Melica ciliata* L. Sp. Pl. 1: 66 (1753).
Classification. (GPWG 2001) : Subfamily Pooideae. Tribe Poeae.
Type of Basionym or Protologue Information: LT: (LINN-86.1). LT designated by Cope in Cafferty et al., Taxon 49(2): 252 (2000).
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 (179), [2009] A.Wilson (ed.). Flora of Australia, Vol 44A. Poaceae 2 (71).
Illustrations: [2006] J.Jessop, G.R.M.Dashorst, F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia (180, fig. 129).
Habit. Perennial. Rhizomes present, elongated. Culms erect, 50–100 cm tall. Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades flat or convolute, 5–15 cm long, 1–3 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface scabrous, glabrous or indumented.
Inflorescence. Inflorescence solid, a panicle. Panicle linear, 4–20 cm long.
Spikelets. Spikelets pedicelled. Fertile spikelets 1 or more flowered, with 1 fertile floret, comprising 1 fertile floret(s), with diminished florets at the apex, cuneate, laterally compressed, 5–7 mm long.
Glumes. Glumes similar, thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume ovate, membranous, without keels, 5 -nerved. Upper glume ovate, 4–5 mm long, membranous, without keels, 5 -nerved.
Florets. Fertile lemma 4.5–5 mm long, without keel, 7–9 -nerved. Palea 2 -nerved. Lodicules present.
Continental Distribution: Europe, Africa, and Temperate Asia.
Australian Distribution: South Australia.
South Australia: Southern Lofty.
