Checklist of the grasses of India

An update on the taxonomy of Calamagrostisnagarum (Bor) G.Singh and its allies (Poaceae, Agrostidinae): morphometrics and micro-morphology

Calamagrostisnagarum, previously considered to be a poorly known species, has been reassessed taxonomically. It is a member of C.lahulensis-C.scabrescens complex and may be segregated by morphological characters such as the presence of pilose hairs on adaxial surface of leaf blades, spreading panicle branches, filiform awn and nerve prolongation of lemma. Besides, the micromorphology of adaxial surface of leaf blades, dorsal surface of glume and lemma differentiates Calamagrostisnagarum from its allies, C.lahulensis and C.scabrescens. It is known from Nagaland and Uttarakhand, India, and Bhutan. In this study, we have provided an emended description of the species, a discussion of its habitat and distribution, and taxonomic notes along with field photographs and photo plates for its correct identification. In addition, we also lectotypify the names C.lahulensis and C.scabrescens.

Resurrection of Stipatremula and taxonomy of the high-alpine species from the Stipapurpurea complex (Poaceae, Pooideae)

Stipapurpurea is a high-alpine species that occurs in cryophilous steppes, semi-deserts and stony slopes, from the Tian Shan and Pamirian Plateau through Qinghai-Xizang Plateau to the Himalayas and is characterised by a great morphological variability. During the revision of specimens of the taxon, we observed that the pattern of this variability is linked to the geographical distribution of the specimens. Numerical analyses (PCA and UPGMA) revealed three groups of OTUs corresponding to three morphotypes within the S.purpurea complex. A set of macro- and micromorphological characters, supported by a map of general distributional ranges, are presented to distinguish each of the three taxa within the complex and we reassess the status of Lasiagrostistremula described by Ruprecht in 1869. As a result, Stipatremula, S.purpurea and S.arenosa were distinguished within the complex. The intermediate characters of S.arenosa may suggest its putative hybrid origin (S.tremula × S.purpurea), whereas the presence of extremely long florets may be an expression of the gigas effect. We propose two new combinations (S.tremula and S.arenosa), describe a new nothospecies (S.×ladakhensis) that originated from hybridisation between S.klimesii and S.purpurea s.l. and designate the lectotype for Ptilagrostissemenovii. An identification key and detailed morphological description of species from the S.purpurea complex are also presented.

Swaminathan, R. Nagarajan. Grass species composition in tropical forest of southern India

Grass composition was assessed by plot method (1 m2; n= 1,749) in three habitats (dry deciduous-DDF, moist deciduous-MDF, and thorn forest-TF) at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, southern India across different seasons from Jan 2004 to Dec 2007. The grass species richness and availability (per cent composition) varied significantly with habitats. Seventy-four species of grasses and sedges were recorded in all three habitats, with a few species common in all habitats. Grass availability varied significantly in different habitats across seasons and was positively influenced by precipitation. Among biotic factors, regeneration and shrub density had a primary influence on grass availability, followed by herb, sedge and weed density. The principal coordinate analysis revealed seven major associations in the tropical forest. There were considerable changes in the composition and association of grasses when compared to the past. Fire resistant species such as Themeda triandra, Heteropogan contortus and T. cymbaria dominated in the DDF. Grass species Aristida/Eragorstis were recorded in the TF, which were considered as indicators of heavy grazing pressure. Grass species that were reported rare and sporadic in the earlier study were not recorded, which emphasizes better pasture management in the tropical forest. Grass species composition and availability was threatened by invasion of weeds. 

The oat-like grass Trisetopsis aspera (Munro ex Thwaites) Röser & A.Wölk (Poaceae): a new record for the flora of central Western Ghats of Karnataka, India

For the documentation of grasses in the central Western Ghats of Karnataka, we have conducted the extensive field surveys by using random sampling method from 2017 to 2020.  During this survey we have collected some grass specimens from the shola grassland, which forms the new distributional record of Trisetopsis aspera (Munro ex Thwaites) Roser & A. Wolk to the flora of central Western Ghats, Karnataka, India from the montane high- lands of Baba Budangiri hills of Chikkamagaluru District.