G.378. Crypsis Aiton

Inflorescence a hemispherical to ovoid head, or a cylindric spiciform panicle, embraced below by 1–2 inflated bract-like leaf sheaths bearing a reduced lamina, or sometimes exserted. Spikelets 1-flowered, strongly laterally compressed and keeled, disarticulating below the floret, sometimes tardily so or rarely falling entire; glumes subequal or unequal, membranous, equal to or shorter than the lemma, acute or with an awn-point; lemma membranous, acute or with an awn-point; palea 1–2-nerved. Caryopsis elliptic, the pericarp free and sometimes swelling when wet.

Worldwide: Eight species mainly in the Mediterranean and south west Asia.

Mozambique: 2 taxa.