δ¹³C values of C₃ and C₄ species of Australian Neurachne and its allies (Poaceae)

Abstract

δ¹³C values are presented for the 10 closely related species of the endemic Australian genera Thyridolepis, Paraneurachne and Neurachne (Poaceae). The three Thyridolepis species exhibit values typical of C₃ plants, Paraneurachne muelleri of C₄ plants. The genus Neurachne is variable; five species have C*3 values while N. munroi is typically C*4. These results generally confirm previous anatomical observations showing that Neurachne appears to contain both C₃ and C₄ species. N. minor, however, while having C₃ δ¹³C values, has leaf anatomy which suggests it is C₄. N. minor may be a C₃/C₄ intermediate.