Bromus lithobius* Trin. Linnaea 10: 303 (1836).
Classification. (GPWG 2001) : Subfamily Pooideae. Tribe Bromeae.
Type of Basionym or Protologue Information: HT: E.F. Poppig s.n. mis. [Kunze], Dec. 1828, Chile austr.: in lapidosis Andium de St. Rosa (LE-TRIN-2951.02; IT: US-865494 (fragm. ex W), W).
IT: Kunze, Chil. austr.: Antuco (LE-TRIN-2951.01). mis e plantis Poppigii 1832 : Pg. coll. III. 41.
Recent synonyms: B. fonkii, B. cebadilla auct.
Key references (books and floras): [2002] D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass, Grasses of Australia, [2006] J.Jessop, G.R.M.Dashorst, F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia (258), [2008] S.W.L.Jacobs, R.D.B.Walley & D.J.B.Wheeler, Grasses of New South Wales, [2009] A.Wilson (ed.). Flora of Australia, Vol 44A. Poaceae 2 (86).
Illustrations: [2006] J.Jessop, G.R.M.Dashorst, F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia (258, Fig. 200).
Habit. Perennial. Culms 25–80 cm tall. Lateral branches simple. Leaf-sheaths antrorsely scabrous, glabrous on surface. Ligule an eciliate membrane, 4 mm long. Leaf-blades 9–33.5 cm long, 2–10 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface indumented.
Inflorescence. Inflorescence compound, a panicle. Panicle lanceolate, 5–18 cm long.
Spikelets. Spikelets pedicelled. Fertile spikelets many flowered, with at least 2 fertile florets (4–9), comprising 4–9 fertile floret(s), with diminished florets at the apex, oblong, laterally compressed, 14–27 mm long.
Glumes. Lower glume lanceolate, membranous, keeled, 1-keeled, 5 -nerved. Lower glume surface indumented. Upper glume lanceolate, 7–9.7 mm long, membranous, keeled, 1-keeled, 7 -nerved. Upper glume surface indumented.
Florets. Fertile lemma 8–11.5 mm long, keeled, 7 -nerved. Lemma surface indumented. Lemma apex dentate, awned, 1 -awned. Median (principal) awn apical or subapical, 3–6 mm long overall. Lodicules present. Anthers 3.
Continental Distribution: Australasia and South America.
Australian Distribution: South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania.
South Australia: South-eastern. New South Wales: Southern Tablelands. Victoria: Eastern Highlands, Gippsland Plain, Midlands, Riverina. Tasmania: East Coast.
Notes. Introduced. Naturalized in Vic. in a few localities mainly near Melbourne and also in Tas. Also known from a collection from the southern tablelands, N.S.W., and a cultivated specimen from W.A. Native to central and southern America. Flowers Oct.-Jan.
