Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Imperata Cirillo, Pl. Rar. Neapol. 2, 26 (1792)
 Description

Perennials, tufted from long, many-noded rhizomes, with leaves crowded at base. Leaf-sheath firm. Ligule membranous, ± ciliate. Leaf-blade long, flat, stiff, sometimes pseudopetiolate. Culm erect, unbranched, few-noded. Inflorescence a spike-like or narrowly branched silvery panicle; branches bearing numerous, usually paired, unequally pedicelled spikelets. Spikelets 2-flowered; lower floret usually reduced to a lemma, rarely ♂, upper floret ☿. Glumes subequal, (0)–3–7-nerved, membranous, firmer below, enveloped by long silky hairs from very obtuse basal callus and lower portions of glumes. Lemmas 0–(1)-nerved, often < glumes, hyaline, awnless; lemma of lower floret ± broadly oblong, often denticulate; lemma of upper floret shorter, lanceolate to oblong, rarely 0. Palea broad, hyaline, nerveless, denticulate. Lodicules 0. Callus hairy. Rachilla not prolonged. Stamens 1–2 (in N.Z.)-3. Ovary glabrous; styles fused near base. Caryopsis oblong, loosely enclosed by lemma and palea; embryo ½-⅔ length of caryopsis; hilum elliptic, basal.

[From: Edgar and Connor (2000) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 5 (second printing).]

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Non-endemic)
Number of species in New Zealand within Imperata Cirillo
CategoryNumber
Indigenous (Endemic)1
Exotic: Fully Naturalised1
Total2
 Bibliography
Cirillo, D.M.L. 1792: Plantarum Rariorum Regni Neapolitani. Vol. 2. Naples.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.