Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Panicum L., Sp. Pl. 55 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Panic grass
 Description

Perennials, or annuals, of various habit. Leaf-sheath open, or closed below. Ligule usually a membranous ciliate rim. Leaf-blade usually flat, rolled in bud. Culm simple or branched. Inflorescence a panicle of variable form, often spreading and much-branched, with fine branches tipped by single pedicelled spikelets falling entire at maturity. Spikelets lanceolate to oblong, elliptic or orbicular, usually ± dorsally compressed, 2-flowered, florets awnless; lower floret Ø, or ♂ and then with distinct palea; upper floret ☿. Glumes ± herbaceous to membranous, usually very unequal; lower usually shorter, 1–7-nerved, upper usually = spikelet, 3–9-nerved. Lower floret: lemma similar to upper glume in size and texture, (3)–5–9–(11)-nerved; palea subhyaline, ≤ lemma, or 0. Upper floret: lemma subcoriaceous, usually glabrous, obtuse to subacute, rarely minutely apiculate, only faintly nerved, margins inrolled over palea; palea < lemma and similar in texture, lower margins incurved over flower; lodicules 2, broadly cuneate; stamens 3; ovary apex glabrous, styles subterminal, free; caryopsis tightly enclosed by anthoecium, dorsally compressed, biconvex to almost planoconvex; embryo large, at least ⅓ length of caryopsis; hilum punctiform or shortly elliptic, < ½ length of caryopsis.

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

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species in New Zealand within Panicum L.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised5
Total5
 Bibliography
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.