A generic classification of the restioneae (Restionaceae), southern Africa

Abstract

We propose a new generic classification of the African Restionaceae, tribe Restioneae (subfamily Restionoideae), based on the phylogeny and on extensive morphological data. The phylogeny is based on both plastid sequence data and morphological data. We delimit the genera to be monophyletic, to minimize the nomenclatural changes, and to maximize the ability to diagnose the genera. We recognize eight genera, one of which with nine subgenera, in the tribe. Of the currently accepted genera, only three need changes. We provide descriptions for all genera and subgenera, and include a key to them. In this paper we erect one new genus, Soroveta, redelimit Platycaulos and Restio, and reduce Calopsis and Ischyrolepis to synonomy under Restio. We list the species which we recognize under each genus, make 37 new combinations, propose eight new names, and also describe eight new species that belong in these genera.