Possibly in a crop so long cultivated this can never be resolved with certainty. Species and Characteristics of Barley Three species of Hordeum constitute the barleys under cultivation. They are derived species, not known as such in nature. All have 14 cbromosomes in the diploid stage and inter-cross readily. Hordeum vulgare L. These are 6-rowed barleys with a tough rachis or spike stem.
All florets are fertile and develop normal kernels.
The intermediate group in which lateral kernels are distinctly smaller than central ones. This group may contain kinds with sterile or near sterile lateral spikelets. The two groups may overlap and are not fully distinct. This species is the 2-rowed barleys with a tough rachis. The central spikelets all contain a fertile flower, while flowers in the lateral spikelets are either male or sexless.