G.173. Avena L. - Oats

Annuals. Inflorescence an open nodding panicle. Spikelets large (10 - 40 mm), 2-several-flowered, laterally flattened or terete, disarticulating below each floret or only above the glumes. Lower 1-3 florets bisexual; upper male, sterile or reduced. Glumes herbaceous to membranous, persistent, dorsally rounded; apex acute or acuminate. Lemmas usually shorter than the glumes, 5-9-nerved, awned; apex acute to acuminate, 2-dentate; awn dorsal.

Derivation of name: the classical name for the oat.

Worldwide: c. 25 species, mainly Mediterranean and Middle East, extending to northern Europe and a widespread weed in other temperate countries.

Burundi: 1 taxon.