Panicum merkeri Mez

Robust, coarsely hairy or rarely subglabrous perennial, with a short stout rhizome; culms erect or ascending, 100–175 cm. high, (3–)4–6 mm. in diameter at the base; nodes glabrous or hairy.. Leaf-sheaths usually hairy with stiff tubercle-based hairs; blades linear, 20–35 cm. long, 7–15 mm. wide, straight at the base, flat, usually hairy above and below with stiff tubercle-based hairs, acuminate.. Panicle elliptic or oblong, 25–30 cm. long, much branched, the branches ascending and naked at the base with the spikelets evenly dispersed towards the tips.. Spikelets ovate-elliptic, 2–2.5 mm. long, acute; lower glume ovate, 1/4–1/3 the length of the spikelet, membranous, 1(–3)-nerved, cuff-like, clasping, acute; upper glume ovate, as long as the spikelet, 9(–l 1)-nerved, acute; lower lemma similar to the upper glume, ♂, its palea well developed; upper lemma pale and glossy.