Meliceae
Perennials. Leaf-sheath usually closed. Ligule membranous. Inflorescence a panicle or raceme. Spikelets laterally compressed, or terete, with few to many ⚥ florets and imperfect florets above; disarticulation above glumes and usually between florets. Glumes unequal. Lemma herbaceous to coriaceous, rounded, usually scarious at apex, distinctly nerved, awned or awnless. Palea ≈ lemma, membranous, 2-keeled. Lodicules 2, truncate, usually connate, fleshy, glabrous. Stamens 3, rarely 2. Ovary glabrous; styles 2. Caryopsis ellipsoid to terete; embryo small; hilum linear, = caryopsis.
