Ischaemum polystachyum J. & C.
Presl. C.B.Presl, Reliq. Haenk. 1: 328 (1830).
Classification. (GPWG 2001) : Subfamily Panicoideae. Andropogoneae.
Type of Basionym or
Protologue Information: Mariana Islands:, Haenke
s.n. (IT: US-91463 (fragm.)).
Key references
(books and floras): [1969] E.E.Henty, Manual Grasses New Guinea
(117), [2002] D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass, Grasses of Australia.
Habit.
Perennial. Culms sprawling, 120 cm tall. Lateral branches simple. Ligule an
eciliate membrane, 2 mm long. Leaf-blades 14 cm long, 14 mm wide. Leaf-blade
surface indumented.
Inflorescence.
Inflorescence digitate, with ramose branches.
Spikelets.
Companion spikelets developed, male, 5.5 mm long. Fertile spikelets elliptic,
5.5 mm long.
Glumes. Lower
glume oblong, keeled, winged on keel, 12 -nerved. Upper glume oblong, 5
-nerved. Upper glume apex awned. Florets. Basal sterile florets 1.
Lemma apex awned.
Median (principal) awn 5 mm long overall.
Continental
Distribution: Tropical Asia, or Australasia.
Australian
Distribution: Queensland, Christmas Is,
Cocos Keeling Is, Ashmore Reef, Coral Sea Is.
Queensland: Cook.
Notes. The only
Australian record of this common New Guinea
species are from Duan Is. in the Torres Strait.
Flowers Feb.
