Steinchisma laxa (Sw.) Zuloaga

Synonym: Panicum laxum Sw.

Natural range:  Very widespread tropical weedy grass. 

Habitat:  Shores and low, moist woods

Florida status:   Not collected in Florida until 2007.  Apparently rare or overlooked, or possibly expanding its range (Hurricanes? Global Warming? Hitchhiker on nursery stock?)   In Florida known only from Halpatioke Park near Stuart (Martin Co.) and Riverbend Park on the Loxahatchee River near Jupiter (Palm Beach County).

Recognition:  Resembling Panicum (and often classified as one).  1'-3' tall with pyramid-shaped panicle, the branches straight and nearly horizontal. Has extremely small spikelets, under 1.5 mm.   When mature, with 2  indurate paleas.   Spikelets may be gaping (open-mouthed) due to enlarged paleas.

Steinchisma hians has an irregularly shaped inflorescence.

In the present project, Steinchisma species are keyed with Panicum.