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Notes on spikelet differences in Barley-grass species.

Salinity Indicator Plants Home | Glossary

Barley-grass Northern Barley-grass comparison

Salt Tolerant Barley-grass species: Sea Barley-grass, Mediterranean Barley-grass comparison

Spikelet notes - Sea Barley-grass





Sea Barley-grass
(Hordeum marinum)

Awn of the central floret, more than twice the length of the awns of the lateral florets. The bristles of the central spikelet often shorter than the bristles of the lateral spikelets; the inner bristle of each lateral spikelet being strongly winged towards the base.


Notes on spikelets - Mediterranean Barley-grass




Mediterranean Barley-grass
(Hordeum hystrix)

Awn of the central floret, only slightly longer than the awns of the lateral florets. The bristles of the central spikelet of similar length to the bristles of the lateral spikelets; the inner bristle of each lateral spikelet not strongly winged, even if sometimes broader towards the base.

Notes on spikelets - Sea Barley-grass comp.



Left to right: Sea Barley-grass and Mediterranean Barley-grass spikelets


Flower spike and spikelets often but not always smaller in Sea Barley-grass compared to Mediterranean Barley-grass.


Note: Bristles and awns are rather fragile and easily broken but even if intact, can vary, even on the same plant.

Fresh-water Barley-grass species: Barley-grass, Northern Barley-grass comparison

Notes on spikelets - Barley-grass



Barley-grass
(Hordeum leporinum)

Awn of the central floret, similar to or slightly shorter than the awns of the lateral florets. The bristles of the central spikelet of similar length to the bristles of the lateral spikelets but are broader towards the base and finely hairy.
Spikelet notes - Northern Barley-grass


Northern Barley-grass
(Hordeum glaucum)

Photo shows the group of three spikelets. Spikelets and florets similar to Barley-grass.
Notes on spikelets - comparison between Nothern and Barley-grass





Left to right: Northern Barley-grass and Barley-grass

Flower spike and spikelets generally smaller in Northern Barley-grass compared to Barley-grass.


Note: Bristles and awns are rather fragile and easily broken but even if intact, can vary, even on the same plant.

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