Leersia

Leersia is a genus of herbaceous plants belonging to the Poaceae family. It is native to temperate and tropical regions of the world.

Description

They are perennial plants. Spikelets very compressed laterally, with a single flower articulated with the peduncle, without glumes. Motto with 5 nerves, keeled. Palea trinervate, keeled. Androecium with 1-6 stamens. Caryopsis with embryo of c. 1/3 of its length.

Taxonomy

The genus was described by Peter Olof Swartz and published in Nova Genera et Species Plantarum seu Prodromus 1, 21. 1788. The type species is: Leersia oryzoides (L.) sw.

Etymology

The generic name was given in honor of Johann Daniel Leers, a German physician and botanist of the 18th century.

Cytology

The number of chromosomes is: x = 12. 2n = 24, 48, and 60. 2, 4, and 5 ploidies. 'Small' chromosomes.

Species

• Readsia hexandra
• Readsia lenticularis
• Readsia monandra
• Readsia oryzoids
• Readsia virginica