Melica argentata

Description

Melica argentata is a species of grass endemic to Chile (Coquimbo and O'Higgins). he species culmes are rambled, and are either straight or zigzag shaped. They are 40–200 centimetres (16–79 in) long and 2–4 centimetres (0.79–1.57 in) in diameter. The leaf-sheaths are tubular with the membrane being scaberulous and 2–10 millimetres (0.079–0.394 in) long. The leaf-blades though are 2–15 centimetres (0.79–5.91 in) long and 1.5–5.5 millimetres (0.059–0.217 in) wide. It also has scabrous margins and bottom which is rough on both sides. The panicle is pyramidical and is 10–25 centimetres (3.9–9.8 in) long. It has secund branches with scabrous axis. Spikelets are solitary with fertile spikelets being pedicelled, pedicels of which are ciliated, curved, filiformed and hairy. They also have 2 fertile florets which are diminished at the apex and which are also elliptic and are 6–10 millimetres (0.24–0.39 in) long. The callus of the floret is pubescent and also has scaberulous rhachilla. Melica is a genus of perennial grasses known generally as melic or melic grass. They are found in most temperate regions of the world. They are clumping grasses with long, erect stems bearing spikelets of papery grass flowers. Some species of melic have corms and are sometimes called oniongrass.