Bouteloua
Bouteloua is a genus of plants in the grass family. Members of the genus are commonly known as grama grass. Taxonomy and systematics. The genus was named for Claudio and Esteban Boutelou, 19th-century Spanish botanists. David Griffiths produced a 1912 monograph on the genus. Description. "Bouteloua" includes both annual and perennial grasses, which frequently form stolons. Species have an inflorescence of 1 to 80 racemes or spikes positioned alternately on the culm (stem). The rachis (stem) of the spike is flattened. The spikelets are positioned along one side of the spike. Each spikelet contains one fertile floret, and  usually one sterile floret. Distribution. "Bouteloua" is found only the Americas, with most diversity centered in the southwestern United States. Uses. Many species are important livestock forage, especially blue grama. Species. Species of "Bouteloua" include: Formerly included. Some grass species, formerly classified under "Bouteloua", have been reclassified under other genera including: