What is ligule? where do you find it? what function does it perform?

Question

What is ligule? where do you find it? what function does it perform?

Answer 1

A membranous or hairy structure arising on the inside of the leaf at the junction of the blade and sheath.

The ligule appears to be a continuation of the leaf sheath and encircles or clasps the stem as does the leaf sheath. There are three basic types of ligules: membranous, a fringe of hairs (ciliate), and absent or lacking. Most grasses have ligules, and the shape, length, and appearance of the ligule margin provide consistent characters for separating genera and some species of grasses.