Micraira subspicata M. Lazarides. Brunonia 2: 79 (1979).
Classification. (GPWG 2001) : Subfamily Micrairoideae. Micraireae.
Type of Basionym or Protologue Information: HT: Lazarides 8004, 4 Mar 1973, Australia: Northern Territory: Darwin & Gulf Distr.: 13.04 S, 132.56E (CANB; IT: L, MO-2804490).
Key references (books and floras): [2002] D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass, Grasses of Australia.
Illustrations: [2005] K.Mallet (ed.), Flora of Australia 44B: Poaceae 3 (Fig. 22E-G).
Habit. Perennial. Culms prostrate, 2–3 cm tall, 0.5 mm diam. Leaves cauline. Leaf-sheaths hairy. Ligule an eciliate membrane, 0.5 mm long. Leaf-blades 6–9 cm long, 0.75 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface scabrous, indumented.
Inflorescence. Inflorescence compound, a panicle. Panicle ovate or globose, 0.3–0.4 cm long.
Spikelets. Spikelets sessile. Fertile spikelets 2-flowered, both fertile, comprising 2 fertile floret(s), without rachilla extension, oblong, laterally compressed, 1.5–2 mm long.
Glumes. Glumes similar, firmer than fertile lemma. Lower glume ovate, membranous, much thinner on margins, keeled, 1-keeled, 1 -nerved. Lower glume surface indumented. Upper glume ovate, 1.5–2 mm long, membranous, keeled, 1-keeled, 1 -nerved. Upper glume surface indumented.
Florets. Fertile lemma 0.5 mm long, keeled, 3 -nerved. Palea 2 -nerved. Palea apex divided to base. Lodicules absent or vestigial. Anthers 2. Grain 0.5 mm long.
Continental Distribution: Australasia.
Australian Distribution: Northern Territory.
Northern Territory: Darwin & Gulf.
Notes. The subspicate inflorescence resembling that of M. compacta is a distinctive character of both species. However, M. subspicata differs by its muticous (not spine-bearing) glumes, hairy eglandular peduncle and rhachis, pilose glumes and leaf sheaths, and prominently 3-nerved lemma.
Occurs on the sandstone plateau and escarpment of Arnhem Land, N.T.; grows in caves and on rock-sheltered, partially shaded, often damp ledges in shallow sand. Flowers-fruits February-March.
