Micraira subulifolia F. Muell. Fragm. 5: 208 (1866).
Classification. (GPWG 2001) : Subfamily Micrairoideae. Micraireae.
Type of Basionym or Protologue Information: LT: Dallachy s.n., without date, Australia: Queensland: North Kennedy Distr.: Rockingham Bay, (MEL, BRI). LT designated by Blake, Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensl. 74: 46 (1964).
Key references (books and floras): [1878] G.Bentham, Flora Australiensis 7 (624), [2002] D.Sharp & B.K.Simon, AusGrass, Grasses of Australia.
Habit. Perennial. Culms prostrate, 6–8 cm tall. Leaves cauline. Leaf-sheaths smooth, glabrous on surface. Ligule a fringed membrane or a fringe of hairs, a ciliate membrane, 0.25–0.4 mm long. Leaf-blades linear or lanceolate, 0.5–1(–1.5) cm long, 0.3–1 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface scabrous, glabrous or indumented.
Inflorescence. Inflorescence compound, a panicle. Panicle ovate, 0.7–1.5 cm long, 3–15 cm wide.
Spikelets. Spikelets pedicelled. Fertile spikelets 2-flowered, both fertile, comprising 2 fertile floret(s), without rachilla extension, oblong, laterally compressed, 1 mm long.
Glumes. Glumes similar, thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume oblong or ovate, hyaline, keeled, 1-keeled, 1–5 -nerved. Lower glume apex mucronate. Upper glume oblong or ovate, 0.75–1 mm long, hyaline, keeled, 1-keeled, 1–5 -nerved. Upper glume apex mucronate.
Florets. Fertile lemma 1 mm long, without keel, 5–9 -nerved. Lemma apex erose or dentate. Palea 5–7 -nerved. Lodicules absent or vestigial. Anthers 2. Grain 0.75–0.9 mm long.
Continental Distribution: Australasia.
Australian Distribution: Queensland.
Queensland: Cook, Moreton, North Kennedy.
Notes. The undivided palea of M. subulifolia is a unique feature within the genus. Furthermore, this species differs from many others in the genus by the many, prominent nerves on lemma and palea, the long florets relative to the glumes, the ribbed pallid culms, and the entirely smooth leaf sheaths.
Occurs disjunctly in eastern, coastal and near-coastal Qld; grows on hills and mountains of igneous, granitic and rhyolitic rocks on bare rock slopes and ledges or on the floor of shallow, saucer-like depressions. Flowers-fruits recorded in all seasons.
