Triticum aestivum

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

Botanical Name : Triticum aestivum L.
Common Name : Ghau, Wheat
Plant Family : Poaceae (Gramineae)
According to the Rules of ICBN the names of the families should end in -aceae. Thus the new name for the family Gramineae became Poaceae. However, the name Gramineae is also exempted and conserved under 'Nomina Conservanda' because of their constant use for a long time.
Plant Form : Grasses
Occurrence (Sectors) : 4, 26

Habit : A small, tufted annual.
Leaves : Long, linear, narrow, pointed, sheathing at base, ligule small, loose, membranous.
Inflorescence and Flowers :
- Flowers in terminal spikes with or without awns, spikelets distichous, glumes 5 or more, shorter than spikelet, the lower glume broader on the outer side with a protection tooth on the upper angle, the keel awned, the upper sometimes with a palea, the other 2 glumes have palea and bisexual, the upper staminate or neutral, stamens 3, anthers versatile.
- Ovary superior, truncate, hairy at the apex, stigmas short.
Fruits : Caryopsis free or remaining in hull.
Flowering and Fruiting Time : February
Significance : Extensively cultivated everywhere as a staple food plant.