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Info
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Genus etymology: Dichanthelium = "having two inflorescences" [Greek] refering to the temperate members of this genus which have differently structured spring and fall inflorescences
Species etymology: cynodon = refering to its vegetative similarity to Cynodon dactylon Pers.
Photosynthetic type: C3 (cool season)
Nativity: endemic
Map
Inflorescence
Plant
Habit
Description
Perennials forming dense mats or tussocks to 60 cm in diameter; culms erect, usually 8-20 cm tall, many-branched. Sheaths puberulent, usually pubescent on margins at least in upper part; ligule less than 1 mm long; blades flat, narrowly lanceolate, 1.5-3.5 cm long, 1-3 mm wide, upper surface densely puberulent to subglabrous, with 3 strong nerves separating 4 groups of 3-5 smaller nerves. Panicles usually 1.5-3 cm long, main axis and branches pilose, sometimes hispid, pedicels variable, 1/3-2(-3) times as long as spikelets; spikelets 2.5-3.1 mm long; first glume 1/2-2/3 as long as spikelets, usually 3-nerved. [2n = 18*.]
(Description source: O’Connor, P.J. 1990. Poaceae, pp. 1481–1604. In: Wagner W.L., Herbst D.R. & Sohmer S.H. (eds.)., Manual of the flowering plant of Hawaiʻi. Vol. 2. University of Hawaii Press & Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu )