A revision of the genus <i>Prionanthium</i> (Poaceae : Arundineae)

Abstract

Priononanthium revised and three species are recognized. All three species have a chromosome number of n =7. The genus is unual. in having multicellular, secretory glands on the glumes and a wide range of inflorescence types. Priononanthium is considered to be arundinoid on the basis of its leaf anatomy, ciliate ligule, spikelet morphologyand less strongly, chromosome number. Its chromosome number, multicellular glands, two florets per spikelet, type of palea and rachilla extension relate it more closely to Pentaschistis than to any other extant arundinoid genus. A fully illustrated taxonomic account is presented.

Keywords

• Arundineae
• Cape
• chromosome numbers
• conservation, Poaceae
• Prionanthium
• taxonomic revision