Inflorescence architecture in species of Fimbristylis (Cyperaceae) from Gujarat, India

Abstract

Phylogenetic analyses based on morphological data remain scarce for family Cyperaceae due to its diverse and complex inflorescence. Fimbristylis s. s. possess several taxonomic problems due to their intra specific divisions. The wide diversity of the synflorescence in 18 species from Gujarat were analyzed and described to demonstrate the trends of diversification in inflorescence architecture. The study also aims to understand phenetic evaluation between the species. Unispiculate (pseudolateral or terminal), anthelate and capitate synflorescences were recorded. In the paracladial zone normal branching was observed. Foliose structures with an intermediate form between a setaceous bract and a glume are frequently found at the spikelet base. A set of morphological features were recorded and a cluster analysis was carried out. The macro-morphological characters such as structure of inflorescence, branching order, length and position of paraclades and the number of bractiform structures proposed to be useful for proper delimitation of studied taxa. The paracladial ramification of the inflorescence seems to be the main character with potential for taxonomic and phenetic implications.