A phylogeny of the Triraphideae including Habrochloa and Nematopoa (Poaceae, Chloridoideae)

Abstract

To investigate the evolutionary relationships among species of the tribe Triraphideae (including two monotypic genera, Habrochloa and Nematopoa), we generated a phylogeny based on DNA sequences from nuclear ribosomal (ITS) and four plastid markers (rps16-trnK, rps16 intron, rpl32-trnL, and ndhA intron). Habrochloa and Nematopoa form a clade that is sister to Neyraudia and Triraphis. Member of the Triraphideae have paniculate inflorescences, 3-veined, marginally ciliate lemmas, usually with hairy lateral veins, that are apically bifid and awned from between a sinus. A description of the Triraphideae and key to the genera is provided, and the biogeography is discussed, likely originating in Africa.