BROMUS RACEMOSUS. { B. Pol y m o r ph u s , Withering, varA.
Slender Broom.
Spec. Chae. Calyx and floret valves smooth, with a few serratures on the upper partof the keel;
footstalks with generally one upright spicula; branches only two, from the lower stage.
Bromus racemosus is perfectly distinct from the preceding B. mollis, and though associating with it,
and bearing a certain relationship, is yet sufficiently different, and easily known by a much more slender
and upright panicle, and when a little aged, by the brown hue of the spiculae, not the woolly whiteness
that is observable in the foregoing species. Leaves a little hairy; footstalks with minute spines, not
woolly, supporting usually a single spiket, containing about six smooth florets. In age the florets
become extended by the swelling of the seed, and by their increased weight the spiculae are then
pendent (C). We sometimes findBromus racemosus, but not frequently, with several peduncles
issuing from the lower stage, and in luxuriant plants two or more spicula; are observed on the branches;
the corolla likewise becomes a little coloured, and in this state bears much resemblance to B. arvensis.
Although it is not a general opinion, yet some botanists consider Bromus racemosus as approaching
very near to B. arvensis, if not a variety only of that plant: there are at times, when influenced by
local circumstances, assuredly much similitude between them, yet we must think that their characters,
though faint, are distinct and permanent: in some o f our midland counties B. racemosus is commonly
found, yet w e have never observed in those situations B. arvensis; nor have w e seen the racemosus
where the arvensis abounds.------ The slender Broom-grass is a delicate plant, appearing early in May,
and is conspicuous above its meadow companions then in their infant state. As an agricultural grass
it will probably never' assume much importance, for though produced early, its herbage is too small
and sparing to select attention, and it dries and withers away as the pasture grasses increase.
A, the Calyx.
B, the Corolla.
C, a Spicula in age.