Paul M. Peterson

A molecular phylogeny and classification of the Eleusininae with a new genus, Micrachne (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Cynodonteae)

The subtribe Eleusininae Dumort. (Poaceae: Chloridxad oideae: Cynodonteae) is a morphologically diverse group, characterized by having racemose inflorescences (with a few exceptions) and contains about 212 species in 31 genera found primarily in low latitudes in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Ten of the genera are currently monotypic (Apochiton C.E.Hubb., Austrochloris Lazarides, Daknopholis Clayton, Harpochloa Kunth, Ochthochloa Edgew., Oxychloris Lazarides, Pommereulla L.f., Rheochloa Filg. & al., Scleroxad dactylon Stapf, Stapfochloa H.Scholz), 16 genera contain 10 or fewer species: Acrachne Wight & Arn. ex Chiov. (3 spp.), Afrotrichloris Chiov. (2 spp.), Astrebla F.Muell. (4 spp.), Brachyachne (Benth.) Stapf (9 spp.), Chrysochloa Swallen (4 spp.), Coelachyrum Hochst. & Nees (5 spp.), Cynodon Rich. A molecular phylogeny and classification of the Eleusininae with a new genus, Micrachne (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Cynodonteae)