Echinochloa

• Authority

  Britton, Nathaniel L. & Millspaugh, Charles F. 1920. The Bahama Flora.

• Family

  Poaceae

• Scientific Name

  Echinochloa

• Description

  Genus Description - Usually tall grasses, commonly annuals, with broad leaves and a terminal inflorescence consisting of one-sided racemes racemosely or paniculately arranged. Spikelets 1-flowered, singly disposed, or in smaller racemes or clusters on the ultimate divisions of the inflorescence. Scales 4, the outer 3 membranous, hispid on the nerves, the third and usually also the second scale awned, or sometimes merely awn-pointed, the awn often very long; fourth scale indurated, shining, frequently pointed, enclosing a palet of similar texture and a perfect flower. Stamens 3. Styles distinct. Stigmas plumose. Grain free. [Greek, in reference to the stout hispid hairs of the spikelets.] Species about 12, mostly in warm and tropical countries. Type species: Panicum Crusgalli L.