Paspalum

Tufted, rhizomatous or stoloniferous annuals or perennials. Culm internodes solid or spongy. Ligule membranous, often the leaf-blade fringed immediately adjacent to the ligule. Inflorescence a panicle of 2–several racemes. Spikelets densely arranged in rows along 1 side of each raceme, 2-flowered, the lower floret neuter, the upper floret bisexual; glumes 1 or 2; sterile lemma membranous, as long as the spikelet; fertile lemma firm to hard, slightly shorter than or equal to the spikelet, its dorsal surface facing toward the axis.