Sacciolepis indica (L.) Chase

Slender almost glabrous annuals, in erect tufts, or decumbent and rooting at lower nodes. Leaf-sheath firmly membranous, rounded. Ligule 0.1–0.2 mm, a membranous, sparsely, short-ciliate rim. Collar hairs short. Leaf-blade 5–10 cm × 2.5–3–(4) mm, narrow-linear, rounded-truncate at base, tapered above, herbaceous, flat, midrib prominent, glabrous; margins very minutely scabrid, tip long, acuminate. Culm 40–60–(70) cm, slender, internodes glabrous. Panicle 3.5–8 cm ×c. 5 mm, spike-like, cylindric, erect, with densely crowded spikelets; rachis angular, glabrous; branches numerous, very short, closely appressed to adnate, with spikelets on short, glabrous pedicels widened at apex to minute, concave cup. Spikelets 2.5–3 mm, greyish green, elliptic, acute, ± gibbous. Glumes membranous, strongly nerved, very unequal, glabrous; lower 1.5–1.8 mm, (3)–5-nerved, upper 2.5–3 mm, 9-nerved, gibbous towards base. Lower floret Ø: lemma similar in texture to and ≈ upper glume, 7–9-nerved, oblong, obtuse, hardly inflated at base; palea < 1 mm, very narrow, stiff. Upper floret ☿: lemma c. 1.5 mm, elliptic, acute, very shining, cream, nerves not visible, thinly crustaceous, margins closely enfolding palea; palea of same texture as lemma but slightly shorter; anthers 0.6–0.8 mm, deep reddish purple; stigmas deep reddish purple; caryopsis c. 1.5 mm.

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