Aira caryophyllea var. cupaniana
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Pedicels 2.8-6.5 mm, usually 1-3 times as long as the spikelets, abruptly thickened at the apices. Spikelets 1.3-2.6 mm, spreading, divergent from the secondary branches, silvery-green. Glumes equal to subequal, 1.3-2.6 mm, 1-3-veined, subobtuse, usually denticulate, often mucronate; lower lemmas 1.3-1.9 mm, usually unawned; upper lemmas 1.3-2 mm, apices bifid, awned, awns 1.8-2.5 mm, geniculate; paleas 0.9-1.4 mm; anthers 0.2-0.4 mm, yellow or purple. Caryopses about 1 mm long, 0.3-0.4 mm wide, glabrous.
Discussion
Aira caryophyllea var. cupaniana is native to southern Europe and northern Africa, growing in mesic, open habitats in disturbed areas or open woodland. It was discovered in a prescribed burn area of Mount Diablo State Park in Contra Costa County, California, in 1995, but was not relocated in 1999.
Selected References
None.