Walwhalleya jacobsiana (Poaceae, Paniceae), a new, rare species of grass from South Australia

Abstract

Phenetic (ordination and cluster) analysis using an extensive morphometric character set of all three species of the grass genus Walwhalleya (W. pungens, W. subxerophylla and W. proluta) and the monospecific Homopholis (H. belsonii) corroborated intuitive recognition of a new species, 'Walwhalleya sp. Flinders Ranges'. The new species is characterised in part by prominently strigose upper glumes and lower lemmas. Known only from two gatherings, and likely rare, we assign it the IUCN conservation status of 'data deficient'. We name this new species Walwhalleya jacobsiana in honour of Surrey Jacobs. © 2011 Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust.