Holcus L.

Citation: Linnaeus, C. (1 May 1753), Species Plantarum 2 [1047] APNI
Taxonomic status: Accepted

View identification key on KeyBase

Etymology:

Latin form of Greek holkos, some species of grass.

Description:

Pubescent perennials; leaf blade flat; ligule truncate.

Inflorescence a compound panicle; spikelets laterally compressed, 2-flowered; both florets stalked, the first one bisexual and awnless, the second male with a dorsal awn; glumes subequal, deciduous, with the 2 florets keeled, the first 1-nerved, the second 3-nerved; lemmas small, obtuse; the pedicel disarticulates below the lemmas so that the spikelets fall off as a whole.

Habitat:

About 8 species from Europe, Asia and North Africa.

Original Source:

SAFlora4

Page Last Updated:

12 Jun 2025

Cite This Page:

Holcus L., in (ed.), Flora SA. Board of Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium: Adelaide. https://flora.sa.gov.au/taxon/1901-holcus, [Date accessed: 23 May 2026].