Click for help
Volume V (2000) - Flora of New Zealand Gramineae
Copy a link to this page Cite this record

Zoysia Willd.

Zoysia Willd., 1801 nom. cons.

Type species: Z. pungens Willd.

Perennials with extensive monopodial rhizomes. Culms few noded. Leaves distichous. Ligule ciliate; collar distinct, ± long-ciliate with cushion-based hairs. Leaf-blade linear to linear-lanceolate, tapering. Inflorescence a cylindrical raceme or a solitary terminal spikelet. Spikelets 1-flowered, disarticulating above pedicels and falling entire at maturity. Lower glume usually 0, occasionally present as small bract, very rarely complete; upper laterally compressed, enfolding floret, indurated, ± awned. Lemma entire, firmly membranous, 1-nerved. Palea nerveless. Lodicules 0. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles 2; stigmas long, emerging apically. Caryopsis elliptic, laterally compressed; embryo c. ½ length of caryopsis, pericarp free.

Key

1
Spikelets solitary, rarely 2-3 on some peduncles; collar glabrous, very rarely with some long hairs
1. minima
Spikelets (2)-3-7-9 in a loose or congested raceme, rarely a few solitary; collar with several to many hairs 2-4 mm, very rarely almost glabrous
2. pauciflora

c. 10 spp. of tropical and subtropical Asia and Australasia. Endemic spp. 2.

Zotov, V. D. N.Z. J. Bot. 9: 639-644 (1971), recognised 3 spp. for N.Z. His treatment is amended here and Z. pauciflora Mez includes Z. planifolia Zotov.

Click to go back to the top of the page
Top