G.356. Eragrostis Wolf

Annuals or perennials, often glandular, particularly on the leaf sheaths and inflorescence. Ligule a ciliate rim, rarely membranous (japonica only). Inflorescence an open, contracted or spike-like panicle, the branches sometimes racemose. Spikelets laterally flattened, awnless; glumes usually ± equal, 1-nerved. Lemmas 3-nerved; palea a little shorter than the lemma; anthers 2-3. Caryopsis usually spherical to ellipsoid.

Derivation of name: Greek combination, probably meaning love-grass.

Worldwide: c. 300 species in both temperate and tropical zones