Caryopsis oblong, somewhat flattened, dark-brown.
The numerous varieties of F. ovina cannot be distinguished by the “seed": the allied varieties F. rubra, F. duriuscula, and F. heterophylla, &c. are sometimes more distinctly awned (see p. [172]). But difficulties will be found with the whole group, which needs revision. This group comprises the grasses so valued on downs and dry hill-pastures for sheep-feeding.
Festuca sylvatica, Vill., not a common plant, is also with difficulty separable (Fig. [51]).
Cynosurus cristatus, L. (Fig. [60]).
Palea canary yellow to light-brown, lanceolate with
A valuable and easily recognised grass. Molinia, Holcus and similar impurities are easily detected: some Fescues are much more like it; e.g. F. tenuifolia (see p. [46]) in which the apex tapers suddenly to a point. Dactylis should also be compared.
†† Paleæ compressed or distinctly keeled.
Molinia cærulea.
Kœleria cristata.Unimportant, except as impurities among other grass “seeds." Molinia is said to occur as such in samples of Cynosurus, Dactylis, Poa trivialis, Fescues, &c., but it should give little difficulty except in comparison with Glyceria (see p. [146]).
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Molinia cærulea. Kœleria cristata. |
Molinia cærulea (Mœnch.) (Fig. [61]).
"Seed" 3-4 mm. or more, leather coloured or with a bluish tinge. Paleæ divaricating, the lower keeled and compressed, and tapering to a sharp point. Rachilla long, oblique and prominent. Smooth tapering, palea 5·5, fruit 2 mm. long.