Holcus azoricus M. Seq. & Castrov. (Poaceae), a new species from the Azores Islands

Abstract

A new species of Holcus L. (Poaceae), endemic to the Azores archipelago (Portugal), is described. The vegetative and reproductive structures were studied. The diagnostic characters were compared with those of closely related species. New chromosome counts in Holcus azoricus M. Seq. & Castrov. (2n = 35) and H. rigidus Hochst. (2n = 28) are included. A possible hybrid origin is hypothesized; the potential parents are H. lanatus L. and H. rigidus. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London.