尼泊尔早熟禾(原变种) ni bo er zao shu he (yuan bian zhong)

Poa mariesii Rendle; P. micrandra Keng; P. nephelophila Bor.

Culms 15–50(–80) cm tall, 0.5–2 mm in diam. Uppermost leaf sheath subequal to blade, closed for 1/2(–3/4) of length; ligule 0.5–1.5(–2) mm. Panicle branches proximally smooth or sparsely scabrid angled, distally nearly smooth to shortly scabrid angled; lower glume 1.3–3.3 mm, upper glume 1.5–3.4 mm; lemmas with intermediate veins glabrous, infrequently pilulose, areas between veins minutely bumpy; palea keels distally pilulose or scabrid with few to several hooks. Fl. and fr. Apr–Jun. 2n = 42.

Meadows on slopes, roadsides, disturbed ground, at lower elevations in E China; 1900–4000 m. Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan, Zhejiang [Bhutan, N India, Kashmir, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan].

Poa nepalensis var. nepalensis is very variable, and more sensitive analyses might reveal additional taxa, but we were unable to divide the specimens in any meaningful way. This subspecies is much more widespread than was previously understood. The types of Poa mariesii, from Jiangsu, and P. nephelophila, from Myanmar (with branches nearly smooth throughout), are robust forms.