The genera Aristida and Stipagrostis (Poaceae) in Iran

Abstract

Ghasemkhani, M., Akhani, H., Sahebi, J. & Scholz, H.: The genera Aristida and Stipagrostis (Poaceae) in Iran. — Willdenowia 38: 135–148. — ISSN 0511-9618; © 2008 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. doi:10.3372/wi.38.38108 (available via http://dx.doi.org/)The species of Aristida and Stipagrostis (Poaceae tribe Aristideae) are C4 plants and in Iran distributed mostly in the arid and warm central and southern parts of the country. Based on examination of herbarium specimens and field studies an updated synopsis of these genera in Iran is provided, including an identification key, line drawing illustrations of floral parts and distribution maps. In Iran Aristida includes two species, namely A. abnormis and A. adscencionis, the latter with three subspecies, and Stipagrostis includes 11 species. S. uniplumis is newly reported for Iran from a single locality in Sistan & Baluchestan province. The specific status of two recently described species, S. barbata and S. multinerva, is confirmed and evidence is given for merging S. paradisea with S. raddiana.