Syn. Pl. 2: 533 (1807); FTA 9: 40 (1919); Gen. Gram.: 359 (1986).- Type-species: Heteropogon glaber Pers. ( = Heteropogon contortus (Linn.) Roem. & Schult.).
Spirotheros Raf., Bull. Bot. Genève 1: 221 (1830).
Description:
* Annual or tufted perennial herbs.
* Inflorescence with solitary terminal and axillary racemes, sometimes together in a false panicle. Raceme linear, with homogamous spikelets for the lower part, articulating above.
* Sessile spikelet subterete; callus long and pungent. Lower glume smooth. Upper lemma entire with stout pubescent awn. Pedicelled spikelet larger than sessile, with slender pedicel-like callus.
Genus 6 species