mm long, triangular to ovate, 3–5-nerved; upper glume 1.8–2 mm long, elliptic, mucronate, 5–7-nerved and minute transverse nerves occasionally present. Lower floret sterile; lemma 1.9–2.2 mm long, rounded, 5-nerved; palea developed, apex rounded. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 1.8–2.1 mm long, elliptic, coarsely transversely rugose, yellow to brown.
Native. Common in tropical Asia and the Pacific and central coastal Qld. Tropical and subtropical rain forests and tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Flowering Apr.–Sep. Map 974.
Qld: Mareeba, S.T.Blake 9469 (BRI); 4.5 km W of Mt McConnell HS, E.J.Thompson CHA355 & P.R.Sharpe (BRI); Bowen, S.T.Blake 18535 (BRI); Glenmore, NW of Rockhampton, Apr.1959, Birbeck s.n., (BRI); between Marmor and Bajool, S.T.Blake 19930 (BRI, CANB).
Like Paspalidium udum, P. flavidum has glabrous leaf sheath margins, but differs in having fewer inflorescence branches and the culms are slender and not spongy.
20. Paspalidium albovillosum S.T.Blake, Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensland 62: 96 (1952)
Setaria albovillosa (S.T.Blake) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 441 (1995). T: 20 miles [32.2 km] W of Mitchell, Maranoa District, Qld, 31 Mar. 1936, S.T.Blake 10947; holo: BRI; iso: BRI, CANB, K, NSW.
Paspalidium radiatum var. hirsutum Vickery, Contr. New South Wales Natl Herb. 1: 334 (1951). T: Kurrajong, N.S.W., D.O.Cross s.n.; holo: NSW; iso: BRI.
Illustrations: T.D.Stanley in T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 211, fig. 33F (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 480 (1993).
Perennials, rhizomatous (internodes short). Flowering culms erect, compressible, 20–70 cm high, 3–8-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves hairy (hirsute); sheath ciliate on the margins; ligule 0.4–0.7 mm long; blade flat to involute, 3.5–13 cm long, 1.5–4.5 mm wide. Inflorescence 10–30 cm long; lower branches shorter than adjacent internodes of axis; branches 1–3 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 1.5–1.8 mm long, 1–1.2 mm wide 8–15 on a typical lowermost branch, regularly arranged on raceme axes, dorsally compressed or terete, elliptic (gaping at maturity), distinctly convex. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 0.5-0.8 mm long, ovate, 0–3-nerved; upper glume 1.4–1.6 mm long, obovate, mucronate, 5–7-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 1.5–1.8 mm long, rounded, 5-nerved; palea vestigial. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 1.4–1.8 mm long, elliptic, coarsely transversely rugose, yellow to brown. Pale Summer Grass.
Endemic. Tropical and subtropical Qld and N.S.W. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Flowering Feb.–Sep. Map 973.
Qld: 10.5 km E of Valley of Lagoons HS on road to L. Lucy, J.R.Clarkson 7926 & R.J.F.Henderson (BRI, CANB, MBA, NSW, PERTH, QRS); Goodna, 15 miles [24.2 km] W of Brisbane, C.E.Hubbard 2874 (BRI, K); between Miles and Roma, S.T.Blake 7639 (BRI, CANB). N.S.W.: Ewingar SF, S of Tabulam, A.R.Bean 17322 (BRI, NSW); Sandy Hollow, Hunter Valley, R.Story 7006 (BRI, CANB). [locality is OK from HERBRECS]
Paspalidium albovillosum is distinguished from P. caespitosum and P. distans by the hirsute covering of the leaves, inflorescence axis, raceme rachises and pedicels. There is no striking difference between the spikelets of P. albovillosum, P. caespitosum and P. distans and the use of species rank to indicate differences in the morphological attributes of these forms is questionable. More detailed study is required for a satisfactory taxomonic solution.
21. Paspalidium caespitosum C.E.Hubb., Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1934: 446 (1934)
Setaria brigalow R.D.Webster, Sida 16:441 (1995), non Setaria caespitosa Hack. & Arechav. (1894). T: near Goondiwindi, Qld, May 1933, E.Hirschfeld s.n.; holo: K; iso: BRI.
Illustrations: T.D.Stanley in T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 211, fig. 33G (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 481 (1993).
Perennials, rhizomatous with short internodes. Flowering culms erect, wiry, 35–70 cm high, 3–7-noded; sheaths over-lapping. Leaves glabrous; sheath with eciliate margins; ligule 0.4–0.6 mm long; blade involute (rarely flat), 8–15 cm long, 1–4 mm wide. Inflorescence 8–21 cm long; lower branches shorter than adjacent internodes of axis; branches 0.9–2.5 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 1.8–2.1 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide, 10–25 on a typical lowermost branch, regularly arranged on raceme axes, dorsally compressed, elliptic, Glumes glabrous; lower glume 0.7-1.1 mm long, ovate, 3-nerved; upper glume 1.5–1.8 mm long, elliptic, muticous, 5-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 1.8–2.1 mm long, acute, 5-nerved; palea vestigial. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 1.7–2 mm long, elliptic, finely transversely rugose, yellow to brown. ?Fig xx. Brigalow Grass.
Endemic. Subtropical Qld and N.S.W. Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, acacia shrublands, and arid tussock grasslands. Flowering Feb.–Sep. Map 971.
Qld: Jericho, C.E.Hubbard 7800 (BRI, CANB, K); 60 km from Roma on road to Injune, B.K.Simon 2855 (BRI, CANB); near Walloon, WNW of Ipswich, S.T.Blake (BRI, CANB, DNA, K, NSW, PERTH). ; 6 miles [9.7 km] W of Yalleroi, W.J.Bisset E94 (BRI). N.S.W.: 5miles [8 km] S of Narrabri, 27 Apr 1954, J.W.Vickery s.n. (BRI, NSW).
Paspalidium caespitosum is closely related to P. distans, differing by the leaf blades being narrow and rolled.
22. Paspalidium distans (Trin.) Hughes, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1923: 317 (1923)
Panicum distans Trin., Spec. Gram. 2:, t. 172 (1829); Setaria distans (Trin.) Veldkamp, Blumea 39: 376 (1994). T: Nova Hollandia, R.Brown Iter Australiense 6098 (specimen A marked by S.T.Blake); lecto: BM (photo BRI); isolecto: BRI, K, fide J.F.Veldkamp, Blumea 39: 376 (1994).
Panicum commixtum Steud. Syn. Pl. Glumac. 1: 59 (1853). T: Port Jackson, d'Urville s.n.; holo: P (photo BRI); iso: BRI.
Paspalidium radiatum Vickery, Contr. New South Wales Natl Herb. 1: 332 (1951); Panicum radiatum H.St.John, Pacific Sci. 13: 158 (1959), nom. illeg. non R.Br. (1810), as radiatus. T: Penshurst, N.S.W., Mar. 1907, E.Cheel s.n.; holo: NSW, n.v.; iso: BRI, K, n.v.
Paspalidium disjunctum S.T.Blake, Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensland 84: 65, t. 7, fig. 5](1973). T: Taylor Ra., Qld, S.T.Blake 19899; holo: BRI; iso: BRI.
Paspalidium scabrifolium S.T.Blake, Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensland 84: 69 (1973); Setaria scabrifolia (S.T.Blake) R.D.Webster, Sida 16: 444 (1995). T: N of Wowan, Port Curtis District, Qld, 16 May 1956, S.T.Blake 19983; holo: BRI (3 sheets); iso: K
[ This species (P. scabrifolium) has been resurrected and is considered rare and threatened in Queensland]
Illustrations: T.D.Stanley in T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 211, fig. 33H as P. disjunctum, fig. 33I as P. distans (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 481 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Perennials, rhizomatous. Flowering culms erect, wiry, 30–80 (–100) cm high, 2–5 (–7)-noded; sheaths not overlapping. Leaves: sheath glabrous, ciliate on the margins; ligule 0.3–0.5 (–1.5) mm long; blade flat (usually), (5–) 8–12 (–30) cm long, 2–6.5 (–8) mm wide, glabrous. Inflorescence 6–25 (–30) cm long; lower branches shorter than adjacent internodes of axis; branches 0.5–2.5 cm long, appressed to the main axis. Spikelets 1.7–2.4 mm long, 0.9–1.2 (–1.4) mm wide, 4–20 on a typical lowermost branch (normally c. 12), regularly arranged on raceme axes, dorsally compressed, ovate to elliptic. Glumes glabrous; lower glume 0.7-1.0 mm long, ovate, 3–5-nerved; upper glume 1.5–2 mm long, ovate or elliptic, muticous or mucronate, 5–9-nerved. Lower floret sterile; lemma 1.7–2.4 mm long, rounded or obtuse, 5-nerved; palea vestigial. Upper floret not curved in profile; lemma 1.7–2.3 mm long, elliptic, finely to coarsely transversely rugose, yellow to brown.
Native. Tropics and subtropics from the Kimberley, W.A. to southern N.S.W. Also New Guinea, Aru Is (Indonesia) and New Caledonia. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, and arid and semi-arid low woodlands. Flowering throughout the year. Map 969.
W.A.: Windjana Gorge, Napier Ra, B.K.Simon 3873 (AD, BRI, CANB, DNA, K, L, NSW, MEL, MO, PERTH, PRE, US). N.T.: McArthur River Camp, B.K.Simon 3167 (BRI, CANB). Qld: near Burpengary, S.T.Blake 19915 (BRI); 63 km from Normanton, B.K.Simon 3034 (BRI). N.S.W.: S of Yelarbon [Qld], Nov.1949, F.Hely s.n. (BRI).
P. disjunctum was separated from P. distans by Blake (1973) and others on the basis of several questionable features that the current author is unable to discern. P. scabrifolum is a slightly more vigorous plant with a more discernible leaf scabrosity, but these are hardly worthy character states for species recognition.
Excluded Names
Panicum flavidum var. orarium Domin Biblioth. Bot. 85: 300 (1915)
T: auf den Felsen am Cape Grafton bei Yarraba, holo: K.Domin s.n.: PR, n.v., Jan, 1910
This specimen could not be located and its identity is unknown.