Phalaris
(the old Greek name used by Dioscorides). ORD. Gramineae. A genus comprising nine or ten species of annual or perennial, greenhouse or hardy grasses, mostly found in the Mediterranean region and extra-tropical America, a few being natives of Africa and Australia. Inflorescence in spike-like or capituliform panicles; the spikelets with one perfect flower, and generally the rudiments of two imperfect ones, which latter form minute scales between the outer, empty glumes; glumes usually six. Leaves flat. The under-mentioned hardy species are of easy culture in common garden soil. Propagated by seeds, or by divisions of the plant.
P. arundinacea (Reed-like).* fl., panicle erect, loose, about 6in. long, tinged with purple. July. l. lanceolate, striated. smooth. h. 3ft. to 5ft. North temperate and Arctic regions (Britain). Perennial. (Sy. En. B. 1697, under name of Digra phis arundinacea.) P. a. variegata (variegated). Gardener's Garters; Lady's Garters; Ribbon Grass. A form with striped leaves very common in gardens. P. gigantea is a stouter and taller-growing form.
P. canariensis. Canary Grass. fl., panicle erect, ovate, close, compound, resembling an ovate spike, beautifully variegated with green and white. July. l. flat, lanceolate, upper sheaths inflated. h. 1 1/2ft. South Europe, North Africa, West Asia. Annual. This species supplies the well-known "canary seed," so much employed as food for singing cage-birds. (Sy. En. B. 1698.)