Melinis nerviglumis early stage

The inflorescence of Melinis nerviglumis is a much-branched panicle, starting off with compact, dark purple spikelets, narrowly ovate on wiry stalks.

The specific name, nerviglumis, refers to the veined glumes, the couple of membranous bracts surrounding the spikelet. The bigger glume has five or more veins, the smaller glume usually only one.

The orange of the anthers is already visible when the numerous long hairs on the spikelet do not yet spread (Van Oudtshoorn, et al, 1991; iNaturalist; Wikipedia; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw; http://pza.sanbi.org).