Perennial grasses with flat leaves, and short-pedicelled spikelets borne in secund spikes, which form a terminal panicle. Spikelets with an annular callus at the base and articulated to the pedicel. Scales 3, the two outer membranous, acute, the inner one shorter, indurated, and subtending a palet and a perfect flower. Stamens 3. Styles distinct. Stigmas plumose. Grain free. [Greek, signifying wool-grass.]

Species about 10, in tropical and temperate countries Type species: Eriochloa distachya H.B.K.

1. Eriochloa Punctata (L.) W. Hamilton. Dotted Millet

Fig. 285

Milium punctatum L. Amoen. Acad. 5: 392. 1759. Eriochloa polystachya H.B.K. Nov. Gen. 1: 95. pl. 31.

1815. Eriochloa punctata W. Hamilt. Prodr. PI. Ind. Occ. 5.

1825.

Culms erect or ascending, 1°-3° tall, glabrous. Sheaths glabrous or sometimes pubescent; ligule a fringe of short white hairs; leaves 2'-10' long, 2"-3" wide, acuminate, glabrous or pubescent; spikes 4-25, 1'-2' long, sessile or nearly so; rachis pubescent; spikelets about 2" long, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate; outer scales pubescent with appressed silky hairs, the first a little exceeding the second, the third about 1" long, rounded at the apex and bearing a pubescent awn about i" long.

Nebraska and Missouri to Mexico. Widely distributed in tropical America. Everlasting-grass.