This study was undertaken in order to ascertain if the anatomical characters in the leaves of this genus were sufficiently well marked and constant to be of value in identifying the different species. The result of similar studies by others have been encouraging. Prominent among these is the series of excellent papers by Theodore Holm, who has studied six genera - Uniola, Distichlis, Pleuropogon, Leersia, Oryza, and Amphicarpum, and considers the anatomical characters of all except Distichlis to be a reliable basis for determining the different species. Emma Sirrine and Emma Pammel have studied Sporobolus and Pancum and conclude that the species in these genera, so far as studied, may be differentiated by means of their anatomical structure
