Modern taxonomic treatments of the grass family (Poaceae, Gramineae) recognize about 10,000 species and as many as 785 genera. This book provides detailed descriptions of these 785 genera, the descriptions having been generated by computer from a taxonomic data bank. The authors have devised a grass generic character list to cover all aspects of variation in grasses. This list comprises 496 characters, dealing with nomenclature, general morphology, leaf anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, haploid and 2cDNA values, fruit and embryo structure, seedling form, cytology, intergeneric hybrids, phytogeography and distribution, ecology, pathogens, classification and economic aspects. The work is undoubtedly a definitive reference work, essential for all those with a serious research interest in grasses.