Pennisetum Rich. ex Pers.

12 species in Aust. (3 native, 9 naturalized); all states and territories

Spikelets with 1 bisexual floret and a sterile lemma below it, awnless, solitary or 2–3 together, sessile or nearly so, each surrounded by an involucre of bristles which are united at the base; involucre falling off with the spikelet (Fig. 49.g). Lower glumes smaller than the upper which is almost as long as the sterile lemma. Stigmas connate or the tips only free.