Agrostopoa (Poaceae, Pooideae, Poeae, Poinae), a New genus with three species from Colombia

Abstract

Agrostopoa Davidse, Soreng & P. M. Peterson, a new genus endemic to the páramos of Colombia, is proposed. The genus includes two new species, A. barclayae Davidse, Soreng & P. M. Peterson and A. woodii Soreng, P. M. Peterson & Davidse, and a third species transferred from Muhknbergia Schreber, A. wallisii (Mez) P. M. Peterson, Soreng & Davidse (lectotype designated here). A key for determining the species and illustrations of the three species are provided. Agrostopoa is placed in subfamily Pooideae because it has non-Kranz anatomy and lanceolate membranous lodicules, and in tribe Poeae where it differs from Agrostis L. by having carinate lemmas with a terminal awn or mucro, well-developed paleas, and peculiar synflorescences with recurved branches and fragile pedicels. It is classified near Poa L, but differs from that in its single-flowered spikelets that lack rachilla extensions and possess awned or mucronate lemmas.