A BIOSYSTEMATIC STUDY OF PENTAMERIS (ARUNDINEAE, POACEAE)

A biosystematic study of the endemic southwestern Cape grass genus Pentameris Beauv. is presented. Results of studies on the macro- and micromorphology, leaf blade anatomy and cytology are discussed and illustrated. The results of a cladistic study indicate that the genus is monophyletic, united by the synapomorphies of ovary and fruit characters. The conservation status of the taxa in the genus is assessed, and conservation status codes allocated. A key to the taxa in the genus is presented, and each species is described. Five new species, Pentameris glacialis N.P. Barker, P. hirtiglumis N.P. Barker, P. oreophila N.P. Barker, P. swartbergensis N.P. Barker and P. uniflora N.P. Barker, and o ne new subspecies, P. longiglumis (Nees) Stapf subsp. gymnocolea N.P. Barker, are described and illustrated.