The spikelets are numerous and are very closely set along the rachis of the inflorescence, 1/8 inch long, glabrous and ellipsoidal.
There are four glumes in the spikelet. The first glume is less than half the length of the third glume, broadly ovate, hyaline, 3-nerved. The second glume is a little longer than the first but shorter than the third, broadly ovate or suborbicular, hyaline, 5-nerved. The third glume is longer than the second, as long as the fourth, membranous and 5-nerved, paleate, empty or with stamens. The fourth glume is coriaceous, broadly elliptic, obtuse, dorsally convex, transversely rugose, pale. The anthers are orange and the styles purple.
Fig. 109.—Setaria glauca.
A and B. spikelets; C. a bristle; 1, 2 and 3. The first, second and the third glume, respectively; 4. palea of the third glume; 5. the fourth glume; 6. palea of the fourth glume; 7. ovary, anthers and lodicules.
This is a fairly common grass especially in cultivated ground all over the Presidency, but not very widely distributed. Cattle are fond of this grass.
Distribution.—Throughout India.
Setaria intermedia, R. & S.
This is an annual with straggling, slender, erect or ascending stems, 2 to 3 feet long.