Spikelets 1-many-flowered, sessile in alternate notches on opposite sides of the rhachis of a simple spike, either solitary or several together. Glumes awned or not.

Spikelets solitary in the notches of the rhachis, 2-many-flowered, placed flatwise on the rhachis. Outer glumes conspicuous	32. Agropyrum.
Spikelets solitary (or in non-New-Zealand species in pairs) at the notches of the rhachis, 2–4-flowered, placed flatwise on the rhachis. Empty glumes either wanting or reduced to 2 small bristles	33. Asperella.