Abstract:In order to look for developmental features for future cladistic studies of Chloris group (Chloris, Cynodon, Eleusine, Dactyloctenum, and Microchloa etc.), digitate inflorescence development in Chloris barbata had been examined under light and scanning electron microscope. Twenty-three developmental features indiscernible in the mature inflorescence were found. The structure of digitate inflorescence of Chloris barbata show that several secondary long axes circle the truncated main axis in the branch system. This type of inflorescence branch system has been reported only in monocotyledons and few highly specialized dicotyledonous group. To clarify whether the branch primordia are derived from a part of the shoot apical meristem and/or axillary meristems, studies on the genetic control of grass inflorescence architecture involved in branching are imperative.
