Plants and their ways in South Africa . usually imperfect. Order Graminace^e, the Grass Family. Stem cylindrical or compressed (not 3-angled), hollow (notin Indian corn or sugar cane), with solid nodes. Leaves 2-ranked, sheath split, ligule present. Flowers in the axils ofglumes; perianth of two minute lodicules; stamens 3 (some-times 6); anthers versatile. Fruit an achene (caryopsis). The number of genera of this large order found in SouthAfrica is not great. In temperate regions grasses are low andspreading; in tropical countries the canes and bamboos formtall forests; while in dry regions g
Plants and their ways in South Africa . usually imperfect. Order Graminace^e, the Grass Family. Stem cylindrical or compressed (not 3-angled), hollow (notin Indian corn or sugar cane), with solid nodes. Leaves 2-ranked, sheath split, ligule present. Flowers in the axils ofglumes; perianth of two minute lodicules; stamens 3 (some-times 6); anthers versatile. Fruit an achene (caryopsis). The number of genera of this large order found in SouthAfrica is not great. In temperate regions grasses are low andspreading; in tropical countries the canes and bamboos formtall forests; while in dry regions grasses usually grow in tufts,which allow the bare ground to be seen between them. This order is one of the most important groups of it belong all the grains—wheat, rye, barley, oats, rice, and 246 Plants and their Ways in South Africa millet. The sugar obtained from sugar-cane and the pasturageafforded to stock are among the benefits conferred on mankindby this order. ® Fig. 221.—Floral diagram ofmeadow grass, Poa Fig. 222.—Floral diagram showing twoflowers of Avetia. These plants are of world-wide distribution, and are wellfitted for their battle in life. The bracing roots and hollowstems help to support the weight of grain, which becomesheavier by careful selection of seed in cultivation. Whenbeaten down by heavy rains, the lodged grain is brought up
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, booksubjectplants, bookyear1915
