ovate-elliplical, with 3 nerves, the middle one usually
reaching quite to the top, and scabrous on its upper part,
the others terminating at about two thirds of its length.
Glumes of the corolla 2, the exterior one ovate, rounded at
the end, obsoletely 5-nerved, the central nerve extending
just beyond the point of the glume so as to form an apicu-
lus ; the interior glume scarcely shorter, with two ciliated
keels, rounded at the end and slightly emarginate. Scales
tumid at their base. Germen oblong. Stigmas feathery,
but not branched a second time.
The above species may be distinguished from G. distans
by its ascending branches when in fruit, the spikes seldom
more than 4-flowered, the exterior glume of the corolla
pointed, ami its dorsal nerve extending to the apex ; from
G. procumbens by its patent branches, its spikelets not more
than half the size, its exterior pointed glume of corolla, and
the erect stalk; from G. maritima by the patent branches,
its spikes about half the size, and the flat leaves.
This plant has long been distinguished from its allies by
my excellent friend Mr. Borrer, to whom I am indebted
for first drawing my attention to it. He having omitted to
describe it, 1 have now the pleasure of naming it after its
discoverer, who, I trust, will accept this as a slight acknowledgement
of the many favours which I have received from
him5. It appears to be far from an uncommon plant upon
the English coast, having been gathered by Mr. Borrer at
Gosport (from whence the specimens figured were forwarded
by him), Selsea, Southampton, Stokes Bay, Shore-
ham and Freshwater in the Isle of Wight. I have myself
noticed it at Harwich, and in Canvey Island near the mouth
of the Thames. It is found mostly about brackish ditches,
often in company with G. procumbens and distans.
C harles C. B abington.