大麥屬

Annual or perennial. Raceme oblong to linear, with triads of 1 central bisexual spikelet and 2 male or barren laterals, all pedicelled or the central sessile, on fragile rhachis (all sessile on tough rhachis in cultivated species). Central spikelet 1-flowered plus bristle-like rhachilla extension, dorsally compressed; glumes side by side, narrowly lanceolate weakly 3-nerved and flat, or more often awn-like, free to the base; lemma rounded on back, obscurely nerved, acuminate to a conspicuous awn. Lateral spikelets usually smaller than central and often reduced to a bunck of 3 awns.

Species ± 40. Temperate regions throughout the world. Open weedy places. usually on dry soils. H. vulgare is an important cereal of temperate regions.

Lower Taxon

• Hordeum vulgare L.