Oplismenus

• Authority

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

• Family

  Poaceae

• Scientific Name

  Oplismenus

• Description

  Genus Description - Perennial grasses, often decumbent and branched at the base, with broad flat leaf-blades and inflorescence composed of spikes, bearing on the lower side scattered clusters of a few spikelets. Spikelets 1-flowered. Scales 4, the 3 outer membranous, the first and second empty, awned, the first equalling or somewhat shorter than the spikelet, the third scale usually awned, empty, or enclosing a small palet, the fourth one shorter than the others, obtuse, awnless, ehartaceous, finally indurated, enclosing a shorter palet of similar texture and a perfect flower. Stamens 3. Styles distinct to the base. Stigmas plumose. [Greek, armed, presumably referring to the awns.] About 4 species, natives of warm regions. Type species: Oplismenus africanus Beauv.