Cenchrus, Chaemeraphis, Pseudoraphis and Pseudochetochloa (ms.) Sept 2010

                                                                                    CENCHRUS

B.K.Simon, C.M.Weiller & R.D.Webster

Cenchrus L., Sp. Pl. 1049 (1753) & Gen. Pl., ed. 5: 470 (1754); from the Greek kegchros (millet, Panicum miliaceum).

Type: C. echinatus L.

Pennisetum Rich., in C.H.Persoon, Syn. Pl. 1: 72 (1805). From the Latin penna (feather) and seta (bristle), alluding to the inflorescence.

Type: P. typhoideum (L.) Rich. nom. illeg. = P. glaucum (L.) R.Br.

Kikuyuochloa Scholz, Feddes Repert. 117 : 513 (2006).

Type:  K. clandestina (Hochst. ex Chiov.) Scholz, Feddes Repert. 117 : 513 (2006).

Annual or perennial. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, unbranched (rarely) or sparingly branched. Leaves; sheaths hairy or glabrous; ligule membranous to a fringe of hairs; blades flat to convolute. Inflorescence a panicle, with primary branches reduced to fascicles of spikelets. Bristles subtending all spikelets, antrorsely or retrorsely scabrous, glabrous or hairy or with matted hairs in the lower part, sometimes encircling the base of the modified branch, rigid and spine-like, sometimes distinctly flattened, fused for at least one-third of their length to form an involucre or fused only at the base or not fused. Involucre with or without an outer whorl of flexible bristles and inner whorl of spines emerging at irregular intervals, retrorsely scabrous. Callus sometimes flared to form a discoid receptacle. Glumes; lower glume glabrous or hairy; upper glume glabrous to scabrous, acuminate to rounded, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile, or male; lemma lanceolate to elliptic, with apex acuminate to acute; palea normally developed, acuminate to acute. Upper floret bisexual. Lemma membranous to indurate, smooth or muricate, lanceolate to ovate, acute to acuminate; palea membranous to indurate. Lodicules developed, absent or vestigial.

A widespread genus of 110 species in tropical and warm temperate regions. 22 species in Australia, 4 native and 18 introduced. Formerly separated as the genera Cenchrus and Pennisetum, the former usually be recognised by its prickly burrs, in which the spines are retrorsely barbed and the latter has antrorsely non-spiny bristles. The boundary between these genera has been contentious, with the buffel grass species (C. ciliaris, C. pennisetiformis and C. setigerus) placed in both genera at different times.  Wipff (2001) distinguished Pennisetum by having antrorsely non-spiny bristles and a chromosome base number of 5, 7, 8 and 9, whereas Cenchrus has retrorsely scabrous spiny bristles and a chromosome base number of 17.  A recent study based on molecular phylogeny places them and the genus Odontelytrum together, although not all existing species of Pennisetum were formerly established in Cenchrus. 13 species of Cenchrus formerly placed in Pennisetum are naturalised through the introduction of numerous species for agricultural purposes. One species C. advena (Wipff & Veldkamp) Morrone is becoming a popular horticultural species but is not considered to be naturalised.

A.Chase, The North American species of Cenchrus, Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 22: 45–77 1920); D.G.De Lisle, Taxonomy and distribution of the genus Cenchrus, Iowa State J. Sci. 37: 259–351 (1963); J.D.Twentyman, Notes on two species of Cenchrus (Gramineaea) in Australia, Muelleria 2:164–169 (1972); A.S.Weston, The genus Cenchrus (Poaceae) in Australia. Nuytsia 1(4): 375–380 (1974); Joyce W.Vickery, Cenchrus in Tindale, M.D., Flora of New South Wales No 19. Gramineae, Part 2, 253–263 and Pennisetum 241–253 (1975); J.N.Brunken, Systematic study of Pennisetum sect. Pennisetum (Gramineae), Amer. J. Bot. 64: 161–176 (1977); J.N.Brunken, Morphometric variation and the classification of Pennisetum section Brevivalvula (Gramineae) in tropical Africa. J. Linn. Soc. 79: 51–64 (1979); R.D.Webster, Cenchrus in Austral. Paniceae 18–28 and Pennisetum 182–194 (1987); W.J.Crins, Cenchrus in The genera of Paniceae (Gramineae: Panicoideae) in the Southeastern United States, 215–220 and Pennisetum 205-215 (1991); J.K.Wipff, Nomenclatural changes in Pennisetum (Poaceae: Paniceae), Sida 19: 523–530 (2001). W.D.Clayton & S.A.Renvoize, Pennisetum in Fl. Trop. E. Africa Gramineae 3: 672–690 (1982) and Cenchrus 691-695; Chemisquy, M. A. et al., Phylogenetic studies favour the unification of Pennisetum, Cenchrus and Odontelytrum (Poaceae): a combined nuclear, plastid and morphological analysis, and nomenclatural combinations in Cenchrus. Annals of Botany 106: 107-130 (2010).

1  Bristles or spines stiff, joined to some degree at base, forming a burr

2

2  Spines fused for more than 1/3 of distance above base
3 Burr (involucre) of 1 whorl of united flattened spines surrounded by many smaller finer bristles
4   Most of the outer bristles and inner spines  about equal in length	1.  *C. brownii
4:   Most of the outer bristles about 1/2 length of inner spines	2.  *C. echinatus
3:  Burr (involucre) of several whorls of flattened spines without being surrounded by smaller finer bristles
5   Spines slender, usually more than 40; spines rarely more than 1 mm broad at the base and becoming almost terete in upper half	3. *C. longispinus
5:   Spines broader at base, less than 35; larger spines broader than 1 mm at the base and all spines flat for entire length	4. *C. spinifex
2:  Spines fused to 1/3 of distance above base
6   Spines grooved externally	5. *C. biflorus
6:  Spines not grooved externally
7  Burr with one spikelet 3.8‑6 mm long	6. C. caliculatus
7:  Burr with 1-2 spikelets 8‑9 mm long	7. C. robustus
1:  Bristles fine and thread-like, free to base
8   Inflorescence concealed  within upper most leaf‑sheath	8.*C. clandestinus
8:  Inflorescence exserted from upper most leaf‑sheath
2  Rachis angular
3  Involucral bristles scaberulous; rachis hairy	9. C. basedowii
3:  Involucral bristles hairy; rachis glabrous or scaberulous
4 Upper florets readily disarticulating at maturity; upper lemmas                   different in texture from lower lemmas
5  Spikelet sessile within involucre	10.*C. polystachios
5:  Spikelet pedicelled within involucre	11.*C. pedicellatus
4:  Upper florets not disarticulating at maturity; lower and upper   lemmas similar in texture
6   Involucre of spines, which are not extending beyond burr	12. * C. setiger
6:  Involucre of bristles or a single bristle extending beyond burr
7  Spikelets c. 8 mm long
8 Involucral outer bristle very short; one involucral spine                                    extended apically	15. C. brevisetosus
8: Involucral bristles as long as or extending beyond                                     the spikelets; one involucral spine at least three times longer than others	16. C. elymoides
7: Spikelets c. 5 mm long
9  Involucral spines connate only at base	13. *C. ciliaris
9:  Involucral spines connate above base for 1‑3 mm	14.*C. pennisetiformis
2: Rachis cylindric
10    Annual; grain exserted at maturity from gaping spikelet	17. *C. americanus
10:  Perennial; grain not exserted from spikelet
11  Involucres on a stalk 1‑3 mm long
12 Involucre bristles glabrous	18. *C. compressus
12:  Involucre bristles hairy
13  Spikelets 9‑10 mm long	19. *C. longisetus
13: Spikelets 5‑6.5 mm long
14  Midculm leaf blades green, 2-3.5 mm wide	20. *C. setaceus
14:  Midculm leafblades burgundy, 6-11 mm wide	*C. advena +
11:  Involucres subsessile
15  Slender plant to 60 cm; inflorescence c. 5 cm long	21. *C. thunbergii
15: Vigorous plant exceeding 1.5 m; inflorescence 8‑30 cm long
16  Bristles scabrous, the longest slightly longer than spikelets except for a single longer bristle; culms not branched	22. *C. macrourus
16: Bristles scabrous to hairy, the longest 2-3 times length of spikelet; culms branched	23. *C. purpureus

+ a cultivated species not treated further in this Flora

1. *Cenchrus brownii Roem. & Schult., Syst. Veg. 2: 258 (1817).

Cenchrus inflexus R.Br., Prodr. 195 (1810), non. Poir. (1804). T: Arnheim South Bay, North Coast [Caledon Bay, N.T.], R.Brown Iter Australiense 6140; holo: BM (photo BRI); iso: E, K (photo BRI).

Illustrations: D.Meredith (ed.), Grasses Pastures S. Africa 452, fig. 375 (2) (1955); E.E.Henty, Man. Grasses N. Guinea 48, pl. 13b (1969); Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 532 (2003).

Annual. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 30–110 cm tall, unbranched or sparingly branched, 4–9 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule 0.6–1.1 mm long; blades flat to conduplicate, 10–40 cm long, 5–13 mm wide. Inflorescence 4–10 cm long with primary branches appressed to the main axis to spreading. Bristles 20–40 subtending the spikelets, fused for at least one-third of their length to form an involucre 3.7–5 mm long, 3.5–4.5 mm wide; outer whorl of bristles flexible, and inner whorl spiny, connate for more than 1/3 of distance above base. Spikelets 2–4 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate to elliptic, 4.5–5.2 mm long, 1.3–1.8 mm wide; upper glume 3–4 mm long, ovate, 3 nerved, hyaline to membranous, scabrous, acute, muticous. Lower floret sterile, or male; lemma 3–4.9 mm long, 1–1.5 mm wide, lanceolate, membranous, 3–5 nerved; palea acuminate. Upper floret; lemma cartilaginous, muricate, lanceolate, acuminate; palea cartilaginous. Fine-bristled Burrgrass.

Introduced (from the West Indies and central America). N coast of W.A., N.T and Torres St, Qld. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Mesophytic. Flowering Apr. to June. Map 1182.

W.A.: Browse Is., C.Brockway 46 (BRI, PERTH). N.T.: Katherine, S.T.Blake 17415 (BRI, CANB); Darwin, S.T.Blake 17317 (BRI, CANB, DNA, K, PERTH). Qld: Saibai, Torres Strait, M.Lawrie 9 (BRI); Stephen Is, NE Torres St, B.M.Waterhouse BMW1635.

A rare escapee of no economic importance. Similar to C. echinatus, differing by having smaller burrs and the outer bristles and inner spines being of about equal length.

2. *Cenchrus echinatus L.., Sp. Pl. 2: 1050 (1753).

T: Jamaica, Curassao; lecto:  Herb. van Royen, L (L-912.356–116); isolecto: L, fide J.F. Veldkamp in C. Jarvis et al., Regnum Veg. 127: 31 (1993).

Illustrations: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 287 (1952); S.A.Renvoize, Grasses Bahia 262, fig. 98A-B (1984); Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 532 (2003); J.Jessop, G.R.M. Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 434, fig.363 (2006).

Annual or perennial (rarely). Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 10–50 cm tall, sparingly branched, 6–15 noded. Leaves; sheaths hairy or glabrous; ligule 0.8–1.4 mm long; blades flat to conduplicate, 6–20 cm long, 3.5–11 mm wide. Inflorescence 3.5–8 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to reflexed. Bristles 40–60 subtending the spikelets, fused to form an involucre 5.5–7.5 mm long, 4–6.5 mm wide; outer whorl of bristles flexible and inner whorl spiny, emerging at irregular intervals and connate for more than 1/3 of distance above base. Spikelets 2–4 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate to ovate, 4.9–6.5 mm long, 1.3–2.1 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.2–3 mm long, triangular; upper glume 3.8–5.7 mm long, lanceolate to ovate, 5 nerved, membranous, glabrous to scabrous, acute, muticous. Lower floret male; lemma 4.5–6.4 mm long, 1.2–2 mm wide, lanceolate to ovate, membranous, 5 nerved; palea acute to with a rounded apex. Upper floret; lemma cartilaginous, smooth, lanceolate to ovate, acute to acuminate; palea cartilaginous. Mossman River Grass.

Introduced (from central America). Scattered in all mainland States excluding Vic. Temperate rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, arid and semi-arid low woodlands, shrub steppe shrublands, acacia shrublands, eucalypt shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, arid hummock grasslands, coastal grasslands, and tropical sub-humid grasslands. Mesophytic. Flowering spoarically throughout the year. Map 1183.

W.A.:Cable Beach, Broome, K.F.Kenneally 9756 (BRI, PERTH). N.T.: Heavitree Gap, Ormiston Gorge, A..C. Beauglehole 45262 & G.W.Carr (BRI, DNA). S.A.: Finke River track 14 km E of Mt Dare., E.R.J. Bates 58548 (AD); Qld: Noosa N.P., Boiling Pot, P.R.Sharpe 3880 & G.Batianoff (AD, BRI, NSW). N.S.W. Tulliga Downs, NW of North Star, C.W.E.Moore 8784 (BRI, CANB).

A widespread noxious weed, morphologically similar to and easily confused with C. brownii. It generally has larger, wider-spaced burrs, straighter spines and relatively small outer bristles. It is common on coastal dunes around homesteads, yards and on roadsides; young plants are eaten by stock.

3. *Cenchrus longispinus (Hack.) Fern, Rhodora 45: 388 (1943).

Cenchrus echinatus f. longispinus Hack. in Kneuck., Allg. Bot. Z. Syst. 9: 169 (1903); Cenchrus pauciflorus var. longispinus (Hack.) Jansen & Wacht., Ned. Kruidk. Archief. 56: 246 (1949). T: Kneucker 426, 13 Aug 1902, USA: [state]: Oxford; lecto: ISC-227735; isolecto: ILT: US-557281 (photo BRI), fide DeLisle, Iowa St. J. Sci. 37: 298 (1963).

[C. tribuloides auct. non. L.: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 288 (1952)].

Illustrations: T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 248, fig. 38C (1989); N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 616, fig. 124j (1994); J.Jessop, G.R.M. Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 435, fig.365 (2006).

Annual. Flowering culms decumbent, 9–50 cm tall, sparingly branched, 4–12 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule 0.6–1.5 mm long; blades flat to involute, 4–10 cm long, 2–4.5 mm wide. Inflorescence 3–5 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to reflexed. Bristles 50–60 subtending the spikelets, fused to form an involucre 7–10 mm long, 3–6 mm wide; lacking a outer whorl of flexible bristles, with inner whorl spiny emerging at irregular intervals and connate for more than 1/3 of distance above base, rarely more than 1 mm wide at base and becoming almost terete in upper half. Spikelets 1–3 on a typical lowermost primary branch, ovate, 5.7–7.5 mm long, 2.1–3 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.5–3.8 mm long, lanceolate; upper glume 4.4–6 mm long, lanceolate to ovate, 5 nerved, membranous, scabrous, acute, muticous. Lower floret male; lemma 5.5–6.5 mm long, 2.1–2.9 mm wide, lanceolate to ovate, membranous, 5 nerved; palea acute. Upper floret; lemma cartilaginous, smooth, ovate, acute to acuminate; palea cartilaginous. Spiny Burrgrass, Gentle Annie.

Introduced (from U.S.A). Scattered in all mainland States. Temperate rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, arid and semi-arid low woodlands, and tropical sub-humid grasslands. Mesophytic. Flowering Jan. to July. Map 1185.

W.A.: Burekup, T.H.Rose & Sons (PERTH). N.T.: Alice Springs, Mr. Henderson 3277 (CANB). S.A.: Highland adjacent to Mobilong Hd, Mar 1946 D.C.Mobilong s.n. (AD, BRI). Qld: Murgon, Jan.1941, Berlin & Davidson s.n. (BRI). N.S.W.: Moama, A.Brown 35 (BRI, CANB, MEL). A.C.T.: Murrumbidgee R. at Uriarra Crossing, B.J.Lepschi 924, H.Hurka & U.Hurka (B, BRI, CANB, NSW). Vic: Cranbourne, R.V.Smith 68/45 (AD, BRI, HO, NSW).

Differs from C. spinifex, typically having longer spikelets, larger burrs, longer and more numerous spines. These species appear to intergrade and it may be appropriate to treat C. longispinus as a variety of C. spinifex; however, intensive studies of the American material are needed before this decision can be made. Both species are noxious weeds of no commercial value.

4. *Cenchrus spinifex Cav., Icon. 5: 38, t. 461 (1799).

T: Chile, Hab. in Regne chilensi iuxta fundum Longavi, neonon prope Montavideol, L.Née; holo: MA (photo BRI).

Cenchrus incertus M.A. Curtis, Boston J. Nat. Hist. 1: 135 (1835). T: Smithville, North Carolina: near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, U.S.A., M.A. Curtis 1837; holo: NY (photo US); iso: US (photo BRI).

Cenchrus pauciflorus Benth., Bot. Voy. Sulphur 56 (1844). T: Bay of Magdalens, coll. unknown; holo: BM (photo BRI ).

[C. tribuloides auct. non. L.: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 288 (1952)].

Illustrations: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 287 (1952); N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 616, fig. 124k (1994); J.Jessop, G.R.M. Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 434, fig.364 (2006).

Annual. Flowering culms decumbent, 10–50 cm tall, sparingly branched, 4–10 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule 0.5–1.5 mm long; blades flat (rarely involute), 4–12 cm long, 2.5–5 mm wide. Inflorescence 2–5 cm long (this species and C. longispinus commonly have 5–10 burrs per inflorescence). Primary branches appressed to the main axis to spreading. Bristles 20–45 subtending the spikelets, fused to form an involucre 5–8 mm long, 3.5–5 mm wide; lacking a outer whorl of flexible bristles with inner whorl spiny emerging at irregular intervals, connate for more than 1/3 of distance above base, wider than 1 mm at base and all spines flat for entire length. Spikelets 1–3 on a typical lowermost primary branch, ovate, 3.5–5.6 mm long, 1–2.3 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1–3.3 mm long, lanceolate; upper glume 2.8–5 mm long, ovate, 5–7 nerved, membranous, scabrous, acute, muticous. Lower floret male; lemma 3–5.9 mm long, 1–2.3 mm wide, ovate, membranous, 5–7 nerved; palea acute to with a rounded apex. Upper floret; lemma cartilaginous, smooth, ovate, acute to acuminate; palea cartilaginous. Spiny Burrgrass.

Introduced (from southern U.S.A.). Scattered in all mainland States. Temperate rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, arid and semi-arid low woodlands, and tropical sub-humid grasslands. Mesophytic. Flowering Dec. to May. Map 1184.

W.A.: Shenton Park, May 1956 K.Ryan s.n. (PERTH). N.T.: 16 miles [25.7 km] SW of Alice Springs, D.J.Nelson 2063 (CANB, NT). S.A.: Hundred of Cummins, C.R.Alcock 534326 (AD, BRI). Qld: Goondiwindi, G.N.Batianiff GNB2112407 & D. Halford (BRI, CANB). N.S.W.; Bega district, May 1954, K.Flemons s.n. (N.S.W.). Vic.: Barmah State Park, A.C.Beauglehole 83630 (MEL).

Differs from C. longispinus by the spines being broader at the base and fewer in number (less than 40), with the larger spines broader than 1 mm at the base and all spines flat for their entire length.

5. *Cenchrus biflorus Roxb., Fl. Indica 1: 238 (1820).

T: interior, elevated, dry parts of the Coromandel coast, India, coll. unknown; holo: K (drawing 2110 in Icon. Roxb.) ( photo BRI)

Illustrations: R. Rose Innes, Man. Ghana Grasses 115, fig. 16 (1977); Roxb., drawing 2110 at K; Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 536 (2003).

Annual. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 10–60 cm tall, sparingly branched, 3–6 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule 1.3–2 mm long; blades flat to involute, 3–6 cm long, 2.5–5 mm wide. Inflorescence 4–9 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis or spreading. Bristles 30–50 subtending the spikelets, fused only at the base to form an involucre 5–8 mm long, 2.5–4 mm wide; an outer whorl of bristles flexible, reflexed at maturity, and inner whorl spiny, connate for up to 1/3 of distance above base and grooved externally. Spikelets 1–3 on a typical lowermost primary branch, ovate, 4–5 mm long, 1.2–1.9 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.6–2 mm long, ovate; upper glume 4–5 mm long, ovate, 3–5 nerved, hyaline to membranous, glabrous, acute, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 4–5 mm long, 1–1.8 mm wide, ovate, hyaline to membranous, 5 nerved; palea acute. Upper floret; lemma cartilaginous, muricate, ovate, acuminate; palea cartilaginous. Gallon's Curse.

Introduced (from northern and eastern Africa and India). Tropical W.A. and N.T.; one record from Warrego District of Qld. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, arid and semi-arid low woodlands, acacia shrublands, and arid tussock grasslands. Mesophytic to xerophytic. Flowering Apr. to Aug. Map 1191.

W.A.: Police Camp Pool, Lennard R. on Gibb River road, B.K.Simon 3864 (BRI, CANB, DNA, K, MEL, NSW, PERTH); 2 km N of Kunanurra, A.A.Mitchell 4233 (BRI, PERTH). N.T.: Victoria River, on Katherine-Wyndham road, A.C.Beauglehole 11057 (BRI, DNA, NSW); O.T Stn, S.T.Blake 17681 (BRI). Qld: Baykool, J.Ebersohn E322 (BRI).

Similar to C. caliculatus in having the spines fused to 1/3 of distance above base, but differing from this species by having the spines grooved externally.

6. Cenchrus caliculatus Cav., Icon. 5: 39, t. 463 (1799).

T: Society Islands, L.Née; holo: MA (photo BRI).

C. australis R.Br., Prodr. 196 (1810). T: N.S.W.: George's Head, R.Brown Iter Australiense [6141] ; lecto: K (photo BRI); iso: E, fide R.D. Webster, Austral. Paniceae 19 (1987).

Illustrations: N.T.Burbidge, Austral. Grasses 2: 127 (1968); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 40–150 cm tall, sparingly branched, 4–13 noded. Leaves; sheaths hairy or glabrous; ligule 1–1.5 mm long; blades flat, 8–45 cm long, 5–30 mm wide. Inflorescence 5.5–22 cm long. Primary branches reflexed. Bristles 20–40 subtending the spikelets, fused only at the base to form an involucre 4.5–7.5 mm long, 2–3 mm wide; outer whorl of flexible bristles flexible and inner whorl spiny,  connate for up to 1/3 of distance above base, not grooved externally. Spikelets 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 3.8–5.4 mm long, 1–1.4 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1–2.5 mm long, ovate to lanceolate; upper glume 2.4–3.5 mm long, lanceolate to ovate, 1–5 nerved, hyaline, glabrous, acute to rounded, muticous. Lower floret sterile, or male; lemma 4–5.4 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide, lanceolate, membranous, 5 nerved; palea present or vestigial. Upper floret; lemma cartilaginous, muricate, lanceolate, acuminate; palea membranous to cartilaginous. Hillside Burrgrass.

Native (?). Mainly coastal Qld and N.S.W. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, and arid and semi-arid low woodlands. Mesophytic. Flowering Dec. to May. Map 1190.

Qld: State Forest 191, Wongabel, P.I.Forster 18626 & T.Ryan (BRI, QRS); Stradbroke Is., Point Lookout, B.K.Simon 2520 (BRI, CANB); Tamborine Mt., C.E.Hubbard 2416 (BRI, CANB, K). N.S.W.: Western side of Wingen Maid, J.R.Hosking 682 & B.Adams (BRI, NSW); near Yessabah Caves, 5 km SW of Sherwood, R.G.Coveny 12237 (BRI, NSW, US).

Webster (1987) kept the Australian entity separate from the Pacific collections of C. caliculatus under the name C. australis on the basis of the "significantly smaller involucres and spikelets", but this was not evident in the material of the Pacific material in BRI. Although further study may reveal the necessity of treating these populations as subspecies, they are placed under one name for the time being. The remark in DeLisle (1963) that this species is abundant in the Northern Territory is incorrect; it does not occur there. A native species which can be a fodder plant or weed.

7. Cenchrus robustus R.D. Webster, Austral. Paniceae 27 (1987).

T: Kaban via Ravenshoe, Qld, Jun.1950, G.R.Walsh s.n.; holo: BRI.

Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, 40–100 cm tall, sparingly branched, 10–20 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule 1–1.5 mm long; blades flat, 6–22 cm long, 3–7 mm wide. Inflorescence 4–8 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis. Bristles 45–60 subtending the spikelets, fused only at the base to form an involucre 9–13 mm long, 3.5–4.5 mm wide; with an outer whorl of bristles flexible and inner whorl spiny, connate for up to 1/3 of distance above base and not grooved externally. Spikelets 1–2 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 7.3–9 mm long, 1.5–1.9 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.9–1.1 mm long, ovate; upper glume 2.8–4.1 mm long, ovate, 3–5 nerved, membranous, scabrous (minutely), acute, muticous. Lower floret male; lemma 7.3–9 mm long, 1.5–1.9 mm wide, lanceolate, membranous, 5–7 nerved; palea acuminate. Upper floret; lemma cartilaginous, smooth, lanceolate, acuminate; palea cartilaginous. Anthers 2.9–3.5 mm long. Fig   .

Native. Isolated areas of N. and S.E. Qld; also from the North Coast of N.S.W. Tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, and tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Mesophytic. Flowering Dec. to May. Map 1189.

Qld: Mount Isa, T.Prickett TWR526 (BRI); Conondale, May 1991, S. Carbery s.n. (BRI); Gympie, Oct.1950, D.H.Stephens (BRI); Tulley Falls, Ravenshoe, Feb.1979, D.Haulton & I.G.Johnson (BRI); Beaudesert, Jul.1982, D.R.Hartman s.n. (BRI). N.S.W.: 3 km on Murwillumbah side of Cawongla, May 1995, L.Cooper s.n. (BRI, NSW).

Cenchrus robustus is related to C. caliculatus but has significantly larger burrs and spikelets. Furthermore a second spikelet is sometimes developed within the burr. It appears to be weedy and is spread widely in Australia. It may be an introduced species, although no non-Australian collections are known at present. Superficially close to Pennisetum elymoides, differing by the purple coloured bristles which are retrorsely barbed.

8. * Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. ex Chiov.) Morrone, Ann. Bot. 106: 127 (2010)

Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov., Annuario Reale Ist. Bot. Roma 8: 41 (1903).

Kikuyuochloa clandestina (Hochst. ex Chiov.) Scholz, Feddes Repert. 117 : 513 (2006).

T: Abyssinia, [Ethiopia], G.W.H.Schimper 2084; holo: FI; iso: K, fide TROPICOS.

Pennisetum inclusum Pilg., Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 45: 209 (1910). T: Kenya, Scheffler 294; iso: K (photo BRI).

Illustrations: O.Stapf, Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 2: 91 (1921) as Pennisetum; J.C.Tothill & J.B.Hacker, Grasses SE Queensland 220 (1973) as Pennisetum; Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 520 (2003) as Pennisetum.

Perennial. Flowering culms decumbent, 5–45 cm tall (mostly 5–15, but when not cut or grazed the culms become larger), sparingly branched, 6–15 noded. Leaves; sheaths hairy (hirsute) or glabrous; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1.3–2.2 mm long; blades flat or conduplicate, 1.5–3 cm long, 2–6 mm wide. Inflorescence a raceme (reduced to a cluster of 2- 4 spikelets and concealed within the subtending sheath), 0.4–0.5 cm long. Bristles 10–15 mm long (shorter than the spikelet), glabrous, flexible, 5–10 subtending the spikelets, not fused. Lowermost inflorescence node smooth. Pedicels absent. Spikelets 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 10–20 mm long, 0.8–1.2 mm wide; upper glume 1.3–3.5 mm long (occasionally absent), ovate, 0 nerved, hyaline, glabrous, rounded, mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 10–20 mm long, 0.8–1.1 mm wide, lanceolate, membranous, 9–13 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea absent. Upper floret bisexual or female or male (?); lemma membranous, smooth, lanceolate, acuminate; palea membranous. Lodicules absent or vestigial. Anthers 4–7 mm long. Kikuyu.

Introduced (from east Africa). All states except N.T. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, and arid and semi-arid low woodlands. Mesophytic. Flowering sporadically throughout the year. Map 1201.

W.A.: 9.5 km S of Toodyay, B.J.Lepschi 3162 & T.R.Lally (AD, BRI, CANB, PERTH). N.T: Census 52.  S.A.: 10 km SE of Adelaide, J.B.Cleland (AD). Qld: Springbrook, Goy & Smith 195 (BRI) between Millaa Millaa and Ravenshoe, H.Flecker 6506 (QRS). N.S.W.: Mororo, NW of Iluka, R.J.Fensham 4726 (BRI). Vic.: Lake Terangpom Wild Life Reserve, A.C.Beuglehole 63166 (BRI, MEL). Tas.: Franklin, foreshore near old wharf, D.I.Morris 86436 (HO).

This species is unique in the genus Cenchrus by having the inflorescence concealed within leaf-sheaths. The reduced and modified nature of the inflorescence and spikelets may result from reliance on vegetative reproduction from the pronounced stolons and rhizomes. Provides valuable fodder from spring to autumn. It is also a hardy lawn grass, but can be a weed and nitrate-toxic.

9. Cenchrus basedowii (Summerh. et C.E. Hubb.) Morrone, Ann. Bot. 106: 127 (2010).

Pennisetum basedowii Summerh. et C.E. Hubb., Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1926: 440 (1926).

T: King Sound, May R., W.A., Apr 1910, H.Basedow 13; holo: K (photo BRI).

Illustrations: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 279 (1952) as Pennisetum; D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002) as Pennisetum.

Annual or perennial. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 10–60 cm tall, sparingly branched, 3–7 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule a fringed membrane, 0.9–1.3 mm long; blades flat, 3–40 cm long, 3.5–7 mm wide. Inflorescence 2.5–6 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to reflexed. Bristles 40–60 subtending the spikelets (with 4–6 relatively large bristles immediately subtending the spikelet), not fused, 20–40 mm long. scaberulous and glabrous Rachis angular, hairy. Pedicels absent. Spikelets 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 5.6–6.6 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide; upper glume 5.3–6.4 mm long, lanceolate, 9–11 nerved, membranous, glabrous, acuminate, mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 5.6–6.6 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide, lanceolate, membranous to chartaceous, 7 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea absent. Upper floret;  lemma cartilaginous, muricate (very faintly rugose), lanceolate, acuminate; palea cartilaginous to indurate. Lodicules absent or vestigial.

Endemic. Tropical W.A., N.T. and Qld. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, arid and semi-arid low woodlands, acacia shrublands, and tropical sub-humid grasslands. Mesophytic. Flowering Mar. to Aug. Map 1195.

W.A.:Noonkanbah, Fitzroy R., C.A.Gardner 7095 (BRI, PERTH). N.T.: 35 miles [56 km] N of Anthony Lagoon, S.T.Blake 17787 (BRI). Qld: Access road to "Bellvue", N of Chillagoe, A.R.Bean 18738 & K.R.McDonald (BRI, MEL); 60 km from Burketown to Normanton, B.K.Simon 3070 (BRI, CANB); 40 miles [64.4 km] SW of Normanton, D.E.Symon 4958 (AD, B, BRI, CANB, K).

Differs from other Australian species formerly placed in Pennisetum by having involucral bristles that are scaberulous and not hairy. It is an annual or short lived perennial from Mitchell Grass plains.

10. * Cenchrus polystachios (L.) Morrone,Ann. Bot. 106: 129 (2010)).

Panicum polystachion L., Syst. Nat. 10th edn, 870 (1759); Pennisetum polystachion (L.) Schultes, Mant. 2: 146 (1824 T: India, coll. unknown; holo: LINN 80.4.

Illustrations: Ann Farrer in S.A.Renvoize, Gramineas de Bolivia 547, fig. 125 (1998); Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 526 (2003).

Annual or perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, 30–200 cm tall, sparingly branched, 5–10 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule a fringed membrane, 1.5–2.5 mm long; blades flat, 10–40 cm long, 3–16 mm wide. Inflorescence 3–25 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to reflexed. Bristles 20–40 subtending the spikelets, not fused, 10-25 mm long, usually with matted hairs in the lower part. Rachis angular, glabrous or scaberulous. Pedicels absent. Spikelets 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch (rarely 2 in some N.S.W. specimens), lanceolate, 2.5–4.5 mm long, 0.6–0.9 mm wide; upper glume 2.5–4.5 mm long, lanceolate, 5 nerved (the nerves faint and thin), hyaline, glabrous, acute, mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.3–4.1 mm long, 0.6–0.9 mm wide, lanceolate, hyaline to membranous, 3–5 nerved, with apex cleft; palea present or absent, acuminate. Upper floret; lemma membranous to chartaceous (depending on development of the caryopsis), smooth, lanceolate, acute; palea membranous to chartaceous. Lodicules absent or vestigial. Anthers 0.9–1.1 mm long.

Introduced (from tropical Africa). Mainly from the Darwin region and a few occurrences in tropical Qld., N.T., N.S.W. and Qld. Tropical heaths, tropical and subtropical rain forests, and tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Mesophytic. Flowering Apr. to June. Map 1197.

N.T.: Katherine, A.E.Wynn CPI 7967 (CANB); Darwin, Holmes Jungle Rd, M.O.Parker 416 (BRI, CANB, DNA, K); Berrimah, A.A.Mitchell 5782 (BRI, DNA, MBA). Qld: Mareeba, J.R.Clarkson 9396 (BRI, CANB, K, MBA, NSW); 2 km N of Coolum Beach, P.Sharpe 1254 (BRI). N.S.W.: 40 mi S of Bourke, P.Milthorpe 2001 & G.M.Cunningham (NSW).

A rare escapee from cultivated plots. It is similar to C. pedicellatus in having hairy involucral bristles and the florets disarticulating at maturity, but differing from this species by the spikelets being sessile within the involucre. An annual or perennial from the Paleotropics, was introduced as a pasture species, but has become a weed of disturbed degraded and waste areas (declared noxious in the Northern Territory).  A couple of collections from N.S.W. (Milthorpe 2001 & Cunningham, Mulham 1068) differ from the typical specimens by having a second floret and by the hairy bristle not having a web-like nature as found in most specimens. They could possibly belong to a different species and more investigation is needed. 

11 *Cenchrus pedicellatus (Trin.) Morrone, Ann. Bot. 106: 128 (2010)

Pennisetum pedicellatum  Trin.  Mem. Acad. Imp. Sci. St. Petersbourg Hist. Acad. 6: 184 (1834). T: T: D. Peters s.n., Cape Verde Islands, St. Iagp; holo: LE-TRIN-1101.01, n.v., fide R. J. Soreng, P. M. Peterson, and C. R. Annable, 1995. Trinius Herbarium, Komarov Botanical Institute, St. Petersberg (Guide to the microform collection). IDC BT--16: 1–66.

Illustrations: Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 526 (2003) as Pennisetum.

Annual or perennial. Flowering culms 40–150 cm tall, sparingly branched, 6–10 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule a fringed membrane, 1–2 mm long; blades flat, 6–30 cm long, 4–15 mm wide. Inflorescence 8–19 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to reflexed. Bristles 40–100 subtending the spikelets, not fused, 5-30 mm long. Rachis angular, glabrous or scaberulous. Pedicels present, 0.3–3.5 mm long. Spikelets lanceolate, 3.4–4 mm long, 0.6–0.9 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.2–2.4 mm long, lanceolate, hairy; upper glume 3.4–4 mm long, lanceolate, 5 nerved, hyaline, glabrous, acuminate. Lower floret male, or sterile; lemma 3.1–3.7 mm long, 0.6–0.9 mm wide, lanceolate, hyaline to membranous, 5 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea acute (erose). Upper floret; lemma chartaceous to cartilaginous, smooth, lanceolate, acute; palea membranous to chartaceous. Anthers 1.5–2 mm long.

Introduced (from tropical Africa).

It is similar to C. polystachios in having hairy involucral bristles and the florets disarticulating at maturity, but differing from this species by the spikelets being pedicelled within the involucre. A weedy annual.

There are two subspecies.

Involucre with 2-5 spikelets                           Cenchrus pedicellatus  subsp. pedicellatus

Involucre with 1 spikelet                                Cenchrus pedicellatus  subsp. unispiculus

11a. *Cenchrus  pedicellatus  subsp. pedicellatus

Illustrations: S.A.Renvoize, Grasses Bahia 262, fig. 98E-F (1984) as Pennisetum.

Annual. Bristles 5–30 mm long (the outermost ring of bristles are relatively short and not necessarily plumose). Pedicels 0.5–3.5 mm long. Spikelets 2–5 on a typical lowermost primary branch.

Tropical W.A., N.T. and Qld. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands and coastal grasslands. Mesophytic. Flowering Mar. to June. Map 1198.

W.A.: 2 km W of Beverley Springs HS, A.A.Mitchell 3679 (BRI, PERTH); Emma Gorge, SW corner of Cockburn Ra, A.A.Mitchell 3720 (BRI, PERTH). N.T.: Berrimah, A.A.Mitchell 5783 (BRI, DNA, MBA); Darwin Race Course, A.A.Mitchell 4896 (BRI, DNA, PERTH); 4-mile Farm, Katherine, L.G.Adams 1709 (CANB). Qld: Chillagoe-Munagana Caves NP, 2000, B.Sullivan s.n. (BRI).

11b. *Cenchrus pedicellatus subsp. unispiculus (Brunken) Morrone, Ann. Bot. 106: 128 (2010).

Pennisetum pedicellatum subsp. unispiculum Brunken, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 79: 62 (1979).

T: 2 miles [3.2 km] N of Tamale, Ghana, R. Innes 30227; holo: PRE; iso: K (photo BRI).

Illustrations: H.J.Noltie,  The Grasses of Bhutan 739, fig. 46 (2000) as Pennisetum.

Annual or perennial. Bristles 5–30 mm long. Pedicels 0.3–1.6 mm long. Spikelets 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch.

Tropical W.A., N.T. and Qld but more common than the typical form. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, arid hummock grasslands, and coastal grasslands. Flowering Mar. to Aug. Map 1199.

W.A.: Mitchell Plateau, at old mining camp, C.R.Dunlop 7908 (BRI, DNA, PERTH). N.T.: Darwin, Nightcliff, B.K.Simon 4064 (BRI, CANB, DNA); Yirrkala, A.A.Mitchell 6765 & M.Weinert (BRI, CANB, DNA). Qld: Heathlands Ranger Base, J.R.Clarkson 9856 & V.J.Neldner (BRI, DNA, NSW, K); Palm Is., Apr.1916, R.Bartlam (BRI).

12. * Cenchrus setigerus Vahl,  Enum. Pl. 2: 395 (1805)

Pennisetum setigerum (Vahl) Wipff, Sida 19: 526 (2001). T: Arabia, Forsskal; holo: C, n.v., fide J.K.Wipff , loc. cit.

Illustrations: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 285 (1952), as Pennisetum; Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 528 (2003) as Pennisetum; J.Jessop, G.R.M. Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 436, fig.367 (2006)..

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 20–100 cm tall, unbranched or sparingly branched, 3–6 noded. Leaves; sheaths hairy or glabrous; ligule 0.6–1.2 mm long; blades flat to conduplicate, 4.5–30 cm long, 2.5–7 mm wide. Inflorescence 2.5–10 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to spreading. Bristles 30–60 subtending the spikelets, fused for at least one-third of their length to form an involucre 4–6 mm long, 2.5–5 mm wide; outer whorl of bristles flexible and inner whorl spiny and emerging at irregular intervals. Rachis angular, glabrous or scaberulous. Pedicels absent. Spikelets 1–3 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 3.1–5.3 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.1–2.1 mm long, ovate, glabrous; upper glume 1.5–2.9 mm long, ovate, 1 nerved (the lateral nerves occasionally partially developed), hyaline to membranous, scabrous, acute, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile, or male; lemma 3.1–5.3 mm long, 0.9–1.3 mm wide, lanceolate, hyaline to membranous, 5 nerved; lemma with apex acuminate to acute; palea acuminate. Upper floret; lemma cartilaginous, muricate, lanceolate, acute to acuminate; palea cartilaginous. Anthers 2.1–2.8 mm long. Birdwood Grass.

Introduced (from northern Africa, Arabia and India). Scattered in all mainland States excluding Vic. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, acacia shrublands, and arid hummock grasslands. Mesophytic, or xerophytic. Flowering Jan. to July. Map 1181.

W.A.: Tunnel Creek N.P., Napier Range, B.K.Simon 3829 & C.R.Dunlop (BRI, DNA, K, PERTH); N.T.: Uluru (Ayers Rock-Mt Olga) National Park, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) on Docker River Road, M.Lazarides & J. Palmer 28 (BRI, CANB). S.A.: Cordillo Downs, L.D. Williams 7665 (AD).  Qld: 1 km S of Headingly HS, I.D.Fox 3284 & P.J.Hammond (BRI, NSW). N.S.W.: Thomson's Ck, near Mt Wood HS NE of Tibooburra, R.G.Coveny 13588 (BRI, NSW, US).

This species has a very similar reproductive behaviour to Cenchrus ciliaris and C.pennisetiformis, differing from these species by having involucral spines instead of bristles. Grows rapidly and vigorously from a rhizome and can be a serious riverine weed.

13. * Cenchrus ciliaris L,  Mant. Pl. 302 (1771).

Pennisetum ciliare (L.) Link, Hort. Berol. 1: 213 (1827).. T: Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, J.König s.n.; holo: LINN 1217.9.

Illustrations: J.C.Tothill & J.B.Hacker, Grasses of Southern Queensland 148 (1983) Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 528 (2003) as Pennisetum; J.Jessop, G.R.M. Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 433, fig.362 (2006).

Perennial or annual (rarely). Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 20–150 cm tall, sparingly branched, 2–10 noded. Leaves; sheaths hairy or glabrous; ligule 0.6–1.5 mm long; blades flat to conduplicate, 5–29 cm long, 2.5–11 mm wide. Inflorescence 2–13 cm long (sinuous). Primary branches appressed to the main axis to spreading. Bristles 30–50 subtending the spikelets, fused only at the base to form an involucre 8-12 mm long, 1.5–2.5 mm wide; outer whorl of bristles flexible and inner whorl spiny. Rachis angular, glabrous or scaberulous. Pedicels absent. Spikelets 1–4 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 2.5–5.5 mm long, 0.9–1.4 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.2–2.4 mm long, ovate, glabrous; upper glume 1.8–2.8 mm long, ovate, 1–3 nerved, hyaline to membranous, scabrous, acute, muticous. Lower floret male, or sterile; lemma 2.5–4.5 mm long, 0.9–1.3 mm wide, lanceolate, membranous, 5–7 nerved; palea present or absent, apically truncate. Upper floret; lemma chartaceous to cartilaginous, muricate, lanceolate, acute to acuminate; palea chartaceous to cartilaginous. Anthers 1.3–2.5 mm long. Buffel Grass.

Introduced (from Africa and India). Scattered in all mainland States excluding Vic. Temperate rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, arid and semi-arid low woodlands, shrub steppe shrublands, acacia shrublands, eucalypt shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, arid hummock grasslands, coastal grasslands, and tropical sub-humid grasslands. Mesophytic and xerophytic. Flowering mostly Mar. to Oct. Map 1186.

W.A.: Mangrove Point, Carnarvon, J.H.Ross (BRI, CANB, MEL, PERTH). N.T.: 271 km E of Stuart Hway on road from Borroloola, D.E.Symon 5081 (AD, BRI, DNA, K). S.A.: Dulkaninna Homestead Waterhole, vicinityof junction with Birdsville Track, H.T.Smyth (BR, BRI, CANB, NSW). Qld: c. 18 km E of Mt Isa, R.J.Henderson H1864 (BRI); c. 50 km NNW of Cloncurry, P.Catt 9141 (CANB). N.S.W.: Tullinga Downs, 9 kms NW of North Star, C.W.E.Moore 8786 (BRI, CANB).

C.ciliaris is very similar to C. pennisetiformis, differing by its slightly more robust habit and very little fusion of the bristles at the base. Widely used in Australia as a forage species, as it is drought tolerant. Others consider it an environmental weed, as it occurs in many areas remote from domestication. A hardy fodder perennial and a poisonous frost-tender apomict encouraged by fire.

14. * Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. ex Steud., Syn. Pl. Glumac. 1: 109 (1854).

Pennisetum pennisetiforme Hochst. ex Steud.) Wipff, Sida 19 : 527 (2001), T: Saudi Arabia, Jedda, Schimper 973,lecto: P ; iso BM (photo BRI) & K (photo BRI), fide J.K.Wipff loc.cit.

Illustrations: W.D.Clayton & S.A. Renvoize in R.M.Polhill (ed.), Flora of Tropical East Africa Gramineae 3: 693, fig 158 (1982); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002) J.Jessop, G.R.M. Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 436, fig.367 (2006)

Annual (rarely) or perennial. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 7–60 cm tall, sparingly branched, 1–6 noded. Leaves; sheaths hairy or glabrous; ligule 0.6–1.5 mm long; blades flat to conduplicate, 2–20 cm long, 2–5 mm wide. Inflorescence 2–6 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to spreading. Bristles 30–50 subtending the spikelets, fused only at the base to form an involucre 7-10 mm long, 1.3–2.3 mm wide; outer whorl of bristles flexible and inner whorl spiny. Rachis angular, glabrous or scaberulous. Pedicels absent. Spikelets 1–3 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 3–5 mm long, 0.8–1.3 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.2–2 mm long, ovate, glabrous; upper glume 1.9–2.6 mm long, ovate, 1–3 nerved, hyaline, glabrous, acute, muticous. Lower floret male, or sterile; lemma 2.5–4 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide, lanceolate, membranous, 5 nerved;  palea present or absent, apically truncate. Upper floret; lemma chartaceous to cartilaginous, muricate, lanceolate, acute to acuminate; palea chartaceous to cartilaginous. Cloncurry Buffel.

Introduced (from northern Africa, Arabia and India). Scattered in W.A., N.T., S.A. (cultivated in N.S.W.).  Flowering Feb. to Nov. Map 1187.

W.A.: 30km on Millewinde road from Gibb River road, King Leopold Ranges, B.K.Simon 4047 (BRI, CANB, DNS, K, MEL, NSW, PERTH). N.T.:25 mls S of Barrow Ck, A.C.Beaglehole 10613 (BRI, DNA, NSW); S.A.: 70 km N William Ck, M.Peart 1669 (BRI); Qld: 25 mls SSW of Charleville, S.L.Everist 4313 (BRI).

C. pennisetiformis is very similar to C. ciliaris, differing by its smaller habit and a distinct fusion of the bristles at the base.

15. Cenchrus elymoides F.Muell., Fragm. 8: 107 (1873)

Pennisetum elymoides (F. Muell.) C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 277 (1952). T: Sturts Ck, [W.A.], F.Mueller; lecto: MEL (photo BRI), fide B.K.Simon, Austrobaileya 2: 21 (1984).

Illustrations: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 279 (1952), as Pennisetum.

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, 40–150 cm tall, unbranched or sparingly branched, 5 noded. Leaves; sheaths hairy or glabrous; ligule 1.2–2.2 mm long; blades flat to convolute, 8–50 cm long, 3.5–17 mm wide. Inflorescence 6–14 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis. Bristles 10–30 subtending the spikelets, fused only at the base to form an involucre 8–12 mm long, 2.5–4 mm wide; with an outer whorl of brisles flexible and inner whorl spiny (one spine at least three times longer than others and becoming bristly at apex). Rachis angular, glabrous or scaberulous. Pedicels absent. Spikelets 1–3 on a typical lowermost primary branch (mostly 3), lanceolate, 4.9–9.5 mm long, 1–2.3 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.9–2.5 mm long, ovate, glabrous; upper glume 5–9.5 mm long, lanceolate, 3–5 nerved, hyaline to membranous, scabrous, acuminate to acute, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret male; lemma 5–9.4 mm long, 0.9–2 mm wide, lanceolate, hyaline to membranous, 5 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea acute. Upper floret bisexual (pistillate on the lateral spikelets); lemma cartilaginous, muricate, elliptic, acuminate; palea cartilaginous. Anthers 3–4.5 mm long.

Endemic. Tropical W.A, N.T. and Cape York to Torres St, Qld. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands and coastal grasslands. Mesophytic. Flowering Jan. to Aug. Map 1188.

W.A.: Inglis Gap, Gibb River Rd, King Leopold Ranges, B.K.Simon 3842 (BRI, CANB, DNA, K, MEL, NSW, PERTH); 10 miles NW of Elgie Cliffs Stn, M.Lazarides 5094 (BRI, CANB). N.T.: near Kurundie Ck, Kakadu N.P., I.D.Cowie 1183 & G.J.Leach  (BRI, DNA); Tindal, N.Byrnes 2584 (BRI, CANB, DNA, K). Qld: Castle Hill, Townsville, S.T.Blake 8174 (BRI, CANB, NSW, PERTH).

C. elymoides is very similar to C. brevisetosus, differing that the outer bristle are the same length or extending beyond the burr of flattened bristles. There are commonly 3 spikelets with the central spikelet fully formed and the lateral spikelets morphologically and sexually reduced. The fact that there is only one Queensland specimen of this species and that it is so remote from the others in the N.T. and W.A. is difficult to explain but may be due to undercollecting.

16. Cenchrus brevisetosus (B.K. Simon) B.K.Simon, Austrobaileya  8 (2): 192 (2010).

Cenchrus elymoides var. brevisetosus  B.K.Simon, Austrobaileya 2: 21 (1984). T: Cape York, Qld, E.Daemel; holo: MEL (photo BRI).

Annual or perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, 40–120 cm tall, unbranched or sparingly branched, 4–5 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule a fringe of hairs, 2 mm long; blades flat, 8–50 cm long, 4–12 mm wide. Inflorescence 10–15 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis. Bristles 10–30 subtending the spikelets, fused only at the base to form an involucre 8–12 mm long, 2.5–4 mm wide; outer whorl of flexible bristles and inner whorl of spines. Rachis angular, glabrous or scaberulous. Pedicels absent. Spikelets 1–3 on a typical lowermost primary branch (mostly 3), lanceolate, 4.9–9.5 mm long, 1–2.3 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.9–2.5 mm long, ovate, glabrous; upper glume 5–9.5 mm long, lanceolate, 3–5 nerved, hyaline to membranous, scabrous, acuminate to acute, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret male; lemma 5–9.4 mm long, 0.9–2 mm wide, lanceolate, hyaline to membranous, 5 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea acute. Upper floret; lemma cartilaginous, muricate, elliptic, acuminate; palea cartilaginous. Anthers 3–4.5 mm long.

Endemic. Tropical W.A, N.T. One in Qld - not Cape York.

W.A.: Bougainville Peninsula, Kimberley, I.Cowie 4201 & Stewart (BRI, CANB, DNA, PERTH); SouthWest Osborne Is, A.A.Mitchell 2910 (BRI, PERTH). N.T.: Bullita Stn, Gregory N.P., M.Clark 316 & G.Wightman (BRI, CANB, DNA, NSW). Qld: Thursday Island, J.R.Clarkson 6384 (BRI, CANB, MBA, NSW, QRS); Duan Island, B.M.Waterhouse 2015 (BRI, MBA).

C. brevisetosus is very similar to C. elymoides, differing that the outer bristle are very short outside the burr of flattened bristles, although Webster (1987) was of the opinion that this species intergrades with C. elymoides. However, this was not found to be the case in the material examined.

17. *Cenchrus americanus (L. ) MorroneAnn. Bot. 106: 127 (2010)

Panicum americanum L., Sp. Pl. 56 (1753); Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke, Zeitschr. Naturwiss. 79: 52 (1907). T: van Royen s.n. ; lecto: L, fide xxxxxx.

Panicum glaucum L., Sp. Pl. 56 (1753); non Cenchrus glaucus Mudaliar & Sudaraj (1957) Pennisetum glaucum (l.) R.Br., Prodr. 195 (1810); Setaria glauca (L.) P.Beauv., Ess. Agrostogr. 51, 178 (1812); Panicum lutescens Weigel, Observ. Bot. 20 (1772), nom. superfl.; Setaria lutescens (Weigel) F.T..Hubb., Rhodora 18: 232 (1916). T: Sri Lanka, Herb. Hermann 3.17, No 44; lecto: BM (photo BRI),  fide Rauschert, Feddes Repert. 83(9–10): 662 (1973).

Pennisetum typhoides (Burm.f.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb., Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1933:: 271 (1933). Base name: Alopecurus typhoides Burm.f.

Illustrations: N.T.Burbidge, Austral. Grasses 2: 125 (1968), as Setaria glauca; S.W.L.Jacobs & S.M.Hastings in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 499 (1993) as Pennisetum glaucum; Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 522 (2003) as Pennisetum glaucum.

Annual. Flowering culms caespitose, 50–300 cm tall, sparingly branched, 5–12 noded. Leaves; sheaths hairy or glabrous; ligule a fringed membrane or a fringe of hairs, 2–5 mm long; blades flat, 15–60 cm long, 7–30 mm wide. Inflorescence 3–40 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to reflexed. Bristles 20–50 subtending the spikelets, not fused, 4-10 mm long.. Rachis cylindric. Pedicels present, 1–2 mm long. Spikelets 1–5 on a typical lowermost primary branch (but mostly 1–2), lanceolate to obovate, 3.4–7 mm long, 1–1.4 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0–1.5 mm long, ovate to oblong, glabrous (but ciliate at the apex); upper glume 0.5–3.5 mm long, ovate, 3–5 nerved, hyaline to membranous, glabrous (with a ciliate apex), rounded to truncate or cleft, muticous. Lower floret sterile, or male; lemma 1.5–6 mm long, 0.7–1.4 mm wide, lanceolate to elliptic, membranous, 3–5 nerved, with apex acute to rounded; palea present (then ciliate with long silvery hairs) or vestigial, acute to with a rounded apex. Upper floret; lemma chartaceous to cartilaginous, smooth, lanceolate to ovate, apically rounded to acute; palea chartaceous to cartilaginous. Lodicules absent or vestigial. Anthers 2.5–4 mm long. Pearl Millet.

Introduced (from tropical Africa). This crop species occasionally escapes cultivation and is scattered in all mainland States except S.A. and Vic. Mesophytic. Flowering mostly Mar. to July (but sporadically all year). Map 1192.

W.A.: Fremantle, Campbell (PERTH). N.T.: Katherine Res. Stn., T.Passlow 215 (BRI, DNA). Qld: Wyvuri Holding, B.Hyland 6030 (BRI, QRS); Stradbroke Is., B.K.Simon 2525 (BRI). N.S.W.: Taree, J.B.Noonan (NSW).

There has been a lot of discussion concerning the nomenclature of this species and Setaria pumila  (A.Chase, The Linnean concept of pearl millet, Amer. J. Bot.8:41–49 (1921); E.E. Terrell, The correct name for pearl millet and yellow foxtail, Taxon 25:297–304 (11876); M. Kerguelen, Notes agrostologique. II, Bull.Soc.Bot.Fr. 124: 341–342 (1977)) but it seems that the commonly used names S. glauca and S.lutescens should be referred to Pennisetum (W.D.Clayton & S.A.Renvoize, Flora of Tropical East Africa, Gramineae 3, 531 (1982)) and now transferred to Cenchrus. An annual cultivated for fodder, but it sometimes escapes as a weed.

18. Cenchrus compressus (R.Br.) Morrone, Ann. Bot. 106: 127 (2010).

Pennisetum compressum R.Br., Prodr. 195 (1810); Setaria compressa (R.Br.) Kunth, Révis. Gramin. 46 (1829). T: (J.) v.v. [N.S.W.], R.Brown Iter Australiense 6139; holo: K (photo BRI); iso: E.

Panicum alopecuroideum L., Sp. Pl. 2: 82 (1762), non. Cenchrus alopecuroides (Thunb. (1794); Pennisetum alopecuoroides (L.) Spreng., Syst. Veg. 1: 303 (1824). T: lecto: Jamaica, LINN-80.1, designated by Veldkamp in Cafferty et al., Taxon 49(2): 253 (2000).

P. hordeiforme (Thunb.) Spreng., Syst. Veg. 1: 302 (1824); Panicum hordeiforme (L.) Thunb., Fl.Jap. 46 (1784); Alopecurus hordeiforme L., Sp. Pl. 60 (1753). T: lecto: LINN (LINN-82.5), fide S.A. Renvoize in Cafferty et al., Taxon 49(2): 245 (2000).

Illustrations: J.C.Tothill & J.B.Hacker, Grasses of Southern Queensland 336 (1983) as Pennisetum alopecuroides; Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 524 (2003) as Pennisetum alopecuroides;.

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, 60–100 cm tall, unbranched or sparingly branched, 5–12 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.2–0.5 mm long; blades conduplicate, 10–45 cm long (setaceous and flexuous), 2–4.5 mm wide. Inflorescence 6–15 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to reflexed. Bristles 12–18 subtending the spikelets, not fused, 20–35 mm long. Rachis cylindric. Pedicels absent. Spikelets 1–2 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 5.5–7.5 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.2–1 mm long, ovate, glabrous; upper glume 2–3 mm long, lanceolate to ovate, 1–3 nerved (obscure), hyaline to membranous, glabrous, acute to rounded, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 4.9–7 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide, lanceolate, membranous, 7 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea absent. Upper floret; lemma chartaceous to cartilaginous, muricate (obscure), lanceolate, acuminate; palea chartaceous. Lodicules absent or vestigial. Anthers 3–3.8 mm long. Swamp Foxtail.

Native (Qld & N.S.W.), or introduced (Vic. ?Tas). A natural range extending from Japan to N.S.W. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and temperate sub-humid woodlands. Helophytic to mesophytic. Flowering Jan. to June. Map 1194.

Qld.: 60 km SW of Gladstone, M.D.Crisp 2779 (BRI, CANB, NSW); Stanthorpe, C.E. Hubbard 5731 (BRI, K);. N.S.W.: Jerrbomberra Ck, SSW of Mt Jerrabomberra, I.Crawford 4589 (BRI, CANB); A.C.T.: Point Hut Crossing, M.Gray 5898 (BRI, CANB). Vic.: Terang, R.V.Smith 75/19 (AD, BRI, CANB, HO, MEL, NSW). Tas.: Census 52

C. compressus differs from C. setaceus and C. longisetus by having glabrous involucral bristles. It is widely used in landscaping in parts of Australia and prefers poorly drained, coastal habitats. Although a native species at several locations in south-east Queensland it has become a pest in degraded pastures (Kleinschmidt & Johnson 1979). An ornamental semi-aquatic.

19. * Cenchrus longisetus M.C. Johnst., Sida 1(3): 182 ( 1963)

Pennisetum villosum R. Br. ex Fresn., Mus. Senckenberg. 2: 134 (1837), non Cenchrus villosum (Spreng.) Spreng. (1825)

T: Ethiopia, Ruppell s.n. ; holo: FR, n.v., fide S. Phillips in I.Hedberg & S.Edwards, Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea, 7 (Poaceae): 265 (1995) but H. Salt s.n., 1805–1810, Ethiopia (fide TROPICOS).

Illustrations: N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 616, fig. 124e (1994) as Pennisetum villosum; Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 526 (2003) as Pennisetum villosum; J.Jessop, G.R.M. Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 474, fig.407 (2006) as Pennisetum villosum.

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, 16–75 cm tall, sparingly branched or unbranched (typically branched from the base), 2–5 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule a fringe of hairs, 1–1.3 mm long; blades flat to conduplicate, 5–40 cm long (the upper part commonly flexuous), 2–4.5 mm wide. Inflorescence 4–8 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to reflexed. Bristles 30–50 subtending the spikelets, not fused, 25-40 mm long. Rachis cylindric. Pedicels absent. Spikelets 1–4 on a typical lowermost primary branch (but mostly 1), lanceolate, 9–11 mm long, 1.2–1.6 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.3–1 mm long, ovate to obovate, glabrous; upper glume 2.5–4.5 mm long, lanceolate, 1 nerved (the lateral nerves are commonly faintly developed), hyaline to membranous, glabrous (the apex is commonly covered with minute scabrosities), acuminate, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile, or male; lemma 7.5–10.5 mm long, 1.2–1.5 mm wide, lanceolate, membranous, 7–9 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea present or absent, acute. Upper floret; lemma chartaceous, smooth (but scabrous at the apex), lanceolate, acuminate; palea chartaceous. Lodicules absent or vestigial. Anthers 3.5–4.2 mm long. Feathertop.

Introduced (from Ethiopia). All states except N.T.  Mesophytic. Flowering mostly Jan. to July. Map 1200.

W.A.: near Coogee L., Mar.1898, R.Helms (PERTH). S.A.: Strathalbyn cemetry, D.E.Symon 14305 (AD, BRI). Qld: N Allora, 22 km NNW of Warwick, G.N.Batianoff & J.Batianoff (AD, BRI, NSW, DNA). N.S.W.: 10 km SW of Inverell. B.K.Simon 4295 (BRI, NSW). A.C.T.: Canberra, R.Pullen 3055 (CANB). Vic.: 16 km N of Maffra, H.I.Aston 2037 (BRI, MEL). Tas: Midway Point, May 1972, D.I.Morris HO 55579 (HO).

Similar to C. setaceus in that the involucral bristles are hairy, in this way differing from C. compressus with glabrous bristles. Differs from C. setaceus by having considerably larger spikelets. An introduced ornamental grass with little or no forage importance, but can become an environmantal weed. A pasture weed declared noxious in Tasmania and parts of New South Wales. It is rhizomatous, produces prolific seed with light plumose bristles and is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

20. * Cenchrus setaceus (Forssk.) Morrone, Ann. Bot. 106: 129 (2010).,.

Phalaris setacea Forssk., Fl. Aegypt.-Arab. 17 (1775); Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov. Bull. Soc. Bot. Ital. 1923: 113 (1923) T: Egypt, Forsskal; n.v., (whereabouts uncertain, not C).

[Pennisetum orientale auct. non Rich.: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 280 (1952)].

Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002) as Pennisetum; Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 528 (2003) as Pennisetum; J.Jessop, G.R.M. Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 473, fig.406 (2006) as Pennisetum.

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, 40–150 cm tall, unbranched, 3–10 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.5–1.1 mm long; blades flat or conduplicate or involute, 20–65 cm long (mostly basal), 2–3.5 mm wide. Inflorescence 8–30 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to reflexed. Bristles 15–40 subtending the spikelets, not fused, 15–45 mm long. Involucre lacking a outer whorl of flexible bristles. Rachis cylindric. Pedicels absent or present, 0.6–1.5 mm long (if present). Spikelets 1–4 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 4.5–6.5 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume glabrous; upper glume 1.2–2.1 mm long, lanceolate, 1 nerved, hyaline to membranous, glabrous, acuminate to acute, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 4–6 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide, lanceolate, hyaline to membranous, 3 nerved (green), with apex acuminate. Upper floret; lemma chartaceous, smooth (but minutely scabrous at the apex), lanceolate, acuminate; palea chartaceous. Anthers 2.1–2.7 mm long. Fountain Grass.

Introduced (from north Africa). Scattered in all mainland States excluding N.T., although cultivated there. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, and coastal grasslands. Mesophytic. Flowering sporadically throughout the year. Map 1203.

W.A.: Wattleup, M.G.Corrick 10311 (BRI, MEL,PERTH). S.A.: just out of Murray Bridge at turnoff to Karoonda, D.E.Symon 14205 (AD, BRI, K, MO, NSW, US). Qld: Bowen Hills, Brisbane, C.E.Hubbard 4322 (CANB); Mt Archer, Rockhampton, B.K.Simon 3233 (BRI, NSW). N.S.W.: Clyde, E. McBarron 16456 (NSW).  Vic: Richmond, A.J.Brown 6, 19.i.1987 (CANB, MEL, NBG, NSW).

Similar to C. longisetus in that the involucral bristles are hairy, in this way differeing from C. compressus with glabrous bristles. Differs from C. longisetus by having considerably smaller spikelets. Considered an environmental weed because of its ability for the seed to spread by wind, water or on clothing. A heavy seeding ornamental and weed, especially of wet ground.

21. * Cenchrus thunbergii (Kunth) Morrone, Ann. Bot. 106: 129 (2010).).

Pennisetum thunbergii Kunth, Révis. Gramin. 1: 50 (1829). T: South Africa, Thunberg; holo: UPS, n.v..

Pennisetum glabrum Steud., Syn. Pl. Glumac. 1: 104 (1854). T: Ethiopia, Mt. Scholoda, Schimper 11; iso: K (photo BRI), US (photo BRI), WAG.

Illustrations: D.Meredith (ed.), Grasses Pastures S. Africa 443, fig. 367 (1955) as Pennisetum; E.Launert & G.Pope, Flora Zambesiaca 10(3) 184, fig 47 (1989); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 10–60 cm tall, sparingly branched, 3–7 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule a fringe of hairs, 0.15–0.25 mm long; blades flat to involute, 3–40 cm long, 1.5–8 mm wide. Inflorescence -5 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to reflexed. Bristles 4–10 subtending the spikelets, not fused, 8–12 mm long. Rachis cylindric. Pedicels absent. Spikelets 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate to ovate, 2.5–5 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide; upper glume 0.7–1 mm long, ovate, 0 nerved, hyaline, glabrous, rounded or cleft, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.2–3.5 mm long, 0.9–1.1 mm wide, lanceolate, membranous, 1 nerved, with apex acuminate to acute; palea absent. Upper floret; lemma chartaceous to cartilaginous, irregularly striate to muricate (possibly faintly rugose at maturity), lanceolate, acute to acuminate; palea chartaceous to cartilaginous. Lodicules absent or vestigial.

Introduced (from montane African regions). Only known from three collections in Australia from S.E. Qld. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands. Mesophytic. Flowering Apr. to June. Map 1202.

Qld: Maleny plateau, Witta Rd., Jun1977 and Apr.1978, G.D.Elphinstone s.n. (BRI); Palen Ck, via Rathdownwy, Jul.1991, G. Malcolmson s.n. (BRI).

Only collected a couple of times from Maleny and now considered doubtfully naturalised. A weedy perennial.

22. * Cenchrus macrourus (Trin.) Morrone, Ann. Bot. 106: 128 (2010)

Pennisetum macrourum Trin, Gram. Panic. 64 (1826). T: South Africa, Cape of Good Hope, Link, Swartz; n.v. ; syn: LE, n.v..

Illustrations: C.A.Lamp et al., Grasses Temp. Australia 227 (1990); W.M.Curtis & D.I.Morris, Stud. Fl. Tasmania 4B: 350 (1994); J.Jessop, G.R.M. Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 472, fig.405 (2006).

.

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, 60–200 cm tall, unbranched, 3–7 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule a fringe of hairs (with a very small membranous portion at the very base), 1–1.7 mm long; blades flat to involute, 20–50 cm long (mostly basal), 4–12 mm wide. Inflorescence 8–35 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis to reflexed. Bristles 30–60 subtending the spikelets, not fused, 6–15 mm long (with the uppermost bristle noticeably longer than the rest). Rachis cylindric. Pedicels absent. Spikelets 1–2 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 3–6 mm long, 0.9–1.2 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0–1 mm long, ovate, glabrous; upper glume 0.8–1.4 mm long, ovate, 0–1 nerved, hyaline to membranous, glabrous, acute to truncate or cleft, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 3–6 mm long, 0.8–1.2 mm wide, lanceolate, membranous, 3–5 nerved; palea absent. Upper floret; lemma chartaceous, muricate, lanceolate, long acuminate; palea chartaceous. Anthers 2.5–3.5 mm long. African Feather Grass.

Introduced (from northern and southern Africa). Scattered in southern States. Dry sclerophyll forests and temperate sub-humid woodlands. Helophytic, or mesophytic. Flowering June to Dec. Map 1196.

W.A.: South Perth, R.D.Royce 2525 (PERTH). N.S.W.: Taylor St, Curl Curl, M.J.Taylor 154 (BRI, NSW). S.A.: Mt. Bold Resevoir, bank of Onkaparinga R., E.L.Robertson 88 (AD, CANB). Vic.: Casterton, R.V.Smith 75/23 (AD, BRI CANB, NSW)). Tas: Near Franklin, Feb 1962 W.M.Curtis HO 56001 (HO).

.

This species is similar to C. purpureus, differing by having bristles slightly longer than spikelets, instead of 2-3 times the spikelet length, except for a single longer bristle. It is an environmetal weed in temperate Australia. A weed which has been declared noxious in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and parts of Western Australia and New South Wales.

23. * Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone,  Ann. Bot. 106: 109 (2010).

Pennisetum purpureum Schumach., Beskr. Guin. Pl. 44 (1827).

T: Ghana, P.Thonning 355; holo: C n.v. iso: BM (photo BRI).

Illustrations: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 282 (1952); S.A.Renvoize, Grasses Bahia 262, fig. 98G-H (1984); S.W.L.Jacobs & S.M.Hastings in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 499 (1993).

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 100–400 cm tall, sparingly branched, 8–20 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule a fringed membrane or a fringe of hairs, 2–5 mm long; blades flat, 40–120 cm long, 4–40 mm wide. Inflorescence 8–30 cm long. Bristles 20–50 subtending the spikelets, not fused, 12–25 mm long (the bristle immediately subtending the spikelet is noticeably larger). Involucre with an outer whorl of flexible bristles or lacking a outer whorl of flexible bristles. Rachis cylindric. Pedicels present, 0.5–2.5 mm long. Spikelets 1–5 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 4.5–7 mm long, 0.9–1.2 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0–0.8 mm long, triangular to ovate, glabrous; upper glume 0.8–3 mm long, lanceolate, 0–1 nerved, hyaline, glabrous, acute to rounded, muticous. Lower floret sterile, or male; lemma 4.1–5.1 mm long, 0.8–1.1 mm wide, lanceolate, hyaline to membranous, 3–5 nerved, with apex acuminate; palea present or vestigial, acuminate to acute. Upper floret bisexual or male (the sessile spikelet is hermaphroditic whereas the pedicelled spikelets are staminate only); lemma chartaceous, smooth (scabrous on the acuminate part), lanceolate, acute to acuminate; palea chartaceous. Lodicules absent or vestigial. Anthers 2–3.1 mm long (tipped with penicillate hairs). Elephant grass.

Introduced (from tropical Africa). Scattered coastal distrubtion in all mainland States excluding Vic and S.A. Tropical heaths, tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, temperate sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, and acacia shrublands. Helophytic to mesophytic. Flowering Apr. to Aug. Map 1193.

W.A.: Margin of Lake Kunanurra, near Zebra Rock Gallery, A.A.Mitchell 7548 (AD, BRI, PERTH).(add to map). N.T.: Creek adjacent to Moola Bulla Station HS, 18.1km from Halls Creek, A.A.Mitchell 5971 (BRI, CANB, DNA). Qld: Eungella, B.K.Simon 2590 & S.B.Andrews (BRI). N.S.W.: Richmond R., Casino, A.R.Bean 22677 (BRI).

This species is similar to C. macrourus, differing by having all bristles 2-3 times the spikelet length. A valuable introduced species that occasionally escapes from cultivation. A robust stoloniferous and rhizomatous plant forming bamboo-like clumps; it is cultivated for forage and windbreaks, but sometimes occurs as a weedy escape.

                                                                            CHAMAERAPHIS

B.K.Simon, C.M.Weiller & R.D.Webster

Chamaeraphis R. Br., Prodr. 193 (1810). From Greek chamai (dwarf) and rhaphis (needle), alluding to the awn-like point of the central stalk.

Type: C. hordeacea R. Br.

Setosa Ewart, Fl. N. Territory 33 (1917). T: S. erecta Ewart & Cookson = C.hordeacea R.Br.

Setosa Ewart & Cookson, Fl. N. Terr. 33 (1917). Type species: Setosa erecta Ewart & Cookson.

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, sparingly branched. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule membranous; blades flat. Inflorescence a raceme. Primary branches appressed to the main axis. Bristles subtending all spikelets, antrorsely scabrous or hairy, glabrous, not encircling the base of the modified branch, flexible, not distinctly flattened, 1 subtending the spikelets, not fused. Lowermost inflorescence node smooth. Pedicels present (not differentiated from the callus). Spikelets linear to oblong. Glumes; lower glume ovate, glabrous; upper glume linear to oblong, 7–11 nerved, membranous to chartaceous, glabrous, acute, muticous. Lower floret male; lemma linear to oblong, chartaceous to cartilaginous, 9 nerved (- 11);  palea acute. Upper floret female (stamens vestigial); lemma membranous, smooth, oblong, acute; palea membranous. Anthers 3.6–3.9 mm long.

Monotypic and endemic. The genus is apparently derived by reduction from Pseudoraphis (Clayton and Renvoize, 1986), although some authors (Ballard.l.c.) are of the opinion that the two genera should be united.

G.Bentham, Fl. Austral. 7: 498–499 (1878); F.Ballard, Chaemaeraphis hodeacea R.Br., Hook. Icon. Pl. t.3140:1–2 (1933); R.D.Webster, Chamaeraphis in Austral. Paniceae 28–29 (1987).

Chamaeraphis hordeacea R. Br., Prodr. 193 (1810).

Setosa hordeacea (R.Br.) Ewart, Proc. Roy. Soc. Victoria 32: 204 (1920), nom. illeg. T: Islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria ('h' and 'i'), [N.T.], R.Brown Iter Australiense [6123] ; holo: BM (photo BRI).

Setosa erecta Ewart & Cookson, in A.J.E.Ewart & O.B.Davies, Fl. N. Territory 33, t. 2, 3 (1917). T: Five-mile Bar Camp, Macarthur R., N.T., 30 Dec. 1911, G.F.Hill 705; holo: K (photo BRI).

Illustrations: F.Ballard, loc.cit. (1933); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 35–60 cm tall, 10–15 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule 0.8–1.2 mm long; blades flat, 3–9 cm long, 3–5 mm wide. Inflorescence 3–5.5 cm long. Primary branches appressed to the main axis. Bristles 35–70 mm long, glabrous, not distinctly flattened, 1 subtending the spikelets, not fused. Lowermost inflorescence node smooth. Pedicels present (not differentiated from the callus), 0.5–1 mm long. Spikelets 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 6–8.2 mm long, 0.95–1.2 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.2–0.3 mm long, glabrous; upper glume 6–8.2 mm long, linear to oblong, 7–11 nerved (with the mid-nerve, first and third lateral nerves poorly developed whereas the remaining lateral nerves are pronounced and scabrous), membranous to chartaceous, glabrous, acute, muticous. Lower floret male; lemma 6–8 mm long, 0.95–1.2 mm wide, linear to oblong, chartaceous to cartilaginous, 9 nerved (-11);  palea acute. Upper floret; lemma membranous, smooth, oblong, acute; palea membranous. Anthers 3.6–3.9 mm long.

Endemic. Tropical N.T and adjacent parts of Qld near Gulf of Carpentaria. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands and coastal grasslands. Mesophytic. Flowering Feb. to July. Map 1204.

N.T.: 19 miles (30.4 km) SE of Katherine, M.Lazarides (BRI, CANB); opp. Katherine Exp. Farm, C.R.Dunlop 2171 & N.Byrnes (BRI, DNA); Arafura Swamp, I.D.Cowie & R.K.Hardwood 8103 (BRI, CANB, DNA). Qld: Nicholson Crossing at Doomadgee; D.E.Symon 5024 (AD, BRI); mouth of Settlement Ck, R.A.Perry 1221 (BRI, CANB).

Although this species was collected by Robert Brown in the Gulf of Carpentaria, it is a relatively little collected species.

                                                                           PSEUDORAPHIS

B.K.Simon, C.M.Weiller & R.D.Webster

Pseudoraphis Griff., Not. Pl. Asiat. 3: 29 (1851). From the Greek pseudos (false) and raphis (a needle), alluding to needlelike bristles.

Type: P. brunoniana (Griff.) Griff.

Perennial. Flowering culms decumbent, sparingly branched. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule membranous or a fringed membrane; blades flat. Inflorescence a panicle or a raceme, with primary branches appressed to the main axis or spreading, with spikelets appressed to the rachis; panicle apex produced to a bristle beyond the uppermost spikelet; bristle antrorsely scabrous, glabrous, flexible. Spikelets lanceolate. Glumes; lower glume lanceolate to obovate (somewhat fan-shaped), glabrous; upper glume lanceolate, 7–19 nerved, membranous to chartaceous, glabrous (but with pronounced spicules), acuminate to acute, muticous. Lower floret male; lemma lanceolate, membranous, 7–19 nerved, with apex acuminate to acute; palea acuminate. Upper floret female; lemma hyaline to membranous, smooth, oblong to lanceolate, acute; palea hyaline. Anthers 1–1.8 mm long.

About 8-9 species native from India and Japan to Australia; 4 species are native in Australia, one with two varieties.

J.W.Vickery, Pseudoraphis spinescens (R.Br.) n. comb., and some records of New South Wales grasses. Proc. R. Soc. Qd. 62: 69–72 (1952); J.W.Vickery, Pseudoraphis in Tindale, M.D., Flora of New South Wales No 19. Gramineae, Part 2, 211–214 (1975); R.D.Webster, Pseudoraphis in Austral. Paniceae 195–199 (1987).

1   Spikelets 7.5–11 mm long	1. P. paradoxa
1:  Spikelets less than 7 mm long
2  Mature inflorescence longer than 5 cm long with primary branches at least 3 cm long; upper glume 7-11-nerved	2. P. spinescens
2:  Mature inflorescence 3- 5 cm long with primary branches less than 3 cm long; upper glume 13-15-nerved
3   Leaf blades 0.5-1.5 mm wide, attenuate to cuneate at the base; spikelets 4-5 mm long	3. P. jagonis
3:  Leaf blades 2-6 mm wide, rounded at the base; spikelets 2.5-3.5 mm long	4. P. minuta

1. Pseudoraphis paradoxa (R. Br.) Pilger, Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 10: 210 (1928).

Panicum paradoxum R.Br., Prodr. 193 (1810); Chamaeraphis paradoxa (R.Br.) Poir., Encycl. Suppl. 2: 189 (1811); Chamaeraphis paradoxa (R.Br.) Benth., Fl. Austral. 7: 499 (1878); Setaria longiflora Desv., Opusc. Sci. Phys. Nat. 81 (1831), in obs., nom. illeg. T: (J.) v.v., ? Port Jackson, R.Brown Iter Australiense 6125; holo: BM (photo BRI); iso: E, n.v.

Illustrations: N.T.Burbidge, Austral. Grasses 3: 169 (1970); T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland 3: 215, fig. 34F (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & S.M.Hastings in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 490 (1993).

Flowering culms 20–50 cm tall, 4–20 noded. Leaves; ligule 0.8–1.4 mm long; blades 3–8 cm long, 2–6 mm wide. Inflorescence a raceme or a panicle, 3–4 cm long, with primary branches appressed to the main axis; bristles 15–22 mm long. Pedicels 0.7–1 mm long. Spikelets 1–3 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 7.5–11 mm long, 1.2–1.4 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.9–1.3 mm long, lanceolate (somewhat fan-shaped); upper glume 7.5–11 mm long, 15–19 nerved, glabrous (with nerves scabrous), acuminate. Lower floret; lemma 7–9 mm long, 1–1.2 mm wide, 17–19 nerved. Upper floret; lemma smooth, oblong to lanceolate. Anthers 3–3.5 mm long. Slender Mudgrass.

Native. Eastern coast from Cardwell, Qld to Orbust, Vic. Tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, temperate wet sclerophyll forests, and dry sclerophyll forests. Hydrophytic, or helophytic. Flowering Feb. to May. Map 1208.

Qld: Dudgeon Pt, Mackay, G.N.Batianoff 93/2229 & A.J.Franks (BRI); Fraser Island, East Coast, 25 30 S, S.T.Blake 14327 (BRI); Hancock Brother's Pine Plantation, Plunkett Rd, SE of Logan Village, B.K.Simon 4271, E.J.Thompson, P.& K. Sparshot & D.A.Simon (AD, B, BRI, CANB, DNA, K, L, MEL, MO, NSW). N.S.W.: Narrabeen, S.T.Blake 7438 (BRI). Vic.: Ewing Marsh, 10 km SW of Orbust, A.C.Beauglehole 68176 (BRI, MEL).

P. paradoxa differs from P. spinescens by having 1–2 spikelets in the panicle branch and a larger upper lemma.

2. Pseudoraphis spinescens (R. Br.) Vick., Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensland 62: 69 (1952).

Panicum spinescens R.Br., Prodr. 193 (1810); Chamaeraphis spinescens (R.Br.) Poir., Encycl. Suppl. 2: 189 (1811); Chamaeraphis spinescens (R.Br.) Benth., Fl. Austral. 7: 498 (1878). T: Port Jackson, R.Brown Iter Australiense 6126; holo: BM (photo BRI); iso: K (photo BRI).

Panicum abortivum R.Br., Prodr. 193 (1810); Chamaeraphis abortiva Poir., Encycl. Suppl. 2: 189 (1811); Orthopogon abortivus (R.Br.) Spreng., Syst. Veg. 1: 306 (1824); Oplismenus abortivus (R.Br.) Desv., Opusc. Sci. Phys. Nat. 82: 186 (1831); Chamaeraphis spinescens var. parvspicula Benth., Fl. Austral. 7: 499 (1878), nom. illeg.; Pseudoraphis abortiva (R.Br.) Pilger, Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 10: 210 (1928). T: North Is., Gulf of Carpentaria, R.Brown Iter Australiense 6127; holo: BM (photo BRI); iso: K (photo BRI).

Panicum asperum J.König, Naturforscher (Halle) 23: 209 (1788), non. Lam. (1778); Chamaeraphis aspera (J.König) Nees, Wall. Cat. Herb. Ind. no. 8679 (1849).

Illustrations: J.C.Tothill & J.B.Hacker, Grasses of Southern Queensland 360 (1983); N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 616, fig. 124a-b (1994); I.D.Cowie, P.S.Short & M.Osterkamp Madsen, Floodplain Flora 320, Fig 83 (2000); J.Jessop, G.R.M. Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 475, fig.408 (2006).

Flowering culms 20–50 cm tall (the base commonly floating and several feet in length), 5–20 noded. Leaves; ligule 0.8–4.1 mm long; blades 2.5–13 cm long (the leaves associated with stolon nodes may be filiform and curled whereas the leaves of the erect flowering culm are erect and flat), 1–7 mm wide (mostly c. 4.0). Inflorescence (3-) 5–15 cm long with primary branches spreading; bristles 3–11 mm long (sometimes the bristle is very underdeveloped). Pedicels 0.3–0.8 mm long. Spikelets 3–11 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2.5–7 mm long, 0.6–0.9 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.35–0.9 mm long, lanceolate to obovate; upper glume 2.5–7.9 mm long, 7–11 nerved, glabrous (with nerves spiculate), long acuminate to acuminate. Lower floret; lemma 2–6.4 mm long, 0.45–0.65 mm wide, 7 nerved (the first lateral nerves are not distinct). Upper floret; lemma oblong to obovate. Anthers 0.9–1.8 mm long. Spiny Mudgrass.

Native. Tropical and eastern Australia from W.A. through to Vic and S.A. Dry sclerophyll forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, arid and semi-arid low woodlands, eucalypt shrublands, and coastal grasslands. Hydrophytic, or helophytic. Flowering throughout the year (depending on location). Map 1207.

W.A.: SW of mouth of King George R, A.A.Mitchell 2992 (BRI, PERTH). N.T.: Annitowa HS, P.K.Latz 7018 (BRI, CANB, DNA). S.A.: 27 10 50S 140 09 10 E, Lake Eyre Basin, J.Gillen 601 (AD, BRI). Qld: Richards Ck, Mt Mulligan Mine site, J.R.Clarkson 5317 (BRI, CANB, K, MEL, PERTH, QRS) (CANB). N.S.W.: Tuckean Island Rd, W of Wardell, A.R.Bean 17578 (BRI, NSW). Vic: about 19 km NNW of Shepparton, H.Aston 2610 (BRI, CANB, MEL).

A morphologically diverse species, as is normally the case with aquatic plants. The forms from tropical Australia have been separated in the past as P. abortiva, on the basis of having smaller spikelets, but on closer examination of the types this difference could not be consistently upheld.

3. Pseudoraphis jagonis  B. K. Simon, Austrobaileya 8:  212.  (2010)

T: Port Douglas, Qld. Growing in damp soil in an old swale with Dillenia alata and Melaleuca quinquenervia, R.L.Jago 6610; holo: BRI; iso: CANB, K, L, MO, NSW, SI.

Flowering culms 15–40 cm tall, 7–14 noded. Nodes pubescent. Leaves; ligule 0.2–0.3 mm long; blades 1–6 cm long, 0.5–1.5 mm wide. Inflorescence 2–5 cm long with primary branches spreading; bristles 2–3 mm long. Pedicels 0.5–9 mm long. Spikelets 2–4 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 4–5 mm long, 0.6–0.8 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.2–0.3 mm long, broadly oblong; upper glume 4–5 mm long, 13–15 nerved, glabrous to scabrous. Lower floret; lemma 2.5–3 mm long, 0.8–0.9 mm wide, 7 nerved. Upper floret; lemma membranous.  Fig.     

Endemic. Restricted to Port Douglas swale within a condominium precinct. Qld. Coastal grasslands. Hydrophytic. Flowering Nov., or Oct.

Qld: Port Douglas, B.K.Simon 4328 & R.L.Jago (infertile specimen) (BRI, L, K, NSW, US). B.S.Wannan 4108 & R.L.Jago (BRI); B.S.Wannan 4137 (BRI); B.S.Wannan 4199 (ex Port Douglas, cultivated at Speewah) (BRI, CANB, L).

The spikelet bristles, a general feature of the genus, are of varying length  in this species and are sometimes difficult to see..

4. Pseudoraphis minuta (Mez) Pilger, Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 10: 210 (1928).

Chamaeraphis minuta Mez, Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 7: 48 (1917). T: B. Balansa 1592, no date, Vietnam: Tonkin, prope Hanoi ad paludum margines; lecto: BRI (here chosen); isolecto: L, P, US.

Flowering culms 10–15 cm tall, 6–10 noded. Leaves; ligule 0.5–0.7 mm long; blades 1.5–3.5 cm long, 2–6 mm wide. Inflorescence 3–5 cm long; primary branches spreading; bristles 2.5–3 mm long. Pedicels 0.2–0.4 mm long. Spikelets 3–5 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2.5–3.5 mm long, 0.6–0.8 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.4–0.6 mm long, ovate; upper glume 2.5–3.5 mm long, 13–15 nerved, hairy or glabrous, acuminate. Lower floret; lemma 2.2–2.5 mm long, 0.6–0.8 mm wide, 7 nerved. Upper floret; lemma lanceolate.

Native. Vietnam tropical N.T. & Qld. Map 1205.

This species consists of two varieties, one of which has spikelets with tubercle-based hairs (var. minuta) and the other with smooth, glabrous spikelets (var. laevis). The Australian material of var. minuta appears to have shorter panicles and leaf blade apices that are more obtuse than the type specimen from Vietnam.

4a. Pseudoraphis minuta var minuta

Upper glume with tubercle-based hairs.

Vietnam and tropical N.T. Flowering Apr.

N.T.: Coburg Peninsula, Trepang Bay, I.Cowie 3640 (BRI, CANB, DNA, MEL, NSW, PERTH); Coburg Peninsula, Popham Bay, I.Cowie 3654 (BRI, CANB, DNA).

4b. Pseudoraphis minuta var. laevis B.K. Simon, Austrobaileya 9:  214  (2010). 

T: N.T.: Goromuru R. floodplain, floating in shallow water c.10 cm deep, I.Cowie 2838; holo: BRI; iso: CANB, DNA, K, L, MEL, MO, NSW, PERTH, QRS.

Upper glume smooth and glabrous.

Only known from type from Gomoru R. floodplain, N.T.  Flowering May.

                                                                           PSEUDOCHAETOCHLOA

B.K.Simon, C.M.Weiller & R.D.Webster

Pseudochaetochloa Hitchc., J. Wash. Acad. Sci. 1924: 492 (1924). From the Greek pseudos (false) and chloa (a grass), with reference to Chaetochloa (a synonym of the grass genus Setaria).

Type: P. australiensis Hitchc. (= P. arnhemicum)

Perennial. Flowering culms caespitose, sparingly branched, 6–12 noded. Leaves; sheaths glabrous; ligule a fringe of hairs; blades flat to involute. Plants dioecious, without hermaphrodite florets. Inflorescence a panicle, with primary branches spreading or reflexed, with spikelets appressed to the rachis (female inflorescences) or reduced to fascicles of spikelets (male inflorescences). Bristles subtending all spikelets, antrorsely scabrous or hairy, glabrous (male) or hairy in the lower part (female), encircling the base of the modified branch (female) or not encircling the base of the modified branch (male), not distinctly flattened, 1–5 subtending the spikelets (mostly 1 in male spikelets) or 7–12 subtending the spikelets (in female spikelets), not fused. Pedicels present. Callus not flared to form a discoid receptacle. Glumes; lower glume ovate to oblong, glabrous; upper glume ovate, 3–5 nerved (male) or 3 nerved (female), membranous, glabrous, acute to truncate, mucronate. Lower floret male (in male spikelets), or sterile (in female spikelets); lemma 4–7.1 mm long (female) or 4–5.9 mm long (male), 0.9–1.2 mm wide (male) or 1.2–1.4 mm wide (female), lanceolate, membranous to chartaceous, 5 nerved, with apex acuminate to acute; palea present (male) or absent (female), acute. Upper floret female (in female spikelets) or male (in male spikelets); lemma membranous to chartaceous (male) or indurate (female), smooth (female) or irregularly striate (male), lanceolate, acute (male) or acuminate (female); palea membranous to chartaceous (male) or cartilaginous (female). Anthers 2–2.5 mm long.

A monotypic genus occurring in W.A. and N.T. A primitive genus whose clusters take the form of branchlets with a clearly defined axis but which is otherwise similar to Pennisetum (Clayton and Renvoize, 1986). Until recently the two sexes were considered different species in separate genera, the female being placed in Pennisetum arnhemicum (Macfarlane, 1992).

A.S.Hitchcock, A. S. (1924 ). Pseudochaetochloa, a new genus of grasses from Australia. J. Wash. Acad. Sci. 14: 491–492.), T.D.Macfarlane, Pseudochaetochloa in J.R.Wheeler et al., Flora of the Kimberley Region 1209 (1992); R.D.Webster, Pseudochaetochloa in Austral. Paniceae 194–195 (1987).

Pseudochaetochloa. arnhemicum (F.Muell.) Lazarides, Macfarlane, & B.K.Simon ms [placed in Cenchrus in latest molecular phylogeny]

Pennisetum arnhemicum F.Muell., Fragm. 8: 109 (1873). T: female plant, Victoria R., N.T., F.Mueller; holo: MEL (photo BRI); iso: BRI.

Pseudochaetochloa australiensis Hitchc., J. Wash. Acad. Sci. 14: 492 (1924)

T: Devil's Pass, Napier Ra., W.A., W.V. Fitzgerald 600; holo: US (photo BRI); iso: K(photo BRI), PERTH (photo BRI).

Illustrations: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 269 (1952); T.D.Macfarlane in Fl. Kimberley Region 1210, fig. 342, 1211, fig. 343 (1992); B.K.Simon & T.D.Macfarlane, The distribution and biogeography of W.A. grasses, Figs 16 & 17, in S.D.Hopper, Systematics, evolution and conservation of the Western Australian biota (1996)

Flowering culms 50–80 cm tall (female) or 50–120 cm tall (male). Leaves; ligule 0.7–2.3 mm long; blades 20–50 cm long, 1–5–5.5 mm wide. Inflorescence 8–12 cm long (male and female). Bristles 3–9 mm long (male) or 15–25 mm long (female). Pedicels 0.3–1.4 mm long. Spikelets 4–8 on a typical lowermost primary branch (male) or 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch (female), 4.1–7.2 mm long (male) or 4–5.9 mm long (female), 0.9–1.2 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.9–3.1 mm long (male) or 1.4–3.8 mm long (female); upper glume 2.4–4.1 mm long (female) or 2.3–3.6 mm long (male).

Endemic. From the Kimberley region of W.A. and adjacent areas of the N.T. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, and arid hummock grasslands. Mesophytic to xerophytic. Flowering Mar. to Aug. Map 1209.

W.A.: Fern Ck, 19 km E of Inglis Gap, King Leopold Ra, male plants, B.K.Simon 3849 (BRI, DNA, K, PERTH): female plants, B.K.Simon 3850 (BRI, DNA, PERTH); Brooking Gorge, Oscar Ra, male plants, B.K.Simon 3997 (BRI, DNA, PERTH): female plants, B.K Simon 3998 (BRI, PERTH); Tunnel Ck N.P., Napier Ra, female plants, B.K.Simon 3826 & C.R.Dunlop (BRI, CANB, DNA, K, PERTH): male plants, B.K.Simon 3827 & C.R.Dunlop (BRI, CANB, DNA, K, L, NSW, PERTH); Napier Downs HS, male plants, B.K.Simon 3904 (BRI, DNA, PERTH): female plants, B.K Simon 3905 (BRI, PERTH). N.T.: 74 km SW of Victoria R HS, male plants, P.K.Latz 5333 (BRI, CANB, DNA, PERTH).

Covers a wide range of morphological variation. Highly variable characters include spikelet length, a hairy or glabrous main axis, hairy or glabrous bristles, filiform or flat leaf blades, and relative length of the second glume. Typically, each spikelet is subtended by a single bristle; however, the southern-most collections (A.S. George 15528 and 15527) possess clusters of bristles subtending the spikelets. Further investigations and collections are needed to clarify taxonomic significance of this variation.