A revision of the genus Aristida (Poaceae) in Australia

Abstract

In this paper 56 species, 15 infra-specific taxa (13 varieties and 2 subspecies) and one interspecific hybrid of Aristida from Australia are revised taxonomically. Three new sections, Calycinae, Perniciosae and Macrocladae, are recognised and described. A. borealis is placed in synonymy with A. sciuroides, and A. ramosa var. speciosa and A. ramosa var. scaberula are placed in synonymy with A. personata and A. echinata respectively. The classification of Aristida, both internally and relative to its allied genera, is discussed fully. The DELTA system has been used to generate descriptions of all taxa and a complete list of all characters used is given. The methods used in the compilation of data and characters found to be the most diagnostic are discussed and brief entries are given under the headings of ecology, anatomy and phylogeny. There is a key to all species and infra-specific taxa and these are all grouped in the key within sections. The descriptions are grouped into their constituent sections. Illustrations of the spikelets and distribution maps of all Australian entities are given as well as world distribution maps of Aristida sections previously recognised. An accompanying microfiche contains information on approximately 9000 exsiccatae examined.