Key to Pennisetum

View taxon page for Pennisetum

(For a list of species in Pennisetum, use the above link.)

Jepson Manual glossary definitions can be seen by moving your cursor over words underlined with dots.

1. Flower stem 

decumbent 

lying mostly flat on the ground but with tips curving up.

; inflorescence raceme-like, axis flattened, ± enclosed by 

sheath 

A surrounding or partially surrounding, often tubular structure or part of a structure, such as a leaf base in Apiaceae or Poaceae.

at maturity; subtending bristles < 

spikelets 

1. In Poaceae, one or more florets (each a flower with subtending lemma and generally palea) and generally 2 subtending glumes; in a sterile spikelet, the flower(s) and sometimes palea(s) are rudimentary or absent. 2. In Cyperaceae, the smallest aggregation of flowers (generally more than 2) and associated bracts.

; spikelets in 1–6 clusters ..... P. clandestinum

1' Flower stem 

erect 

Upright; vertically oriented.

; inflorescence panicle-like, axis round in ×-section, clearly 

exserted 

Protruding out of surrounding structure(s) (e.g., stamens exserted from corolla).

from sheath at maturity; subtending bristles >= 

spikelet 

1. In Poaceae, one or more florets (each a flower with subtending lemma and generally palea) and generally 2 subtending glumes; in a sterile spikelet, the flower(s) and sometimes palea(s) are rudimentary or absent. 2. In Cyperaceae, the smallest aggregation of flowers (generally more than 2) and associated bracts.

; spikelets in 10–many clusters

2. Inner bristles fused to 1/4 length ..... P. ciliare

2' Inner bristles free to base

3. Plant 

cespitose 

Having a densely clumped, tufted, matted, or cushion-like growth form.

; inflorescence pink to dark red; spikelets 4.5–7 mm ..... P. setaceum

3' Plant rhizomatous; inflorescence white to light brown; spikelets 9–12 mm ..... P. villosum

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