Trachys deccanensis (Poaceae): A new species from semiarid zone of peninsular India

M. Anil Kumar, K.V. Subbaiah and B. Ravi Prasad Rao*

Published on : 30-Dec-2018

DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2017.27.2.13

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Abstract

Trachys deccanensis M. Anil Kumar & B.R.P. Rao, a new species belongs to the tribe Paniceae, subfamily Panicoideae and family Poaceae is described here. The novel species is allied to T. narasimhanii Ravich. in having longer spikes, lanceolate spikelets and absence of vestigial floral glumes, but distinctly differs in leaf texture, spike arrangement, nature and number of spikelets in individual clusters at each node of the rachis. The new species is also allied to T. copeana Kabeer & V.J. Nair in having two or three digitate racemes, single cluster of spikelets, number of spikelets in individual cluster at each node of the rachis; but distinctly differs in leaf texture, nature and texture of spikelets in individual cluster at each node of rachis and lanceolate spikelets. Description, illustration, microscopic images, comparative morphology of the new species with the allied species and a key for identification of Trachys species have been provided.