PROF. SIDDHARRTH SANGHVI

POACEE (Gramineae)

This is the largest family of the Indian flora. Poacee is a monocot family. (A) Floral character : Inflorescence :- Spike of spikelets. Flowers zygomorphic, bisexual, but in Zea mays flowers are unisexual, hypogynous and trimerous.

Tepals as Lodicules

2, polyphyllous, membranous and situated in anterio lateral position. They are called lodicules.

Versatile Stamens

Stamens 3, polyandrous, versatile (Long filamant is attached to the back of the anther at a point only and anther can swing freely).

Monocarpellary or tricarpellary, syncarpous, superior, unilocular ovary, placentation is basal, stigma is feathery. -- Fruit is caryopsis.

FLORAL DIAGRAM OF SPIKELET OF TRITICUM

01

WHEAT

02

RICE

– The spikelet is the basic unit of the grass inflorescence (Figure 1). The grass flower matures into the fruit, called a caryopsis, which is enclosed by an inner bract, or palea, which is in turn enclosed by the lemma.

The caryopsis with its lemma and palea is called a floret*. Florets are borne alternately along the rachilla. A spikelet may contain one to many florets.

At the base of the rachilla are two empty bracts: the upper glume and the lower glume. Spikelets are borne along the inflorescence axis (the rachis).

02

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

As Ornamental Plants :- Cynodon dactylon = Doob grass As Cereals :- Avena sativa=Jai/oat Hordeum vulgare =Barley/jau - It is the oldest ancient crop. Oryza sativa=Rice Pennisetum typhoides =Bajra

Secale cereale=Rye Sorghum vulgare =Jawar Triticum aestivum=Wheat Zea mays= Maize As source of sugar :- Saccharum officinarum =Sugarcane

(v) As Timber Yielding Plants :- Bambusa balcooa = Bamboo (vi) Other Uses :- Hordeum vulgare (Barley = Jau) is used for making beer. • Zea mays is used in alcohol industry.

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