NEURACHNEAE
B.K.Simon, C.M.Weiller & R.D.Webster
Neurachneae S.T.Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 4 (1972)
This endemic tribe is traditionally composed of the genera Neurachne, Paraneurachne and Thyridolepis (Blake, 1972). A new genus Thedachloa, from Western Australia (Jacobs, in press) also appears to belong to the tribe. However recent morphological cladistic work (Zuolaga, Morrone and Giussani, 2000) reveals that the tribe Neurachneae is not monophyletic.
S.T.Blake, Neurachne and its allies, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 2–53 (1972); P.W.Hattersley et al., Remarkable leaf anatomical variations in Neurachne and its allies (Poaceae) in relation to C3 and C4 photosynthesis, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 84: 265–272 (1982); P.W.Hattersley et al., Varying photosynthetic pathway and a C3-C4 intermediate in Australian Neurachne and its allies (Poaceae). In Advances in Photosynthesis Research, C.Sybesma (ed.), 3: 403–406 (1984); H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Distribution and cytology of Australian Neurachne and its allies (Poaceae), a group containing C3, C4 and C3-C4 intermediate species, Austral. J. Bot. 33: 317–336 (1985); S.W.L.Jacobs, Thedachloa, a new grass genus (Graminaeae: Paniceae) from the Northern Kimberley, Western Australia, Telopea 10 (2): 635 (2004)
KEY TO GENERA
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1 Upper glume with a band of stiff bristles in the apical portion |
THEDACHLOA |
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1: Upper glumes hairy or glabrous, if hairy the hairs are not arranged as a band of stiff bristles at the apex, |
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2 Spikelets with distinct bristles from confluent tubercles |
THYRIDOLEPIS |
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2: Spikelets with indistinct bristles from single tubercles or without bristles, sometimes densely hairy |
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3 Plant shortly rhizomatous |
NEURACHNE |
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3: Plant stoloniferous |
PARANEURACHNE |
THEDACHLOA
Thedachloa S.W.L. Jacobs, Telopea 10: 635 (2003)
Type: T. annua.
Annual, without rhizomes, stoloniferous. Flowering culms decumbent; nodes glabrous. Internodes longer than the associated leaf sheaths. Ligule a fringe of hairs, c. 0.5 mm long. Leaf blades flat or conduplicate (when dried). Plants bisexual, with hermaphrodite florets. Inflorescence a panicle (dense and ovoid), exserted at maturity. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, dorsally compressed, linear to lanceolate. Glumes unequal, rounded on the back; lower glume ovate; upper glume hairy (with a band of usually tubercle-based stiff hairs or bristles c.0.5 mm long from about the middles to just below the apex), lanceolate, muticous. Lower floret male or sterile; lemma membranous, 7 nerved, lemma with a deeply longitudinal groove (and almost tubular with the innermost tissue of the fold absent on older florets), with apex acute; palea cleft. Upper floret bisexual, shorter than the lower floret; lemma brown, chartaceous, smooth, lanceolate; palea membranous, smooth.
“The relationships of Thedachloa are not clear. There is a relationship to Sacciolepis, mainly due to the swollen or inflated lower spikelet. The hairs/bristles on the upper glume do not immediately appear similar to the ornamentation of other genera, but when coupled with the folded/grooved lower lemma, may indicate some relationship to the Neurachneae.” On the grounds of this statement in the protologue this species has been placed in the Neurachneae.
S.W.L.Jacobs, Thedachloa, a new genus (Gramineae: Paniceae) from the Northern Kimberley, Western Australia, Telopea, in press.
Thedochloa annua S.W.L.Jacobs
T: N of Kalumburu, Pago rd, S.Jacobs 8061; holo: NSW; iso: B, PERTH, US.
Flowering culms 7–12 cm tall, 2–4 noded, stoloniferous (with stolons to 20 cm or longer with internodes to 3 cm long, rooting at the nodes). Leaf blades to 2 cm long, to 1 mm wide. Inflorescence 0.3–0.5 cm long. Spikelets 1.7–2.1 mm long, 0.8–0.9 mm wide; lower glume 0.6–0.8 mm long, 3 nerved, glabrous (except for ciliate margins); upper glume 1.6–1.9 mm long, 7 nerved. Lower floret male, or sterile; lemma 1.8–2 mm long. Upper floret; lemma c 1 mm long. Caryopsis 0.8 mm long. Fig xx.
Endemic; Northern Kimberley, W.A. Flowering May.
NEURACHNE
Neurachne R. Br., Prodr. 196 (1810); from the Greek neuron (nerve) and achne (scale), alluding to the many-nerved glumes.
Type: N. alopecuroidea R.Br.
Panicum L. sect. Stachypanicum F. Muell., Fragm. 5: 204 (1867). Type: Neurachne munroi (F. Muell.) F. Muell. = Panicum munroi F. Muell.
Perennial, rhizomatous (with short internodes). Flowering culms caespitose; nodes hairy or glabrous. Internodes longer than the associated leaf sheaths or shorter than the associated leaf sheaths. Ligule a fringe of hairs. Plants bisexual, with hermaphrodite florets. Inflorescence a raceme, exserted at maturity. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, dorsally compressed, lanceolate to oblanceolate. Glumes 2, ± equal (lower slightly shorter), rounded on the back; lower glume lanceolate or elliptic or oblanceolate, hairy or glabrous, puberulent or setose or velutinous, without setae organized in a transverse row; upper glume lanceolate or elliptic to oblanceolate, hairy or glabrous, setose and velutinous. Lower floret male; lemma membranous to chartaceous, 5–7 nerved, with apex acuminate to acute; palea acute or with a rounded apex. Upper floret bisexual, subequal to the lower floret; lemma 0–5 nerved, white, less firm than the glumes, hyaline to membranous, smooth, lanceolate to elliptic; palea hyaline, smooth. Caryopsis trigonous. Hilum short. X = 9 (H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)).
A genus of 6 species native to Australia.
S.T.Blake, Neurachne in Neurachne and its allies, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 5–19 (1972); R.D. Webster, Neurachne in The Australian Paniceae (Poaceae) 106–111 (1987).
Add N. annularis Macfarlane Add c3/c4 for each species
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1 Lower glume 5‑nerved in lower half on back
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2 Spikelets 5.5‑6.5 mm long |
3. N. minor |
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2: Spikelets 8‑13 mm long |
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3 Upper floret 8‑8.5 mm long; leaf‑sheaths densely woolly outside |
2. N. lanigera |
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3: Upper floret 5‑6.4 mm long; leaf‑sheaths not woolly outside |
1. N. alopecuroidea |
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1: Lower glume 3‑nerved in lower half on back |
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4 Spikelets 7‑11 mm long; culm‑nodes glabrous |
6. N. tenuifolia |
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4: Spikelets 5‑7 mm long; culm‑nodes hairy |
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5 Inflorescence tightly clustered; lower glume drawn out to a fine point |
5. N. queenslandica |
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5: Inflorescence loosely clustered; lower glume blunt to acute |
4. N. munroi |
1. Neurachne alopecuroidea R. Br., Prodr. 196 (1810)
Panicum alopecuroidea (R.Br.) Spreng., Syst. Veg. 1: 309 (1824) nom. illeg. non L. (1753). T: King George's Sound?, W.A., R.Brown Iter Australiense; holo: BM (photo BRI).
Neurachne phleoides R.Br. ex Nees in Hook. Lond. Journ. Bot. ii. 411. (1843). T: ?Swan R., Drummond s.n. ; holo: CGE (photo BRI).
Illustrations: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 272 (1952) as N. alopecuroides; N.G.Walsh in N.G.Walsh & T.J.Entwisle (eds), Fl. Victoria 2: 583, fig. 118c-d (1994); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Flowering culms caespitose, 20–60 cm tall, 2–4 noded; nodes hairy. Internodes longer than the associated leaf sheaths. Ligule 0.4–0.8 mm long. Leaf blades flat or involute, 4–16 cm long, 1–3 mm wide. Inflorescence 1–2.5 cm long. Spikelets 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch, lanceolate, 8.1–12 mm long, 1.5–2.3 mm wide; lower glume 6–11 mm long, lanceolate, 5 nerved (in lower half), hairy, velutinous; upper glume 8–12 mm long, lanceolate, 9–11 nerved, hairy, setose and velutinous. Lower floret; lemma 5.5–7 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide, membranous to chartaceous, 7 nerved, indumentum shorter than the spikelet, puberulent or velutinous, with apex acute;.palea acute to with a rounded apex. Upper floret; lemma 4.9–6.8 mm long, white, membranous, elliptic; plaea hyaline, smooth. Anthers 1.9–3.5 mm long. 2n = 36, or 54 (H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)). Foxtail Mulga Grass. Fig xx (S.T.Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 39, fig. 1 (1972)).
Endemic; SW W.A and SE S.A to western Vic. Temperate heaths, mallee heaths, dry sclerophyll forests, temperate sub-humid woodlands, and eucalypt shrublands. Flowering mostly Aug. to Dec. Map 1223.
W.A.: c. 20 km N of Cranbrook, R.H.Kuchel 1994 (AD, BRI); Lesmurdie Falls N.P., R.S.Cowan A238 (BRI, CANB, PERTH, NY, US). S.A.: Central Tothill Ra., D.N.Kraehenbuehl 2157 (AD); 5 km S of Cherry Gardens, D.E.Symon 13403 (AD, BRI, F, K, LG, MO, US). Vic.: Lowan Mallee, Little Desert N.P., I.C.Clarke 2358 (BRI, CANB, MEL).
2. Neurachne lanigera S.T. Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 10 (1972)
T: 12 miles [c. 19.2 km] S of Cunyu HS, W.A., (no date given) N.H.Speck 1201; holo: CANB; iso: BRI.
Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Flowering culms caespitose, 15–25 cm tall, 5–10 noded; nodes hairy (densely velutinous). Internodes shorter than the associated leaf sheaths. Leaves not distinctly distichous. Ligule 0.5–0.9 mm long. Leaf blades involute, 2–12 cm long, 1–2.1 mm wide. Inflorescence 1.5–3 cm long. Spikelets lanceolate, 10–12 mm long, 1.5–1.8 mm wide; lower glume 10–12 mm long, lanceolate, 5 nerved (in lower half), hairy, puberulent and setose; upper glume 10–12 mm long, lanceolate, 7 nerved, hairy, puberulent and setose (to velutinous). Lower floret; lemma 6.5–7.8 mm long, 1.3–1.6 mm wide, membranous to chartaceous, 7 nerved, indumentum shorter than the spikelet, puberulent and setaceous or velutinous, with apex acute; palea acute (deeply cleft). Upper floret; lemma 6.5–7.8 mm long, white (to pale yellow), hyaline to membranous, lanceolate; palea hyaline to membranous, smooth. Anthers 3.6–4.8 mm long (here referring to the anthers of the lower floret). 2n = 36 (H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)). Fig xx (S.T.Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 43, fig. 3A (1972) as N. langiera).
Endemic; central arid Australia from W.A. to S.A. Acacia shrublands and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering Aug. to Sep. Map 1224.
W.A.: 49 Km. N of Wiluna, P.W.HAttersley G99 (AD, BRI, DNA); 75 km from Warburton and Giles Met. Station, H.D.V.Prendergast 161 & P.W.Hattersley (BRI). S.A.: near Mt. Watson, camp 15 & 16 of Elder Expedition, (AD).
This species is recognised as Poorly Known in J.D.Briggs & J.H.Leigh, Rare and Threatened Austalian Plants (1995).
3. Neurachne minor S.T. Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 12 (1972)
T: Carnegie Stn, W.A., Jul 1941, F.M.Bennett 221; holo: PERTH; iso: BRI.
Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Flowering culms caespitose, 13–35 cm tall, 2–4 noded; nodes hairy. Internodes longer than the associated leaf sheaths. Ligule 0.4–0.8 mm long. Leaf blades flat to involute, 3–10 cm long, 0.5–2.5 mm wide. Inflorescence 0.6–1.5 cm long. Spikelets lanceolate or ovate, 5.5–6.5 mm long, 1.1–1.6 mm wide; lower glume 3.8–6.5 mm long, lanceolate, 5 nerved (in lower half), hairy, velutinous; upper glume 5.5–8 mm long, elliptic to oblanceolate, 11–13 nerved, hairy, setose to velutinous. Lower floret; lemma 4–5.6 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide, membranous, 7 nerved, indumentum shorter than the spikelet, puberulent or velutinous, with apex acute. Upper floret; lemma 3.7–5.6 mm long, white, membranous, elliptic; palea hyaline, smooth. Anthers 2.8–3.2 mm long. 2n = 36, or 37 (H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)). Fig xx (S.T.Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 43, fig. 3B (1972)).
Endemic; arid inland W.A. Acacia shrublands and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering sporadically throughout the year. Map 1225.
W.A.: Kara-Kara, on road from Wiluna to Everard Junction, de Graaf 32 (PERTH); Wiluna - Meekatharra road, ca 0.9 km E of Great Northern Highway, ca 1 km NE of Meekatharra, A.A. Mitchell PRP 1008 (BRI, PERTH); Windidda Stn., R.J.Chinnock 862 (AD); 53.5km N along Mt Beasley road from junction with Great Northern Hwy or ca 15.8km N of turnoff to Peak Hill goldmine and 39.5km N of Bilyuin Hotel, P.W.Hattersley & T.D.Macfarlane WA17 (AD, BRI, CANB, DNA, K, MEL, NSW, US); 4 km W of Chester Pass rd on Stirling Ra Drive, Stirling Range N.P., P.M.Peterson 14523 (BRI, PERTH, US).
4. Neurachne munroi (F. Muell.) F. Muell., Fragm. 8: 200 (1874)
Panicum munroi F.Muell., Fragm. 5: 204 (1867). T: Goginga Mts [Scrope R.] , N.S.W., H. Beckler; holo: MEL; iso: BRI, K.
Illustrations: J.P.Jessop & H.R.Toelken (eds), Fl. S. Australia 4: 1982, fig. 906B (1986); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 451 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Flowering culms caespitose, 15–50 cm tall, 5–10 noded; nodes hairy. Internodes longer than the associated leaf sheaths. Ligule 0.5–1 mm long. Leaf blades flat or involute, 1.5–20 cm long, 1–3 mm wide. Inflorescence 2.5–6 cm long. Spikelets elliptic to oblong or oblanceolate, 4.8–7 mm long, 1–1.2 mm wide; lower glume 4.8–7 mm long, elliptic to oblanceolate, 3 nerved (in lower half), glabrous; upper glume 4.8–7 mm long, lanceolate to elliptic, 7 nerved, hairy, setose. Lower floret; lemma 4–5.6 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide, hyaline to membranous, 5 nerved or 7 nerved, with apex acute. Upper floret; lemma 3.5–5 mm long, white, hyaline, lanceolate to elliptic; palea hyaline, smooth. Anthers 1.8–2.1 mm long. 2n = 36, or 54 (both H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)). Dwarf Mulga Grass. Fig xx (S.T.Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 43, fig. 3C (1972)).
Endemic; widespread in all arid areas of mainland States, excluding Vic. Arid and semi-arid low woodlands, shrub steppe shrublands, acacia shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering sporadically all year but mostly May to Oct. Map 1226.
W.A.: 40 km N of Wiluna, T.Macfarlane s.n. (PERTH). N.T.: 1 mile W of Claraville Homestead, P.K. Latz 1156 (BRI, DNA). S.A.: 15 km NNW Tieyon Homestead on Kulgera Road, M.Lazarides (BRI, CANB). Qld.: Buckingham Downs S of Dajarra, S.T.Blake 12396 (BRI, CANB). N.S.W.: 96 km S of Cobar, W.E.Mulham W1018 (NSW).
Neurachne munroi is rhizomatous and responds to summer and winter rainfall, but is susceptible to overgrazing.
5. Neurachne queenslandica S.T. Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 16 (1972)
T: Enniskillen Stn., Qld, 14 Nov.1943, C.T.White 12746; holo: BRI.
Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 20–40 cm tall, 4–8 noded; nodes hairy. Internodes longer than the associated leaf sheaths to shorter than the associated leaf sheaths. Ligule 0.4–1 mm long. Leaf blades flat to involute, 3–21 cm long, 1–3 mm wide. Inflorescence 1–3.2 cm long. Spikelets lanceolate to elliptic, 5.3–8 mm long, 1–1.6 mm wide; lower glume glume 4.8–7 mm long, lanceolate, 3 nerved (in lower half), hairy, setose; upper glume 5.3–8 mm long, lanceolate, 9 nerved, hairy, setose. Lower floret; lemma 3.7–5.3 mm long, 1.1–1.3 mm wide, membranous, 7 nerved, indumentum shorter than the spikelet, puberulent and setaceous, with apex acute. Upper floret; lemma 3.7–5.3 mm long, white, hyaline (nerves greenish), elliptic; palea hyaline, smooth. Anthers 3.6–4.2 mm long. 2n = 53, or 54 (H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)). Fig xx (S.T.Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 43, fig. 3D (1972)).
Endemic; arid central Qld. Brigalow forests and semi-arid shrub woodlands. Flowering Nov. to Feb. (and sporadically all year). Map 1227.
Qld: Bull Creek Gorge, "Castlevale" station, c. 13km SW of homestead, W.J.McDonald 4660 & A.R.Bean (BRI); 65 miles [104.7 km] ENE of Blackall, S.L.Everist 1982 (BRI); Enniskillen Stn., P.Hattersley T34 (BRI, CANB); on stock route from Tambo to Springsure, P.Hattersley T30 (BRI, CANB); 45 km from Tambo on stock route between Tambo and Springsure, P.Hattersley T20 (BRI, CANB).
6. Neurachne tenuifolia S.T. Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 18 (1972)
T: Standley Chasm, N.T., 4 Sep.1955, R.A.Perry 5387; holo: BRI; iso: CANB, NSW, PERTH.
Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent, 30–50 cm tall, 5–8 noded; nodes glabrous. Internodes shorter than the associated leaf sheaths. Ligule 0.6–0.9 mm long. Leaf blades convolute (minutely glandular punctate on the abaxial surface), 8–25 cm long (mostly recurved), 0.8–1.5 mm wide. Inflorescence 4–6 cm long. Spikelets lanceolate, 6.5–12 mm long, 1.1–1.5 mm wide; lower glume 6.5–12 mm long, lanceolate, 3 nerved (in lower half), hairy (on the submargins) or glabrous, setose (to velutinous); upper glume 6.5–12 mm long, lanceolate, 7 nerved, glabrous. Lower floret; lemma 4.8–6.1 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide, chartaceous, with a hyaline area at the base or lacking a hyaline area at the base, 7 nerved, indumentum shorter than the spikelet, puberulent or puberulent and strigose, with apex acute. Upper floret; lemma 4.8–6.5 mm long, white, membranous, lanceolate, lacking an apical crest; palea membranous, smooth. Anthers 3.2–3.7 mm long. 2n = 18 (H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)). Fig xx (S.T.Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 43, fig.3E (1972)).
Endemic; Macdonnell Ranges, N.T.. Acacia shrublands and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering sporadically all year but mostly Sep. to May. Map 1228.
N.T.: Mt. Giles, P.K.Latz 6619 (NT); Mt. Sonder, P.K.Latz 2476 (BRI, DNA); Standley Chasm, Heavitree Ra, A.C.Beauglehole 45116 & G.W.Carr (BRI, DNA); 0.8 ml W of Jay Creek Crossing, Hermannsburg Road, D.J.Nelson 2161 (BRI, DNA).
PARANEURACHNE
Paraneurachne S.T. Blake, Contr. Queensland Natl Herb. 13: 20 (1972); from the Greek para (near) and Neurachne (a related grass genus, q.v.).
Type: P. muelleri (Hack.) S.T.Blake.
Perennial, rhizomatous (with relatively short internodes to produce a knotty crown at ground level), stoloniferous (some specimens do not exhibit this characteristic). Flowering culms caespitose; nodes hairy (the hairs white and short). Internodes longer than the associated leaf sheaths. Ligule a fringe of hairs. Leaf blades flat or involute. Plants bisexual, with hermaphrodite florets. Inflorescence a raceme, exserted at maturity. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, dorsally compressed, lanceolate. Glumes 2, ± equal (lower slightly shorter), rounded on the back; lower glume lanceolate, hairy or glabrous (setae are commonly present on the marginal nerves), setose, without setae organized in a transverse row; upper glume lanceolate, scabrous, setose, muticous or awned. Lower floret male; lemma chartaceous, 7 nerved, with apex acuminate. Upper floret bisexual, subequal to the lower floret; lemma 3–7 nerved, yellow, similar in texture to the glumes, indurate (membranous at the apex), muricate and finely transversely rugose, lanceolate; palea membranous and indurate, muricate to transversely rugose. Hilum short. X = 9 (H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)). 2n = 36.
A monotypic endemic genus occurring in the arid and semiarid regions of central Australia.
S.T.Blake, Paraneurachne in Neurachne and its allies, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 20–24 (1972); R.D. Webster, Paraneurachne in The Australian Paniceae (Poaceae) 149–151 (1987).
Paraneurachne muelleri (Hack.) S.T. Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 21 (1972)
Neurachne muelleri Hack., Oesterr. Bot. Z. 45: 329 (1895). T: Fortescue R., W.A., 1895, F.Mueller s.n.; holo: W (photo BRI); iso: BRI, MEL (photo BRI).
Neurachne clementii Domin, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 41: 273 (1912). T: inter fl. Ashburton et Yule, W.A., Clement; holo: K (photo BRI).
Illustrations: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 272 (1952) as Neurachne clementii; J.P.Jessop & H.R.Toelken (eds), Fl. S. Australia 4: 1983, fig. 907A (1986); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Stoloniferous (some specimens do not exhibit this characteristic). Flowering culms 15–40 cm tall, 2–5 noded; nodes hairy (the hairs white and short). Ligule 0.6–1 mm long. Leaf blades flat or involute, 2–10 cm long, 1.5–4.5 mm wide. Inflorescence 1.2–2.5 cm long. Spikelets 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch, 8–14 mm long, 1.5–2.1 mm wide; lower glume 8–14 mm long, lanceolate, 5 nerved, hairy or glabrous (setae are commonly present on the marginal nerves), setose; upper glume 9.5–14 mm long, lanceolate, 9–13 nerved, setose, muticous or awned. Lower floret; lemma 6.5–8.5 mm long, 1–1.4 mm wide, chartaceous, 7 nerved, with apex acuminate. Upper floret; lemma 6.5–8.5 mm long, yellow, indurate (membranous at the apex), lanceolate; palea membranous and indurate, muricate to transversely rugose. Anthers 3.8–4.6 mm long. 2n = 36 (H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)). Fig xx (S.T.Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 45, fig. 4 (1972)).
Endemic; widespread over arid regions of W.A, N.T., S.A. and Qld. Arid and semi-arid low woodlands, shrub steppe shrublands, acacia shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering Feb. to Aug. Map 1229.
W.A.: Hamersley Ra. Natl Park, R.Pullen 10932 (CANB). N.T.: 2 miles [3.2 km] NE of Huckitta HS, P.K.Latz 1116 (NT); NW Simpson Desert, P.K.Latz 4416 (NT). S.A.: c. 14.5 km NE of Mt. Cooperinna, D.J.E.Whibley 6830 (AD). Qld: 22 km E of Cloncurry on the Julia Creek Rd., R.Pullen 10.411.
A native stoloniferous perennial fodder plant of moderate value.
THYRIDOLEPIS
Thyridolepis S.T. Blake, Contr. Queensl. Herb. 13: 25 (1972)
Type: T. mitchelliana (Nees) S.T.Blake.
Perennial, rhizomatous, stoloniferous or without stolons. Flowering culms caespitose or decumbent; nodes hairy or glabrous. Internodes longer than the associated leaf sheaths or shorter than the associated leaf sheaths. Ligule a fringe of hairs. Leaf blades flat or involute (at maturity the blades are frequently reflexed and disarticulate at the ligule region). Plants bisexual, with hermaphrodite florets. Inflorescence a raceme, exserted at maturity. Lowermost inflorescence node hairy. Spikelets with disarticulation at the base of the spikelet, 1 on a typical lowermost primary branch, dorsally compressed, lanceolate or elliptic or oblong. Glumes 2, ± equal (lower slightly shorter), rounded on the back; lower glume ovate or oblong or lanceolate, hairy or glabrous (with a transverse row of tubercle-based bristles along the top of a rectangular, semi-transparent or pigmented `window'), puberulent to villous or setose, with setae in a transverse row; upper glume lanceolate or ovate or elliptic or oblong, hairy or glabrous, villous and setose or setose (with tufts of tubercle-based bristles along the margins), muticous. Lower floret male, sterile, or bisexual; lemma membranous to chartaceous, 5 nerved, indumentum shorter than the spikelet, villous or villous and setaceous, with apex rounded to truncate or cleft; plaea with a rounded apex (usually cleft). Upper floret bisexual, subequal to longer than the lower floret; lemma 3–5 nerved, brown, similar in texture to the glumes, chartaceous to cartilaginous, uniformly striate or irregularly striate, lanceolate to elliptic, the apex gradually differentiated into a membranous green point; palea chartaceous to cartilaginous, uniformily striate. Hilum short. X = 9 (H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)). 2n = 18 and 36.
A genus of 3 endemic species in the arid and semi-arid regions of inland Australia. Thyridolepis mitchelliana is drought tolerant and an important pasture species. The spikelets are polymorphic with the lower spikelets of an inflorescence smaller with reduced vestiture.
S.T.Blake, Thyridolepis in Neurachne and its allies, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 25–36 (1972); R.D. Webster, Thyridolepis in The Australian Paniceae (Poaceae) 223–227 (1987) .
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1 Spikelets ± glabrous, although possessing tubercle‑based bristles |
2. T. xerophila |
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1: Spikelets with short and/or long hairs |
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2. Inflorescence less than 4.5 cm long |
3. T. mitchelliana |
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2: Inflorescence 5‑9 cm long |
1. T. multiculmis |
1. Thyridolepis multiculmis (Pilger) S.T. Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 32 (1972)
Neurachne multiculmis Pilg. in F.L.E.Diels & E.G.Pritzel, Bot. Jahrb. 35: 68 (1904). T: near Greenough R. along road to Mullewa, W.A., date unknown, F.L.E.Diels 4217; holo: B, now lost.
Illustrations: D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Flowering culms 15–60 cm tall, 3–6 noded; nodes hairy or glabrous. Internodes longer than the associated leaf sheaths or shorter than the associated leaf sheaths. Ligule 0.8–1.2 mm long. Leaf blades flat or involute, 2–10 cm long, 2.5–5 mm wide. Inflorescence 5–9 cm long. Spikelets lanceolate to oblong, 5.6–8 mm long, 1.5–2.4 mm wide; lower glume 4.8–7.5 mm long, oblong, 7 nerved, hairy, villous and setose; upper glume 5.1–7.5 mm long, lanceolate to oblong, 9 nerved. Lower floret sterile, or male; lemma 4–5 mm long, 1.3–1.6 mm wide, chartaceous, with apex rounded to truncate or cleft. Upper floret subequal the lower floret; lemma 4.1–4.9 mm long, uniformly striate to irregularly striate; palea cartilaginous, uniformily striate to irregularily striate. Anthers 0.4–0.8 mm long. 2n = 36 (H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)). Fig xx (S.T.Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 49, fig. 6A (1972)).
Endemic; arid regions of W.A, N.T and S.A. Shrub steppe shrublands, acacia shrublands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering sporadically throughout the year. Map 1230.
W.A.: Towrana Stn., R.J.Cranfield 2061 (PERTH); 26 miles [41.8 km] E of Wiluna, N.H.Speck 1369 (CANB). N.T.: 16 miles [25.8 km] W of Ayers Rock, P.K.Latz 2451 (BRI, NT); Liddle Hills, P.K.Latz 4118 (BRI). S.A.: Bulgunnia Stn., B.Lay 971 (AD).
Diagnostic features of this distinctive species include the pubescent to villous lower glume, spikelet length, and shape of the setae. The setae are relatively short, broad and few in number. On the upper glume the setae are typically 1.5–2.4 mm long, occur in a discontinuous row on the submargins and are not interspersed with long villous hairs as in T. mitchelliana.
Thyridolepis multiculmis is an indicator of good range condition as populations also decrease with heavy grazing.
2. Thyridolepis xerophila (Domin) S.T. Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 33 (1972)
Neurachne xerophila Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 85: 284 (1915). T: Dividing Ra. near Jericho, Qld, Mar. 1910, K.Domin [863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868].; holo: PR, n.v. (photos BRI).
Illustrations: T.D.Stanley & E.M.Ross, Fl. SE Queensland, 3: 248, fig. 38G (1989); S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 452 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Stoloniferous or without stolons. Flowering culms 15–70 cm tall, 5–9 noded; nodes hairy. Internodes longer than the associated leaf sheaths (here specifically referring to the second leaf from the inflorescence; only rarely will these overlap). Ligule 0.3–0.6 mm long. Leaf blades flat to involute (frequently reflexed), 1.5–9 cm long, 1–4 mm wide. Inflorescence 1.5–4 cm long. Spikelets lanceolate, 3.9–5.3 mm long, 1.3–1.6 mm wide; lower glume 3.9–5.3 mm long, ovate to oblong, 7–9 nerved (with faint or obscure lateral nerves), glabrous, setose; upper glume 3.4–4.9 mm long, lanceolate (to narrowly triangular), 7–9 nerved. Lower floret sterile, or male (occasionally with a vestigial pistil), subequal to longer than the lower floret; lemma 2.7–3.5 mm long, 1–1.5 mm wide, membranous to chartaceous, villous; palea with a rounded apex (or cleft). Upper floret; lemma 2.9–4 mm long, uniformly striate (faintly); palea cartilaginous, uniformily striate. Anthers 1.5–2.3 mm long. 2n = 18 (H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)). Fig xx (S.T.Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 49, fig. 6B (1972)).
Endemic; arid regions of W.A, N.T., S.A., Qld and N.S.W. Dry sclerophyll forests, temperate sub-humid woodlands, semi-arid shrub woodlands, acacia shrublands, and arid hummock grasslands. Flowering sporadically throughout the year. Map 1231.
W.A.: 101 km N of Mullewa on road to Murchison, P.M.Peterson 14323, R.J.Soreng & G.Rosenberg, (BRI, PERTH, US). N.T.: Liddle Hills, P.K.Latz 4117 (BRI, NT). S.A.: 47 miles [75.7 km] SE of Emu Clay Pans, N.Forde 1353 (AD). Qld: 56 km NNW of Talwood, T.J.McDonald 387 (BRI). N.S.W.: c. 25 miles [40.3 km] SE of Louth, C.W.E.Moore 4874 (CANB).
3. Thyridolepis mitchelliana (Nees) S.T. Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 27 (1972)
Neurachne mitchelliana Nees, Lond. J. Bot. 2: 410 (1843). T: Interior of New Holland, Mitchell 64; holo: CGE, n.v. (photo BRI).
Illustrations: C.A.Gardner, Fl. W. Australia 1: 272 (1952), as Neurachne mitchelliana; S.W.L.Jacobs & C.A.Wall in G.J.Harden (ed.), Fl. New South Wales 4: 452 (1993); D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass (2002).
Flowering culms 20–60 cm tall, 5–9 noded; nodes hairy. Internodes shorter than the associated leaf sheaths. Ligule 0.4–0.7 mm long. Leaf blades flat, 3–12 cm long, 2.5–5 mm wide. Inflorescence 2–4.4 cm long. Spikelets lanceolate, 5.5–7.5 mm long, 1.5–2.5 mm wide; lower glume 5.5–7.5 mm long, oblong to obovate, 7–9 nerved (obscure), hairy, villous and setose; upper glume 5–7 mm long, lanceolate, obscurely 7–9 nerved. Lower floret sterile, male, or bisexual, subequal to longer than the lower floret; lemma 3.2–5.1 mm long, 1.1–1.4 mm wide, membranous to chartaceous, with nerves without slit-like interspacing, villous, with apex rounded; plaea with a rounded apex (frequently cleft). Upper floret; lemma 3.8–5 mm long, uniformly striate; palea chartaceous, uniformily striate. Anthers 1–2.5 mm long. 2n = 18 (H.D.V.Prendergast & P.W.Hattersley, Austr. J. Bot. 33: 320 (1985)). Mulga Grass. Fig xx (S.T.Blake, Contr. Queensland Herb. 13: 47, fig. 5 (1972)).
Endemic; arid regions of W.A, N.T., S.A., Qld and N.S.W. Semi-arid shrub woodlands, arid and semi-arid low woodlands, shrub steppe shrublands, acacia shrublands, eucalypt shrublands, arid tussock grasslands, arid hummock grasslands, and coastal grasslands. Flowering mostly Mar. to Sep. (but sporadically all year). Map 1232.
W.A.: 28 km SE of Giles Meterological Stn., M.Lazarides 8318 (CANB). N.T.: 10 miles [16.1 km] N from Alice Springs, then 9 miles [14.5 km] W on Hamilton Downs Rd., F.C.Vasek 680916–7 (CANB). S.A.: c. 40 km by road SE of Krewinkel Hill, D.J.E.Whibley 6637 (AD). Qld: Charleville, C.E.Hubbard & C.W.Winders 6113 (BRI). N.S.W.: 17.5 miles [28 km] W of Brewarrina, J.C. De Nardi 414 (BRI, NSW).
The association of long villous hairs with setaceous hairs on the submargins of the upper glume distinguishes this species. However, only spikelets on the upper part of the inflorescence should be used, as drastic spikelet dimorphism in a single inflorescence occurs. Additional important characters include spikelet length, main axis length and length of the submarginal hairs.
Rhizomatous and drought-tolerant, T. mitchelliana is susceptible to prolonged heavy grazing.