Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Narrow Broad Divided
Fig. 1.13. Both size and shape of collar can help identify species. (Drawing by R.
Castro.)
Auricles are appendages that sometimes grow from the edge of the
collar and may wrap around the stem. Cool-season species have auricles,
but tropical turf-grasses mostly do not (Fig. 1.16).
Vernation, the way new blades emerge from the sheath, is an import-
ant identification tool. In some species, leaf blades emerge rolled; in
others they emerge folded (Fig. 1.17). Only one species, Bahia grass
(
Paspalum notatum
Fl ¨ gg
´
) often has both rolled and folded leaves on
the same plant. This characteristic is very helpful in identification of this
particular species. Without examination of vernation, distinguishing
Absent Membranous Fringe of hairs
Fig. 1.14. Presence and type of ligule are important factors in species identification.
(Drawing by R. Castro.)
