Classification
 Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Leersia Sw., Prodr. [Swartz] 21 (1788)
 Description

Perennials or annuals, rhizomatous, stoloniferous or tufted. Ligule membranous, entire or lacerate, usually glabrous. Leaf-blade flat, scabrid. Culm erect, or decumbent and straggling, terete or compressed. Panicle open or contracted, enclosed by leaf-sheaths or exserted, terminal or axillary. Spikelets 1-flowered, ☿, strongly laterally compressed; lower lemmas suppressed, rachilla modified to a short callus-like segment at base of deciduous floret; disarticulation above rudimentary glumes. Lemma chartaceous to coriaceous, keeled, 5-nerved with the outer lateral nerves ± at margins, usually awnless, keel and margins stiffly toothed. Palea similar in texture to lemma, much narrower, margins tightly enclosed by lemma margins. Stamens 6, or 3, 2, or 1.

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

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species in New Zealand within Leersia Sw.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised1
Total1
 Bibliography
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
Swartz, O. 1788: Nova Genera & Species Plantarum seu Prodromus. Swederus, Stockholm.