The phylogeny of Arthraxon P. Beauv. (Gramineae)

Abstract

The phylogeny of the grass genus Arthraxon is analyzed by applying the Wagner algorithm with parsimony. The genus Vetiveria has been used as outgroup. Two phylogenetic trees were found, of which one showed a trichotomy. caused by a less satisfactory optimisation on one of the characters. Therefore, the fully resolved cladogram was preferred. This cladogram comprises two groups, A. castratus and A. depressus, and the other group: A. lancsolatus, A. jubatus, A. hlspidus, A. lancifalius, and A. microphyllus. The genus Arthraxon appears to be a mono phyletic group within the tribe Andropogoneae, typical characters are: the basal awn on the upper lemma and the subdigitate inflorescence.