Micraira lazaridis L.G. Clark, J.F.
Wendel & L.A. Craven. Beagle 12: 2 (1995).
Classification.
(GPWG 2001) : Subfamily Micrairoideae. Micraireae.
Type of Basionym or
Protologue Information: Australia:
Western Australia, L.A. Craven 9344 (HT: ?; IT:
K).
Key references
(books and floras): [2002] D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass, Grasses of
Australia.
Habit.
Perennial. Culms 3–11 cm tall. Ligule a fringed membrane, 0.2–0.5 mm long,
ciliate from base of abaxial surface. Leaf-blades 1.8–3.7(–8.5) cm long,
0.3–0.4 mm wide.
Inflorescence.
Inflorescence compound, a panicle. Panicle 1.6–2 cm long.
Spikelets.
Fertile spikelets 2-flowered, both fertile, comprising 2 fertile floret(s).
Glumes. Lower
glume ovate, 1–3 -nerved. Upper glume ovate, 1–1.4 mm long, 1–3 -nerved.
Florets.
Fertile lemma 0.35–0.5 mm long. Grain 0.4 mm long.
Continental
Distribution: Australasia.
Australian
Distribution: Western Australia.
Western
Australia: Gardner.
Notes.
This species is characterised by its much-reduced, inserted spike, short
florets relative to the glumes, emarginate apically ciliate glumes,
much-reduced, 3-nerved leaf blades with a prominent, keeled midnerve, extremely
condensed whorls of leaves and its relatively tall aerial culms.
Occurs in the Mitchell Plateau area, W.A.; grows in shallow
sand on sandstone pavement. Flowering period in nature unknown.
