A I R A .
•Gen e . C hak. Calyx with two valves, containing two florets, without any terminating
abortive floret. Gen. Plant.
AIRA. AQtJATICA.{%,.pw
Water Hair-grass.
Spec. .Ch a r . Panicle expanding; florets without arista; leaves broad.
F ew of our British natives differ more from the companions of its genus than the Water Hair-grass;
all the Airae o f our flora, with exception of this, and the A. caespitosa, being remarkable for a delicate
slender foliage, but this aquatica, vegetating in humid and richer soils, acquires a size far beyond its
less useful and poorer fraternity.------ Calyx, when young, of a dirty yellow, but latterly it changes
to a fine purple colour: straw thick, reedy, and hollow: the whole plant is free from hairs.----------
The epithets bestowed upon this plant by Bauhin and Merret, of e paniculatum dulce,’ and ‘ suavis
saporis,’ well express the sweet liquorice taste that the straw and florets have when masticated. It is
perhaps the only one of its'genus that can furnish substance for animal food, and where the soil is
deep, permitting the roots to creep along, it acquires great luxuriance of.foliage: in very dry situations
it yet manifests a tendency to throw out ample foliage, but the whole plant then becomes o f a
deep purple hue: its situation and leaves at first remind us, as it mantles the little rills, of Poa flui-
tans, but the panicle and coloured calyx soon indicate the plant.—— With diffidence and hesitation
we speak of, and much more cautiously pronounce upon the actual virtues and importance o f plants
in agricultural points of view, yet we cannot forbear mentioning the apparent value o f this Aira,
the luxuriance, sweetness, and succulency of the whole plant are indications o f its utility not to be
overlooked: upon the margins of little rivulets, and where the overflow of brooks, &c. has naturally
irrigated the vicinity, we have seen it abound, and flourish to the manifest superiority o f the neighbouring
grasses.——Aira aquatica'is .occasionally found with the branches of the panicle retroflexed
or bent down to the main straw.
A, the Calyx with its Florets.
B, the Calyx.
C, the Corolla.