Pennisetum glaucum
ξP. glaucum (L.) R.Br. ξ, pearl millet Annual, with large, very dense spike-like panicles. The single specimen consists of one shoot, 65 cm. Ligule a densely ciliate, membranous rim, hairs 2-3 mm, extending as a contra-ligule round base of leaf-blade almost to midrib. Culm nodes fringed below by dense hairs, c. 2 mm, internodes very densely pubescent below panicle. Panicle 18 × 2 cm, cylindric. Spikelets 5 mm, tinged purple above, in clusters of 2-4 within an involucre of slightly shorter bristles; inner bristles plumose, outer shorter, scabrid; one stout bristle > spikelet. A species of America, Africa and India once collected as an escape from cultivation at Te Awamutu, on roadside (LEV 111.411.23.9, 28 Apr. 1986).
