Setaria (ms) July 2010

SETARIA

B.K.Simon, C.R.Weiller and R.D. Webster

Setaria P. Beauv., Ess. Agrostogr. 51: 178 (1812), nom. cons.; from the Latin seta (a bristle), alluding to bristly inflorescences.

Chaetochloa Scribn., U.S.D.A. Div. Agrostol. Bull. 4: 38 (1897); Chamaeraphis sect. Setaria (P.Beauv.) Kuntze, in T.E. von Post & C.E.O.Kuntze, Lex. Gen. Phan. 115 (1903). T: C. viridis (L.) Scribn. = S. viridis (L.) P.Beauv.

Type: S. viridis (L.) P.Beauv. typ. cons.

Plants annual or perennial, rhizomatous or without rhizomes. Flowering culms erect or decumbent; nodes glabrous or pubescent. Leaves; ligule a fringed membrane; leaf blades flat or conduplicate or plicate. Inflorescence a panicle, open to tightly spicate, exserted at maturity; with spikelets subtended by one to several bristles persisting on the branches after the spikelets fall; bristles antrorsely or retrorsely barbed. Spikelets abaxial, solitary. Glumes 2, very unequal, awnless; lower glume ovate, encircling the spikelet base, 3–5 nerved, glabrous, acute to cleft, muticous to mucronate; upper glume 0.4–1 times the length of the lower lemma, ovate to elliptic, 3–9 nerved, with non-ciliate margins and submargins, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile or male; lemma ovate or elliptic or obovate, not keeled, with a glabrous first internerve space, with nerves smooth; palea present to vestigial, acute to with a rounded apex. Upper floret bisexual; lemma decidedly firmer than glumes, indurate, finely to coarsely transversely rugose, elliptic, rounded on the back, obscurely nerved, margins recurved and not noticeably thinner than body, glabrous, acute or apically rounded or truncate, mucronate; palea with pronounced nerves. Hilum short.

A widespread genus of c. 110 species in tropical and warm temperate regions; 16 species in Australia, 8 native and 8 introduced. Setaria clivalis (Ridl.) Veldkamp is present on Christmas Is.

A heterogeneous genus whose traditional subdivision usefully summarise the major facies, but are of doubtful practical value due to the large number of intermediate species. The most characteristic feature is modification of the tip of the panicle branches into bristles subtending the spikelets. This is associated with contraction of the panicle along two diverging lines which lead, on the one hand to racemose branches and on the other to a cylindrical spike (Clayton and Renvoize, 1986). Some agrostologists (Veldkamp, 1994; Webster, 1995) maintain that because there is a continuum in variation of the bristle arrangement between Paspalidium and Setaria, the generic separation is difficult to apply, and they place all species of Paspalidium under Setaria.

E.R.Sohns, J. Wash. Acad. Sci. 44: 116–122 (1954); J.M.Rominger, Illinois Biol. Monogr. 29: 1–132 (1962); W.D.Clayton, Kew Bull. 33:501–509 (1979); R.D.Webster, Sida 16:439–446 (1995); J.W.Vickery, Setaria in M.D.Tindale, Flora of New South Wales 19 (2): 225–241 (1975); R.D.Webster, Setaria in Austral. Paniceae 203–216 (1987); W.J.Crins, Setaria in The genera of Paniceae (Gramineae: Panicoideae) in the Southestern United States, 294-305 (1991); J.F.Veldkamp, Miscellaneous notes on southeast Asian Gramineae IX. Setaria and Paspalidium, Blumea 39: 373-384 (1994).

1 Leaf blades plicate
2 Robust perennial	*1.S. palmifolia**
2: Decumbent annual	*2. S. barbata**
1: Leaf blades not plicate
3 Bristles retrorsely barbed	*3. S. verticillata**
3: Bristles antrorsely barbed
4 Annuals
5 Inflorescence an open to contracted panicle of racemes
6 Inflorescence contracted	*4. S. italica**
6: Inflorescence open	5. S. dielsii
5: Inflorescence a tightly contracted false spike
7 Upper glume about half the spikelet length	*6. S. pumila**
7: Upper glume more than half the spikelet length
8 Spikelets not turgid; upper floret very finely rugose	*7. S. viridis**
8: Spikelets turgid; upper floret coarsely rugose
9 Spikelets more than 3.5 mm long	8. S. queenslandica
9: Spikelets up to 3.4 mm long
10 Spikelets 2.5-2.9 mm long; upper glume ¾ spikelet length	9. S. surgens
10: Spikelets 3‑3.4 mm long; upper glume from 80% to almost as long as spikelet	10. S. apiculata
4: Perennials
11 Inflorescence a loosely contracted panicle
12 Inflorescence with spikelets clustered along primary branches	11. S. oplismenoides
12: Inflorescence with spikelets ± uniformly arranged
13 Spikelets 3.5- 4 mm long	12. S. australiensis
13: Spikelets 2.8-3.1 mm long	13. S. paspalidioides
11: Inflorescence a tightly contracted false spike
14 Inflorescence (excluding bristles) c. 4 mm wide	*14 S. parviflora**
14: Inflorescence (excluding bristles) 6‑8 mm wide
15 Bristles purple; upper glume 7‑nerved	*15. S. incrassata**
15: Bristles fulvous; upper glume 3‑5‑nerved	*16.S. sphacelata**

? Setaria poiretiana Census 52 has NSW

?S. pembertonensis Mez, Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 7: 57. 1917. Australia, Pemberton, Walcott s.n.

1. *Setaria palmifolia (Koenig) Stapf, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 42: 186 (1914).

Panicum palmifolium K.D.Koenig, Naturforscher (Halle) 23: 208 (1788). T: ?Thailand, J.P.Rottler; ?holo: BM.

Illustrations: E.E.Henty, Man. Grasses N. Guinea 178, pl. 66 (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: 544 (2003); J.Jessop, G.R.M.Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 482, fig.415 (2006).

Plants perennial, rhizomatous. Flowering culms erect, 70–200 cm tall, 4–10 noded; nodes pubescent. Leaves; ligule 1.9–3 mm long; leaf blades plicate, 5–60 cm long, 15–60 mm wide. Inflorescence open, 10–40 cm long; primary branches 4-18 cm long; bristles antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 20–140 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2.7–3.9 mm long, 1–1.5 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.1–2.2 mm long, 3 nerved, cleft, muticous; upper glume 0.65–0.9 times the length of the lower lemma, elliptic, 5 nerved, mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.7–3.9 mm long, 1–1.5 mm wide, elliptic, 5 nerved; palea linear, with a rounded apex. Upper floret; lemma finely transversely rugose, acute. Palm Grass.

Introduced (from tropical Asia), coastal regions of Qld and northern N.S.W. Introduced to Norfolk Is. and Lord Howe Is., according to Fl. Australia 49: 487 (1994). Tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Mesophytic. Flowering Mar. to June. Map 1088.

W.A.: Lesmurdie, B.J.Lepschi & T.R.Lally 2498 (BRI, CANB, PERTH). N.T.: Darwin, S.Aldrick (DNA). S.A.: Upper Sturt Creek near Mt Lofty Station, R.Bates 3804 (AD). Qld: Austinville S.F., W.J.F.McDonald 1863 (BRI); N.S.W.: Wilson's R, SSW of Mullumbimby, A.R.Bean 11712 (BRI).

Setaria palmifolia belongs to a complex of closely related species that are characterized by a perennial habit and plicate leaves. Relationships among the species of this complex are poorly understood and their placement in Setaria needs critical re-evaluation.

2. *Setaria barbata (Lamk.) Kunth, Révis. Gramin. 1: 47 (1829).

Panicum barbatum Lam., Tabl. Encycl. 1: 171 (1791); Chaetochloa barbata (Lam.) Hitchc. & Chase, Contr. U.S. Natl Herb. 18: 348 (1917). T: Mauritius Is.; holo: P.

Illustrations: R.R.Innes, Man. Ghana Grasses 232, fig. 83 (1977); S.A.Renvoize, Grasses Bahia 105, fig. 37E-F (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: 544 (2003).

Plants annual. Flowering culms decumbent, 15–60 cm tall, 2–5 noded; nodes pubescent. Leaves; ligule 0.8–1.2 mm long; leaf blades plicate, more so at the base, 5–30 cm long, 5–20 mm wide. Inflorescence open, 5–15 cm long; primary branches 1.5-3 cm long; bristles antrorsely barbed. Involucre with spines in one whorl. Spikelets 20–60 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2.3–2.7 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.8–1.1 mm long, 3 nerved (faint), acute to cleft, muticous or mucronate; upper glume 0.55–0.85 times the length of the lower lemma, elliptic, 7 nerved, mucronate. Lower floret sterile or male; lemma 2.3–2.7 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide, elliptic, 7 nerved (the mid-nerve is often sunken); palea elliptic, acute. Upper floret; lemma coarsely transversely rugose, acute. Fig xx.

Introduced (from Europe), Collected only once in Australia, from the Mackay racecourse, Qld. Tropical and subtropical rain forests. Mesophytic. Flowering July. Map 1089.

Qld: Racecourse, Mackay, Jul.1982,C.L.Ellis s.n. (BRI).

3. *Setaria verticillata (L.) P. Beauv., Ess. Agrostogr. 51, 171, 178 (1812).

Panicum verticillatum L., Sp. Pl. 2nd edn, 1: 82 (1762); Pennisetum verticillatum (L.) R.Br. ex F.Muell., Fragm. 8: 110 (1873). T: in Europa, australi & Oriente; n.v. Europe (LINN-80.7). LT fide Belo-Correia & Costa, Revista Biol. (Lisbon) 13: 117–143 (1986).

Setaria carnei Hitchc., Proc. Linn. Soc. New South Wales ser.2, 52: 185 (1927). T: Broome, W.A., Apr. 1925, North West Department, H.197; holo: US.

Illustrations: N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 602, fig. 122a-b (1994); W.M.Curtis & D.I.Morris, Stud. Fl. Tasmania 4B: 341, fig 117 (1994); J.Jessop, G.R.M.Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 485, fig.419 (2006).

Plants annual. Flowering culms erect or decumbent (basally), 16–100 cm tall, 3–10 noded. Leaves; ligule 1–1.9 mm long; leaf blades flat, 5–25 cm long, 3–12 mm wide. Inflorescence loosely contracted, 3–13 cm long; primary branches 1-2 cm long; bristles retrorsely barbed. Spikelets 1–20 on a typical lowermost primary branch (lowermost primary branches well developed with 5 – 20 spikelets, but uppermost branches reduced to a single spikelet and bristle), 1.7–2.4 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.6–1.4 mm long, 1–3 nerved, acute, muticous or mucronate; upper glume 0.9–1 times the length of the lower lemma, elliptic, 5–7 nerved, mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 1.7–2.3 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide, elliptic, 5–7 nerved (the first lateral nerves are frequently only partially developed); palea lanceolate to ovate, with a rounded apex. Upper floret; lemma finely transversely rugose. Whorled Pigeon Grass.

Introduced, scattered in all Australian States, except in arid and wet tropical regions; also on Norfolk Is. and Lord Howe Is. Tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, acacia shrublands, eucalypt shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, arid hummock grasslands, and coastal grasslands. Mesophytic, or xerophytic. Flowering mostly Mar. to Oct. Map 1079.

W.A.: Carnegie, A.S.George 5556 (PERTH). N.T.: Simpson Gap, P.K.Latz 7620 (NT). S.A.: Adelaide, J.Carrick 2196 (AD). Qld: Rossmoya, Jan.1981, J.H.Wildin (BRI). N.S.W.: Between Dalton and Yass, E.Canning 6855 (BRI, MEL, NSW, L). A.C.T.: Canberra, R.Pullen 809 (CANB). Vic. Mt Wycheproof, G.W.Carr 7811 (BRI, MEL). Tas: Hayes, D.I.Morris 86308 (HO).

Retrorsely scabrid bristles make this species easily recognisable and unique. S. verticillata var. ambigua, native to Europe, has antrorse bristles, suggesting that a minor genetic change may be responsible for the antrorse versus retrorse condition.

Spikelet length and presence or absence of cilia on the sheath margins has been used to distinguish between S. verticillata and S. adhaerens, however, these characters cannot be applied consistently.

4. *Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv., Ess. Agrostogr. 51, 170, 171, 178 (1812).

Panicum italicum L., Sp. Pl. 1: 56 (1753); Pennisetum italicum (L.) R.Br., Prodr. 195 (1810); Ixophorus italicus (L.) Nash, Bull. Torr. Bot. Cl. 22: 423 (1895); Chaetochloa italica (L.) Scribn., U.S.D.A Div. Agrostol. Bull. 4: 39 (1897); S. viridis subsp. italica (L.) Briq., Prodr. Fl. Corse 1: 68 (1910). T: India; holo: LINN.

Illustrations: E.Breakwell, Grasses & Fodder Pl. New South Wales 85, fig. 31 (1923); Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 557 (2003); J.Jessop, G.R.M.Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 481, fig.413 (2006).

Plants annual. Flowering culms erect, 30–150 cm tall, 3–8 noded. Leaves; ligule 0.8–1.7 mm long; leaf blades flat, 8–30 cm long, 5–15 mm wide. Inflorescence loosely contracted, 2–18 cm long; primary branches 1-1.5 cm long; bristles antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 5–30 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2.4–3 mm long, 1.1–1.3 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.8–1.5 mm long, 3 nerved (occasionally the 5th and 7th lateral nerves are faintly developed), acute, muticous; upper glume 0.8–0.95 times the length of the lower lemma, elliptic, 5–7 nerved, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.4–3 mm long, 1.1–1.3 mm wide, elliptic, 7 nerved (the first lateral nerves are commonly only partially developed). Upper floret; lemma finely transversely rugose, truncate to apically rounded. Foxtail Millet, Italian Millet.

Introduced (from Europe), scattered distribution throughout Australia. Tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Mesophytic. Flowering mostly Jan. to May. Map 1075.

W.A.: Boyup Brook, G.L.Cailes (PERTH). N.T.:Finke River Railway Crossing, P.K.Latz 13594 (DNA). S.A.: Meningie, L.D.Williams 616 (AD). Qld: Toowong, Brisbane, S.T.Blake 250 (BRI); Mt. Garnet Township, M.Lazarides 4222 (CANB). N.S.W.: Albury, R.G.Coveny 12923, W.Bishop & J.M.Dalby (BRI, MEL, NSW, US). A.C.T.: Turner, R.Pullen 2052 (CANB). Vic. Vermont, Bellbird Dell, D.E. Albrecht 487 (MEL) Tas: Mt Stuart Lookout, Apr 1968; J.E.S.Townrow s.n. (HO).

Although recognized as a species, S. italica seems to be a cultivated form of S. viridis. The point of disarticulation (below the glumes in S. viridis and above in S. italica) is used to separate the species.

5. Setaria dielsii R.A.W. Herrm., Beitr. Biol. Pflanzen 10: 52 (1910).

T: Mt. Lindhurst, S.A., Koch 170; syn: B; isosyn: BRI; Gascoyne near Carnarvon, W.A., Diels 3664; syn: B; isosyn: BRI; without exact locality, NW Australia, A.Cunningham; syn: B.

S. buchananii Hitchc., Proc. Linn. Soc. New South Wales ser. 2, 52 :185 (1927), as "Buchanani". T: Murchison District, W.A., Apr. 1925, G.Buchanan 201; holo: US (photo BRI); iso: K, PERTH, n.v..

Illustrations: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 269, pl. 77A (1952 as Setaria Dielsii; J.P.Jessop in J.P.Jessop & H.R.Toelken (eds), Fl. S. Australia 4: 1978, fig. 903A (1986); J.Jessop, G.R.M.Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 480, fig.412 (2006).

Plants usually annual (specimens collected around waterholes may take on some perennial characteristics), stoloniferous or without stolons. Flowering culms erect or decumbent (mostly erect), 40–80 cm tall, 3–6 noded. Leaves; ligule 0.5–1.3 mm long; leaf blades flat, 5–28 cm long, 3.5–11 mm wide. Inflorescence open, 2.5–17 cm long; primary branches 0.7-3.5 cm long; bristles antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 7–15 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2.1–2.8 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1–1.9 mm long, 3 nerved, acute, mucronate; upper glume 0.95–1 times the length of the lower lemma, elliptic, 7–9 nerved, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.1–2.8 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide, elliptic, 5–7 nerved. Upper floret; lemma coarsely transversely rugose, acute. Rachilla not prolonged beyond the upper floret. Diels Pigeon Grass.

Native, widespread in mainland States except N.S.W. and Vic.; also in Timor. Brigalow forests, acacia shrublands, and arid hummock grasslands. Mesophytic to xerophytic. Flowering sporadically throughout the year. Map 1081.

W.A.: Gogo Stn., C.A.Gardner 9739 (PERTH); banks of Lyons R., C.A.Gardner 6130 (PERTH). N.T.: Mappata WH, P.K.Latz 1094 (NT); 4.4 miles [7.1 km] S Glen Helen HS, R.A.Perry (PERTH). S.A.: Murnpeowie Ck, Jul.1920, H.W.Andrews (BRI).

The primary branches of the inflorescence are well developed and a single bristle subtends the terminal and basal spikelets. This bristle to spikelet relationship is identical to that of the genus Paspalidium and intermediate between the very compacted or reduced form represented by S. geniculata and the open form represented by S. palmifolia.

6. *Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roemer & Schultes,

Panicum pumilum Poir., Encycl. Suppl. 4: 273 (1816). T: Desfontaines; holo: P.

[Setaria glauca auct, non (L.) P.Beauv.].

[Setaria lutescens auct. non (Wieg.) F.T.Hubb.].

Plants annual. Flowering culms erect, 10–80 cm tall, 2–5 noded. Leaves; ligule 0.7–1.5 mm long; leaf blades flat or conduplicate, 4–25 cm long, 3–10 mm wide. Inflorescence tightly spicate, 1–18 cm long; bristles antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 1–2 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2.3–3.3 mm long, 1.3–1.6 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.8–1.4 mm long, 3 nerved, acute, muticous; upper glume 0.4–0.7 times the length of the lower lemma, ovate to elliptic, 5 nerved, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile or male; lemma 2.3–3.3 mm long, 1.1–1.6 mm wide, elliptic, 5 nerved; palea elliptic, acute. Upper floret; lemma coarsely transversely rugose, apically rounded. Map 1082.

Clayton (1979) gives evidence of continuous variation between the two forms occurring in Australia, here recognised as separate subspecies. The absence of a short knotty rhizome is the only character that distinguishes this species from S. parviflora.

There has been a lot of discussion concerning the nomenclature of this species and Pennisetum glaucum (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)).

6a. *Setaria pumila subsp. pumila Syst. Veg. 2: 891 (1817).

Setaria glauca auct. non (L.) P.Beauv.: J.W.Vickery, Fl. New South Wales 19(2): 233 (1975).

Illustrations: J.P.Jessop in J.P.Jessop & H.R.Toelken (eds), Fl. S. Australia 4th edn, 4: 1978, fig. 903B (1986); Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 559 (2003); J.Jessop, G.R.M.Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 434, fig.363 (2006).

Spikelets 2.6–3 mm long. Pale Pigeon Grass, Queensland Pigeon Grass.

Introduced (from the Mediterranean), widespread in mainland States, but mostly along the east coast of Australia. Tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Mesophytic. Flowering Jan. to June.

W.A.: Harvey, May 1955, J. Lewis s.n.. (PERTH). N.T.: Finnis River plains, C.S. Robinson 1178 (CANB). Qld.: Eungella N.P., B.K. Simon 3246 (BRI); Mt. Pelion, May 1980, P. Amiet s.n. (BRI). N.S.W.: Currowan S.F., R. Pullen 4014 (CANB).

This subspecies differs from subsp. subtesselata in its larger spikelets.

6b. *Setaria pumila subsp. subtesselata (Buse) B.K. Simon, Austrobaileya 8 (2): 215 (2010)

Setaria glauca subsp. subtesselata Buse, Pl. Jungh. 3:369 (1854). lecto: Junghuhn s.n.: L , fide J.F.Veldkamp, Blumea 39: 380 (1994).

Panicum pallide-fuscum Schumach., Beskr. Guin. Pl. 58 (1827); Setaria pallidifusca (Schumach.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb., Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1930: 259 (1930); S. glauca var. pallide-fusca (Schumach.) Koyama, J. Jap. Bot. 37: 237 (1962); S. pumila subsp. pallide-fusca (Schumach.) B.K.Simon, Austrobaileya 2: 22 (1984). T: Ghana, P.Thonning 344; holo: C.

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: 559 (2003).

Spikelets 2.3–2.6 mm long.

Introduced (from tropical Africa or Asia), mainly along the east coast of Qld. Flowering Nov. to July.

N.T. Wagait Reserve, C.R. Dunlop 3131 (DNA). Qld: 61.7 km N of Archer R. crossing on Coen to Weipa road, J.R.Clarkson 8980 & V.J.Neldner (BRI, DNA, K, MBA, NSW); Mt. Archer, Rockhampton, T.Stanley 624 (BRI); Palmwoods, C.E.Hubbard 2786 (BRI, K). N.S.W.: Port Macquarie, R.Pullen 2609 (BRI, CANB).

This subspecies differs from subsp. pumila in its smaller spikelets.

7. *Setaria viridis (L.) P. Beauv., Ess. Agrostogr. 51, 178 (1812).

Panicum viride L., Syst. Nat. 10th edn, 870 (1759).T: Europe; lecto: LINN-80.12 fide Sherif & Siddiqui, Fl. Libya 145: 296 (1885).

Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002); Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 557 (2003); J.Jessop, G.R.M.Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 485, fig.420 (2006)..

Plants annual. Flowering culms erect or decumbent 80–230 cm tall, 3–4 noded. Leaves; ligule 1–1.5 mm long; leaf blades flat, 4–5.5 cm long, 2–3.5 mm wide. Inflorescence tightly spicate, 1–2.5 cm long; bristles antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 5-7 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2–2.4 mm long, 1.3-1.4 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1–1.2 mm long, 3 nerved, acute, muticous; upper glume 0.9–0.95 times the length of the lower lemma, ovate, 5 nerved, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 1.9–2.2 mm long, 1.4-1.5 mm wide, elliptic, 5 nerved; palea elliptic, apex rounded. Upper floret; lemma finely transversely rugose, apically rounded. Green Pigeon Grass.

Introduced (from Eurasia), to S.E. Australia. Flowering Dec. Map 1076.

S.A.:Adelaide, D.E.Symon 401 (AD, BRI); Qld, Brisbane Botanic Garden, S.T.Blake 219 (BRI). N.S.W.: Carcoar, Mar 1931, A.W. Moodie s.n. (NSW114460). A.C.T.: Acton, Canberra, 2 Apr. 1964, H.S.McKee 11427 (CANB). Vic.: Dandenong, Dec. 1925, H.B.Williamson (CANB). Tas: Avoca, D.Sharp 174 & B.K.Simon (BRI, HO).

8. Setaria queenslandica Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 330, t. 18 fig. 9, t. 15 fig. 1, 2 (1915).

T: zwischen Chillagoe und dem Walsh R. häufig, N Qld, Jan. 1910, K.Domin [1326]; holo: PR n.v. (photo BRI).

Illustrations: K.Domin, op. cit. t. 15 fig. 1, 2, t. 18, fig. 9.

Plants annual. Flowering culms erect or decumbent, 30–45 cm tall, 2-4 noded. Leaves; ligule 0.5-0.7 mm long; leaf blades flat or involute, 7–15 cm long, 2–4 mm wide. Inflorescence tightly spicate, primary branches 3-4 cm long; bristles antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 3.5–4 mm long, 2.3-2.5 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.8–2 mm long, 3 nerved, acute, muticous; upper glume 0.8–0.9 times the length of the lower lemma, ovate, 5 nerved, acute, muticous. Lower floret sterile; lemma 3.5–4 mm long, 2.3–2.5 mm wide, ovate, 5 nerved; palea elliptic, rounded at apex. Upper floret; lemma indurate, coarsely transversely rugose, rounded on the back, apically rounded.

Endemic, northern tropical Australia. Flowering Feb. to Aug. Map 1086.

W.A.: 19 ml S of Tableland Stn, M.Lazarides 5108 (BRI, CANB). N.T.: Border Waterhole, W of Musselbrook Mining Camp, R.W.Johnson MRS127 & M.B.Thomas (BRI). Qld: 2 mls S of Mt. Isa, M.Lazarides 4376 I (BRI, CANB); 54 km W of Georgetown, R.J.Henderson H1751 (BRI); Twenty Miles Ck, 31 km ESE of Croydon on road to Georgetown, R.J.Henderson H1173 (BRI).

S. surgens, S. apiculata and S. queenslandica differ from each other only in relation to their spikelet size, S. surgens having the shortest spikelets (2.5–2.9 mm) and S. queenslandica having the largest spikelets (more than 3.5 mm long), with S. apiculata having spikelets intermediate in size (3–3.4 mm long).

9. Setaria surgens Stapf, Bull. Misc. Inform. 265 (1909).

T: SE Merauke, Dutch New Guinea [Irian Jaya], 9 Nov. 1907, G.Versteeg 1907; holo: K; iso: BRI, BO, L.

S. brownii R.A.W.Herrm., Beitr. Biol. Pflanzen 10: 61 (1910), nom. illeg. non. Desv. (1831). T: Qld, Rockhampton, A. Dietrich 1398 ; lecto: BM (photo BRI), here selected.

S. glauca var. pulchella F.M.Bailey, Queensland Agric. J. 30: 314, t. 43A (1913). T: Gindie and Bushley, Qld, E.W.Bick s.n.; holo: BRI; iso: K, n.v.

S. glauca var. minor F.M.Bailey, Compr. Cat. Queensland Pl. 611 (1913). T: "This is the common form in Tropical Queensland" (no specimen cited).

Illustrations: F.M.Bailey, op. cit. 314, t. 43A; S.W.L.Jacobs & S.M.Hastings in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 497 (1993).

Plants annual. Flowering culms erect or decumbent, 20–60 cm tall, 3–6 noded. Leaves; ligule 0.4–1 mm long; leaf blades flat to involute, 3.5–20 cm long, 1–5 mm wide. Inflorescence tightly spicate, 1.5–4.5 cm long; bristles antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2.5–2.9 mm long, 1.3–1.8 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.3–1.9 mm long, 3 nerved, acute, mucronate; upper glume 0.7–0.95 times the length of the lower lemma, elliptic, 5 nerved, mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.2–2.85 mm long, 1.4–1.8 mm wide, elliptic, 5 nerved; palea elliptic, acute to with a rounded apex. Upper floret; lemma finely transversely rugose to coarsely transversely rugose, apically rounded.

Native, tropical and subtropical Australia from the Dampier Peninsula, W.A. to northern N.S.W. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, acacia shrublands, and arid hummock grasslands. Mesophytic, or xerophytic. Flowering mostly Jan. to July. Map 1087.

W.A.: 5 km N of Point Coulomb, K.F.Kenneally 5974 (PERTH). N.T.: 69 km S of Elliott, P.K.Latz 5506 (NT); Pingelly, P.K.Latz 2190 (CANB). Qld: Groote Eylandt, R.L.Specht 193 (BRI); Tringilburra Ck, H.Flecker s.n. (QRS). N.S.W.: Walgett, 11/05/1958, P.J. Remond s.n. (NSW).

10. Setaria apiculata (Scribn. et Merr.) Schumann, Just's Bot. Jahresber. 28: 417 (1902).

Chaetochloa apiculata Scribn. & Merr., U.S.D.A. Div. Agrostol. Bull. 21: 9 (1900). T: Victoria R., Qld, F.Mueller s.n.; holo: US (photo BRI).

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

Plants annual (the culms are frequently stiff and wiry). Flowering culms erect or decumbent, 25–80 cm tall, 3–11 noded. Leaves; ligule 0.3–1 mm long; leaf blades flat, 8–24 cm long, 2–6 mm wide. Inflorescence tightly spicate, 1.5–5 cm long; bristles antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 3–3.4 mm long, 1.7–2.5 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.5–2.7 mm long, 3 nerved, acute, muticous or mucronate; upper glume 0.82–0.95 times the length of the lower lemma, elliptic, 5 nerved, mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.9–4 mm long, 1.7–2.5 mm wide, elliptic to obovate, 5 nerved; palea elliptic, acute. Upper floret; lemma finely transversely rugose to coarsely transversely rugose, apically rounded.

Endemic, northern tropical Australia. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, coastal grasslands, and tropical sub-humid grasslands. Mesophytic. Flowering Feb. to July. Map 1085.

W.A.: Mitchell Plateau, K.F.Kenneally 4869 (CANB). N.T.: Tipperary Stn., C.S.Robinson R305 (NT); Jasper Gorge, N.Forrester 164 (DNA). Qld: 40 miles [65.4 km] N of Muttaburra, Mar.1981, W.McAullife (BRI); Duchess, C.E.Hubbard 7362 (BRI).

11. Setaria oplismenoides R.A.W. Herrm., Beitr. Biol. Pflanzen 10: 53 (1910).

T: North Coast, R.Schomburgh; holo: W; iso: US (photo BRI).

Pennisetum swartzii F.Muell., Fragm. 8: 110 (1873), nom. illeg.; S. macrostachya var. schultzii Benth., Fl. Austral. 7: 493 (1878); S.schultzii (Benth.) Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 331 (1915). T: Darwin, F.Schultz 272; holo: B; iso: BRI, K, MEL, n.v.

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

Plants perennial, rhizomatous (with relatively short internodes). Flowering culms erect, 60–130 cm tall, 4–8 noded. Leaves; ligule 1–2 mm long; leaf blades flat, 10–32 cm long, 4–10.5 mm wide. Inflorescence loosely contracted, 18–37 cm long; primary branches 0.2–0.3 cm wide, primary branches 2.5-7.5 cm long; bristles antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 5–15 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2.3–2.7 mm long, 1.2–1.7 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.7–1.4 mm long, 3–5 nerved, acute, muticous; upper glume 0.75–0.94 times the length of the lower lemma, elliptic, 7–9 nerved, mucronate. Lower floret sterile; lemma 2.3–2.7 mm long, 1.2–1.7 mm wide, elliptic, 5–7 nerved; palea elliptic, acute to with a rounded apex. Upper floret; lemma finely transversely rugose, acute.

Endemic, tropical N.T. and tropical and subtropical Qld, excluding Cape York and arid regions. Tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, acacia shrublands, and arid tussock grasslands. Mesophytic. Flowering Feb. to June. Map 1080.

N.T.: Darwin, Mt. Bundy, N.Byrnes 1488 (CANB); 10 miles [16 km] SE Adelaide River Township, M.Lazarides 6858 (CANB); 88 miles [141.7 km] from Darwin, J.Muspratt 155 (NT). Qld: Manfred Downs, MrsJ.H.Moore AQ297318 (BRI); 12 miles [19.3 km] NW of Richmond, Mar.1960, W.McRae (BRI).

Closely related to S. dielsii but differing by its perennial habit and in possessing a much longer inflorescence, a shorter upper glume and the spikelets being turgid and oblique on the pedicels. The inflorescence is rather similar to S. australiensis and S. dielsii although the spikelets are more clustered on the primary axes.

12. Setaria australiensis (Scribn. & Merr.) Vick., Contr. New South Wales Natl Herb. 1: 335 (1951).

Chaetochloa australiensis Scribn. & Merr., U.S.D.A. Div. Agrostol. Bull. 21: 29 (1900). T: Australia; holo: US (photo BRI).

Setaria viridis var. australis F.M.Bailey, Comprehensive Catalogue of Queensland Plants: 611(1913). T: Prairie Tableland, Qld, J.R. Chisholm s.n.; holo: BRI.

[S. macrostachya auct. non Kunth: G.Bentham, Fl. Austral. 7: 493 (1878)].

Illustrations: S.W.L.Jacobs & S.M.Hastings in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 496 (1993).

Plants perennial, rhizomatous. Flowering culms erect, 60–200 cm tall, 5–10 noded. Leaves; ligule 1.5–2.7 mm long; leaf blades flat, 10–35 cm long, 6–23 mm wide. Inflorescence loosely contracted, 7–18 cm long; primary branches 1.5-3 cm long; bristles antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 3–10 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 3.5–3.9 mm long, 1.5–2 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.5–1.9 mm long, 3–5 nerved, acute to cleft, apiculate; upper glume 0.7–0.85 times the length of the lower lemma, ovate, 7 nerved, mucronate. Lower floret male; lemma 3–3.9 mm long, 1.5–2 mm wide, elliptic, 5–7 nerved; palea obovate to elliptic, with a rounded apex. Upper floret; lemma coarsely transversely rugose, acute. Scrub Pigeon Grass.

Endemic, from the Torres Strait to northern N.S.W., covering most of eastern Qld. Tropical heaths, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Mesophytic. Flowering Mar. to Sep. Map 1078.

Qld: 9 miles [14.5 km] W of Greenvale Stn., M.Lazarides 4656 (CANB); Middle Percy Is., M.Lazarides 5671 (CANB); Windera, H.S.McKee 10201 (BRI); NW foot of Mt. Dryander, B.K.Simon 3409 (BRI); Thursday Is., Jun.1897, F.M.Bailey (BRI). N.S.W. Yetman, T.P.Robertson s.n. (BRI).

This species is similar to S. paspalidioides differing it its larger spikelets and a broader inflorescence.

13. Setaria paspalidioides Vick., Telopea 1: 42 (1975).

T: Gulargambone, N.S.W., 27 Apr. 1936, E.C.Mathes; holo: NSW.

Illustrations: S.W.L.Jacobs & S.M.Hastings in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 496 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Plants perennial, rhizomatous. Flowering culms erect, 35–100 cm tall, 4–7 noded. Leaves; ligule 0.8–1.4 mm long; leaf blades flat to conduplicate, 4.5–15 cm long, 4–10 mm wide. Inflorescence loosely contracted, 7–13 cm long; primary branches 1-2 cm long; bristles antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 3–10 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2.8–3.1 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.4–2 mm long, 3–5 nerved, acute, muticous; upper glume 0.85–0.95 times the length of the lower lemma, elliptic, 7–9 nerved, mucronate. Lower floret sterile or male; lemma 2.8–3.1 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide, elliptic, 5–7 nerved; palea elliptic, with a rounded apex. Upper floret; lemma coarsely transversely rugose, acute.

Endemic, central Qld to northern N.S.W. Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Mesophytic (extending into slightly xeropytic conditions). Flowering Jan. to Sep. Map 1077.

Qld: Blackwater, Aug.1981, M.C.Evans s.n. (BRI); 20 miles [32.2 km] NW of Theodore, R.W.Johnson 2644 (BRI); Epping Natl Forest, G.Wilkinson A19 (BRI); Isla Gorge, P.R.Sharpe & D.Hockings 674 (BRI); 18 miles [29 km] N of Tambo, Sep.1954, R.M.Beames s.n. (BRI). N.S.W.: Gulargambone, Apr. 1936, E.C.Mathes s.n. (NSW).

The morphological features of the inflorescence of this species are similar to Paspalidium. Setaria paspalidioides is closely related to S. australiensis, but differs in having smaller spikelets and a narrower infloresence.

14. *Setaria parviflora (Poir.) Kerguélen, Lejeunia, n.s. 120: 161 (1987).

Cenchrus parviflorus Poir., Encyclopédie Méthodique, Botanique 6: 52. 1804. T: Puerto Rico, M. Ventenat s.n., n.v.; holo: P-LAM (photo US); iso: US-3049717, fide TROPICOS.

Setaria gracilis Kunth, in F.W.H.A.Humboldt et. al., Nov. Gen. Sp. 1: 109 (1816), emend. Kerguélen (1977). T: inter Fusagasuga et Pandi, [Colombia, South America], Humboldt & Bonpland; holo: P n.v., fide TROPICOS.

Panicum geniculatum Poir. in Lam., Encycl. 4: 727 (1798); Setaria geniculata P.Beauv., Ess. Agrostol. 51, 169, 178 (1812); Pennisetum geniculatum J.Jacq., Ecl. Gram. Rar. pl. 26 (1820); Chamaeraphis glauca var. geniculata (Lam.) Kuntze, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 767 (1891); Chaetochloa imberbis geniculata (Lam.) Scribn. & Merr., U.S.D.A. Div. Agrost. Bull. 21: 12 (1900); Setaria glauca var. geniculata (Lam.) Urb., Symb. Antill. 4: 96 (1903); Chaetochloa geniculata (Lam.) Millsp. & Chase, Publ. Field Columbian Mus., Bot. Ser. 3: 37 (1903); lecto: Herb. Jussieu 2572 (P-JUSS, holo, microfiche IDC 6206), fide J.F.Veldkamp in Blumea 39 (1994).

Setaria gracilis var. pauciseta (Desv.) B.K.Simon, Austrobaileya 2: 22 (1984); S. geniculata var. pauciseta Desv. in Gay, Fl. Chil. 6: 248 (1853). T: Valdivia Gay; Concepcio y Talcahuano Pavon; n.v..

Illustrations: N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 602, fig. 122d-e (1994) as S. gracilis var. pauciseta; Linda A.Vorobik in M.E.Barkworth, K.M.Capels, S.Long & M.B.Piep (eds.) Flora of North America North of Mexico 25: 559 (2003); J.Jessop, G.R.M.Dashorst & F.M.James, Grasses of South Australia 483, fig.416 (2006).

Plants perennial, rhizomatous (with short internodes). Flowering culms erect, 7–100 cm tall, 2–5 noded. Leaves; ligule 0.7–2.5 mm long; leaf blades flat to involute, 4–20 cm long, 2–8 mm wide. Inflorescence tightly spicate, 1–8 cm long; c. 4 mm wide; bristles antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 1–2 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2.3–2.9 mm long, 1.1–1.6 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1–1.4 mm long, 3 nerved, acute, muticous; upper glume 0.5–0.75 times the length of the lower lemma, ovate, 3–5 nerved, muticous or mucronate. Lower floret sterile or male; lemma 2.3–2.9 mm long, 1.1–1.6 mm wide, elliptic, 5–7 nerved; palea elliptic, with a rounded apex. Upper floret; lemma coarsely transversely rugose, apically rounded. Slender Pigeon Grass, Knotroot Bristlegrass.

Introduced (from America), mainly occurring in S.E. Australia from S.E. Qld to Tas; a few records also from W.A. (S.W. and the Kimberley). Tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, temperate wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, acacia shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, coastal grasslands, and tropical sub-humid grasslands. Mesophytic. Flowering Dec. to June. Map 1083.

W.A.: Mogumbar railway siding, B.J.Lepschi & T.R.Lally 2481 (BRI, CANB, PERTH). S.A.: Noona Meena, R.Bates 14123 (AD, BRI). Qld: Kalinga Park, C.E.Hubbard 2389 (BRI, K). N.S.W.: Doonside, R. Coveny 11794 (BRI, NSW). A.C.T.: Mawson, M.D.Crisp 1901 (BRI, CANB). Vic: Cavendish, R,V,Smith 75/138 (AD, BRI, CANB, HO, K, MEL, NSW). Tas: Brooker Highway, Berriedale, Mar 1976, D.I.Morris s.n. (HO).

Previously known as S. geniculata (Lam.) P. Beauv. but according to Kerguelen (1977), P. Beauvois based his combination on Panicum geniculatum Willd. instead of Panicum geniculatum Lam. However, the type material of P. geniculatum Willd. and therefore its identity is uncertain and the next correct name for this taxon is S. parviflora (Poir.) Kerguélen. Specimens with shorter bristles have been recognised (under the name S. gracilis var. pauciseta) but the distinction is not as much as first thought. The species is easily confused with S. pumila, the only diagnostic difference being that S. parviflora is a perennial with a short rhizome whereas S. pumila is an annual; Veldkamp (1994) placed “S. pumila subsp. pallide-fusca” and S. surgens in synonymy with S. parviflora, but the former is not rhizomatous and the latter has an upper glume that is greater than half the spikelet length..

15. *Setaria incrassata (Hochst.) Hack, Abh. Konigl. Akad. Wiss. Berlin 2: 122 (1891).

Panicum incrassatum Hochst. in Flora 38: 197 (1855). T: Ethiopia, Gandawa, Schimper in Buchinger 1211 (wherabouts uncertain, not P, TUB), fide W.D.Clayton & S.A.Renvoize, Flora of Tropical East Africa, Gramineae 3, 525 (1982)).

See W.D.Clayton & S.A. Renvoize, loc.cit., for a full list of synonyms.

Illustrations: E. Launert & G.V.Pope, Flora Zambesiaca 10(3): 97, tab.24 (1989); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).

Plants perennial, rhizomatous (short). Flowering culms erect, 20–200 cm tall, 2–4 noded. Leaves; ligule 1–1.2 mm long; leaf blades flat, 10–60 cm long, 1–15 mm wide. Inflorescence tightly spicate, 3–30 cm long; 6–8 mm wide; bristles purple, antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 2–4 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 2–3 mm long (-4), 1.4–1.6 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 1.5–1.7 mm long, 3–5 nerved, acute, muticous; upper glume 0.6–0.7 times the length of the lower lemma, ovate, 7 nerved, muticous to mucronate (very shortly). Lower floret sterile; lemma 2–3 mm long (-4), 1.2–1.4 mm wide, ovate, 5–7 nerved; palea lanceolate, acute. Upper floret; lemma coarsely transversely rugose, apically rounded. Purple Pigeon Grass.

Introduced (from tropical Africa), with scattered distribution in W.A., N.T., and Qld. Flowering Oct. to June. Map 1090.

W.A.: River Farm Rd, 8 km from Kununurra, A.A.Mitchell 5754 (BRI, PERTH). N.T.: 1.5 km S Yam Creek Bore, Mt Riddock Stn,, D.J. Nelson 2849 (DNA). Qld: East of Monto, Jul 2001, D.Zeith s.n. (BRI); Valdora, 10 mls N of Nambour, B.Ahrens s.n. (BRI); Walloon Oarish, Banana Shire, J.Turnour s.n. (BRI).

This introduced pasture grass grows well on black soils and has been known under many other names, now all listed as synonyms in contemporary African floras.

16. *Setaria sphacelata (Schumach.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. Flora of Tropical Africa 9: 795 (1930).

Panicum sphacelatum Schumach., Beskr. Guin. Pl. 78 (1827). T: Ghana, Thonning; holo: C.

An extensive synonymy is given for this species by W.D. Clayton and S.A. Renvoize in Flora of Tropical East Africa, Gramineae 3: 527–530 (1982).

Illustrations: K.W.Harker, Ill. Grasses Uganda pl. 5 (III, IIIa) (1960); S.A.Renvoize, Grasses Bahia 105, fig. 37C-D (1984); S.W.L.Jacobs & S.M.Hastings in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 496 (1993).

Plants perennial, rhizomatous (the internodes varies from compacted to elongated). Flowering culms erect, 60–300 cm tall, 3–10 noded. Leaves; ligule 1–2 mm long; leaf blades flat. Inflorescence tightly spicate, not fully exserted, 4–40 cm long; 6–8 mm wide; bristles fulvous, antrorsely barbed. Spikelets 1–4 on a typical lowermost primary branch (in clusters, the primary branch is not well developed), 2.1–2.8 mm long, 1.1–1.3 mm wide. Glumes; lower glume 0.8–1.4 mm long, 3 nerved, acute, muticous or mucronate; upper glume 0.4–0.6 times the length of the lower lemma, elliptic, 3–5 nerved, mucronate. Lower floret male; lemma 2.1–2.8 mm long, 1.1–1.3 mm wide, elliptic, 5 nerved; palea elliptic, acute. Upper floret; lemma coarsely transversely rugose, acute. 2n = 18–90 (polyploid series based on 9, J.B.Hacker, Austr. J. Bot. 16:539–544 (1968)). South African Pigeon Grass, African bristlegrass, Golden timothy grass.

Introduced (from tropical Africa). Tropical and subtropical rain forests, tropical and subtropical wet sclerophyll forests, dry sclerophyll forests, Brigalow forests, tropical and subtropical sub-humid woodlands, and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Mesophytic. Map 1084.

S. sphacelata is a polyploid complex from diploid to decaploid with the ploidy levels crossing freely (J.B. Hacker in Austr. J. Bot. 16: 539–544, 551–554 (1968)) showing little connection to morphology. As there are no clear morphological disjuctions within the complex, there is no firm basis for recognising more than one species (Clayton 1979), but the wide range of variation of the morphological characters enable one to indicate the variation using the rank of variety. Five such varieties have been recognised in Africa (Clayton & Renvoize 1982), of which two have been introduced to Australia as pasture grasses with common cultivars being ‘Kazungula’ and ‘Nandi’.

There are 2 varieties in Australia.

Inflorescence 7‑25 cm long; leaf blades 3‑10 mm wide	16a. var. anceps
Inflorescence 20‑50 cm long; leaf‑blades 10‑17 mm wide	16b. var. splendida

16a. *Setaria spacelata var. anceps (Stapf & C.E.Hubb.) Veldkamp, Kew Bull. 33: 506 (1979).

Setaria anceps Stapf ex Stapf & C.E.Hubb. in D.Prain, Fl. Trop. Africa 9: 793 (1930). T: Ghana, Takoradi, Howes 983; lecto: K, fide J.F.Veldkamp, Blumea 39: 382 (1994).

Setaria anceps Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. sericea Stapf ex Stapf & C.E.Hubb. in D.Prain, Fl. Trop. Africa 9: 794 (1930); S. sphacelata (Schumach.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. sericea Clayton, Kew Bull. 33:506 (1979), nom. superfl. T: Sudan, Seriba Ghattas, Schweinfurth 182; holo:K.

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: 559 (2003) as S. sphacelata.

Leaf blades 7–25 cm long, 3–10 mm wide.

Scattered distribution in W.A., N.T,, Qld and N.S.W., but most coastal Qld. Flowering Oct. to May.

W.A.: Boyup Brook, G.H.Burville (PERTH); Kimberley Research Stn., M.Lazarides 3050 (CANB). N.T.: xxxxxxxxxxQld: c. 25 km from Gordonvale, B.K.Simon 2649 (BRI); Mossman, W.Rijkers (QRS). N.S.W.: Palmers Channel, C.E.Collins 12.1958 (NSW).

16b. *Setaria sphacelata var. splendida (Stapf) Clayton, Kew Bull. 33: 506 (1979).

Setaria splendida Stapf in D.Prain, Fl. Trop. Africa 9: 799 (1930). T: Sudan, Kagulu Swamp, Cartwright 18, syn: K.

Leaf blades 20–50 cm long, 10–17 mm wide.

A few records from N and S.E. Qld. Flowering Sep. to Jan.

Qld: Weipa mine regeneration sites, collector unknown (BRI); Wooroonooran N.P., J.Hunter 2084 (BRI); 3 ml NW of Samford, S.T.Blake 23582 (AD, BRI, CANB, DNA, K, NSW, PERTH); German Church Rd, Redland Bay, Dec 1974, J.Gage s.n. (BRI).

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Setaria (ms) July 2010

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Setaria (ms) July 2010