Enneapogon decipiens E.K.Z. Kakudidi. Aust.
Syst. Bot. 1: 336 (1988).
Classification. (GPWG 2001) : Subfamily
Chloridoideae. Pappophoreae.
Type of Basionym or
Protologue Information: Australia, Newcastle Waters: Must 409 (CANB
holo, NT).
Key references (books
and floras): [2002] D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass, Grasses of
Australia.
Habit.
Perennial. Culms 28–62 cm tall. Lateral branches branched. Ligule a fringe of
hairs. Leaf-blades flat, 1–3 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface scaberulous,
indumented.
Inflorescence.
Inflorescence solid, a panicle. Panicle linear, (1.5–)2.5–13 cm long, 1–2 cm
wide.
Spikelets.
Spikelets pedicelled. Fertile spikelets 1 or more flowered, with 1 fertile
floret (1(-2)), comprising 1(–2) fertile floret(s), with diminished florets at
the apex, oblong, laterally compressed, 5.9–9.4 mm long.
Glumes.
Glumes similar, thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume ovate, membranous,
without keels, 9–14 -nerved. Lower glume surface glabrous or indumented. Upper
glume ovate, 5.9–9.4 mm long, membranous, without keels, 7–14 -nerved. Upper
glume surface scabrous, glabrous or indumented. Upper glume apex entire or
erose.
Florets.
Fertile lemma 2.9–4.2 mm long, without keel, 9–11 -nerved. Lemma surface
indumented. Lemma apex dentate or lobed, awned, 9 -awned. Median (principal)
awn 3.5–9 mm long overall. Lateral lemma awns present. Palea apex with
excurrent keel nerves. Lodicules present. Anthers 3. Grain 1.3–2.2 mm long.
Continental
Distribution: Australasia.
Australian
Distribution: Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland.
Western Australia:
Fitzgerald, Hall. Northern Territory: Darwin & Gulf, Victoria River,
Barkly Tableland. Queensland: Burke.
Notes.
Differs from all other species (except E. eremophilus) by the
cartilaginous, glabrous palea of the basal floret. Also, the many-noded
strongly branched culms mostly covered by leaf sheaths are helpful features.
Main differences between the two species relate to dimensions, indumentum
and/or nervation of panicle, glumes, lemma and palea.
Distribution
is limited in the northern part of the N.T. and adjacent parts of Qld and W.A.
In dry, generally rocky sites.
