There are four _glumes_. The _first glume_ is shorter than the second, ovate, obtuse, 7- to 9-nerved. The _second glume_ is similar to the first, but longer. The _third_ and the _fourth glumes_ are longer than the second glume, 5- to 7-nerved, paleate and triandrous; _palea_ of both are lanceolate with ciliate keels. [Illustration: Fig. 105.--Spinifex squarrosus. Male plant--1. A branch with the male inflorescence; 2. a spike; 3. a spikelet; 4, 5, 6 and 7. the first, second, third and the fourth glume, respectively; 6a. palea of the third glume; 6b. extra palea like structure found occasionally in the palea of the third glume; 7a. palea and lodicules of the fourth glume.] The _female inflorescence_ is a large globose head consisting of short spikelets articulate at the very base of the rachis, short bracts and very long, spreading, rigid rod-like rachises. The _spikelets_ are solitary with four glumes and 2-flowered. The _first glume_ is oblong-lanceolate, many-nerved, longer than the other glumes. The _second glume_ is shorter, 7-nerved. The _third glume_ is empty, 5-nerved. The _fourth glume_ is ovate-lanceolate and abruptly narrowed above the middle, 5-nerved and paleate, palea is shorter than the glume but broader, 2-nerved and acute. _Lodicules_ are two, large, cuneate at base and strongly nerved. _Stigmas_ are oblong. Grain is clavate and tipped by the style base. This grass grows luxuriantly in the sands near the sea on both the coasts of the Madras Presidency. [Illustration: Fig. 106.--Spinifex squarrosus. Female plant--1. A branch with female inflorescence; 2, 3, 4 and 5. the first, second, third and the fourth glume, respectively; 6. palea of the fourth glume; 7. ovary and the lodicules.] _Distribution._--Throughout the sandy coasts of India and Ceylon. 7. Axonopus, _Beauv._ These are annual or perennial grasses. Inflorescence is a panicle consisting of digitate or whorled, slender or stout spike-like racemes. Spikelets are solitary, binate or fasciculate, 2-flowered, jointed on the pedicel and awned. There are four glumes. The first glume is the shortest, ovate, acuminate, aristate or cuspidate, hyaline, glabrous and 3-nerved. The second glume is ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acuminate or awned, 5-nerved, lateral nerves being marginal and hairy. The third glume is oblong or oblong ovate, acute, 5-nerved, paleate, male; palea is very short and small, bipartite. The fourth glume is as long as the third and the second, oblong or ovate, coriaceous, narrowed into a straight terminal awn, paleate and bisexual; palea is oblong, coriaceous and 2-nerved. Lodicules are cuneate. Stamens are three with linear anthers. Stigmas are linear, laterally exserted. Grain is oblong, free within the hardened glume and its palea. [Illustration: Fig. 107.--Axonopus cimicinus.] =Axonopus cimicinus, _Beauv._= It is a perennial grass. Stems are tufted, erect or slightly decumbent at the base, 1 to 2 feet long.