Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Sporobolus R.Br. (1810)
Synonymy:
  • = Spartina Schreb., Gen. Pl. ed. 8[a] 43 (1789)
Type Taxon:
Sporobolus indicus (L.) R.Br.
 Description

Perennials or annuals, tufted or creeping. Ligule a short-ciliate rim. Leaf-blade narrow, flat or convolute, sometimes setaceous. Culm usually erect. Inflorescence an open or contracted, sometimes spiciform panicle. Spikelets often small, fusiform, mostly glabrous, 1-flowered, usually olivaceous or olive-grey; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla rarely prolonged. Glumes equal or unequal, deciduous or persistent, 1-nerved or nerveless, thinly membranous, seldom keeled. Lemma ≥ glumes, rounded, 1–3-nerved, thinly membranous, soft, awnless. Palea ≤ lemma, of similar texture and colour to lemma, 2-keeled, apex obtuse, truncate, emarginate, or minutely bilobed. Lodicules hyaline, truncate. Callus 0. Stamens 2–3. Ovary often globose; styles free, short; stigmas plumose. Caryopsis with loose pericarp, globose to ellipsoid, rounded or truncate; embryo c. ½ length of caryopsis or less; hilum basal, punctiform.

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

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species and named hybrids in New Zealand within Sporobolus R.Br.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised5
Exotic: Casual2
Total7
 Bibliography
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
Peterson, P.M.; Romaschenko, K.; Arrieta, Y.H.; Saarela, J.M. 2014: A molecular phylogeny and new subgeneric classification of Sporobolus (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Sporobolinae). Taxon 63(6): 1212–1243.
Schreber, J.C.D. von 1789: Genera Plantarum Eorumque Characteres Naturales Secundum Numerum, Figuram, Situm, & Proportionem Omnium Fructificationis Partium. Vol. 1. Frankfurt am Main.