Anthosachne

Abstract: There are approximately forty tetraploid Elymus species containing the “SY” genornes, which all occur in Asia. This group of species are traditionally classified into four different sections, viz., Sect. Elymus L., Sect. Goulardia (Huston) Tzvelev, Sect. Clinelymiopsis (Nevski) Tzvelev and Sect. Anthosachne (Steud.) Tzvelev. This treatment reflects the large morphological variation of the group. A meiotic pairing study of interspecific hybrids between 27 Elymus taxa possessing “SY” genomes, representing the four sections, and covering the whole geographic distribution area of the group, demonstrated a pattern of genomic relationships which differs from the traditional taxonomic system based on morphology. The differentiation of the “SY” genomes in these species is obvious and in accordance with their geographic origin instead of their morphological similarity. Species from the same region, i.e., within Eastern Asia, North Central Asia, South Central Asia, or Western Asia, have generally high genomic affinity to each other, whereas species from the different regions show comparatively lower genomic affinity. There is a clear tendency that the degree of genomic affinity between the species is gradually decreasing with increasing geographic distance of their origins.

Abstract: We describe a new genus in the Triticeae, Connorochloa Barkworth, S.W.L. Jacobs, & H.Q. Zhang, which currently contains only one species, Connorochloa tenuis (Buchanan) Barkworth, S.W.L. Jacobs, & H.Q. Zhang. Connorochloa differs from all other members of the Triticeae in having a peduncle that elongates greatly after anthesis, causing the culms to become prostrate at maturity, and in combining the H, W, St, and Y genomes. Morphologically, it most closely resembles species of Anthosachne, which are hexaploids having the St, Y, and W genomes, but differs from all of them in the peduncle character and having longer awns on the upper glumes and from most species in its combination of narrow leaf blades and long, straight awns.

Abstract: Phillip Island wheat grass has been known under many different scientific names. The taxon is now mostly placed in the genus Anthosachne Steud., following recent molecular phylogenetic data. Unfortunately no correct name is currently available under that genus which is rectified here. The new combinations Anthosachne kingiana (Endl.) Govaerts and Anthosachne kingiana subsp. multiflora (Banks & Sol. ex Hook.f.) Govaerts are made.

Abstract: We endorse recognition of four morphologically and cytologically distinct genera for Australasia’s native Triticeae: Australopyrum, Stenostachys, Anthosachne and Connorochloa. To encourage adoption of this recommendation, we present a key to all genera of Triticeae found in Australasia, descriptions of the native genera, keys to their species, the new combinations required to implement our generic recommendations (Anthosachne falcis, A. fertilis, A. longiseta, A. multiflora var. kingiana, A. plurinervis, A. rectiseta, A. solandri and Stenostachys enysii), and representative line drawings. These and additional identification resources are available on the web at http://herbarium.usu.edu/triticeae. We also lectotypify Agropyron velutinum Nees.