Epidermal cells of abaxial side of leaf with thin, ± sinuate walls; silica cells present. Spikes pale glaucous; glumes of central spikelet considerably shorter than the lemma, those of the laterals nearly as long as the lemma; hairs on lemma short and rather sparse; lemma of central spikelet short-awned (up to 3 mm).

Type: USSR, eastern european RSFSR, Lessing 400(LE).

Distribution: Pakistan (N.W.F.P., Gilgit & Kashmir); western Siberia, Afghanistan, western China and Nepal.