Poa L. species in Uttarakhand, India and keys for their identification

Abstract

Poa is the largest genus among the grasses of the Himalaya and the species of this genus are mainly distributed in temperate and alpine zones. Uttarakhand state of India lies in the easternmost end of Western Himalaya and a large number of Poa species are known here. Plant collections by the authors, study of Indian herbaria and taxonomic literature proves presence of 45 species and 2 subspecies of Poa in Uttarakhand. Brief taxonomic accounts and keys for identification of these taxa are provided in this article. In addition, information on habitat, occurrence, approximate elevation range, flowering and fruiting times are also provided. The collected specimens of Poa were identified with the help of relevant taxonomic literature and the identity was confirmed by matching them with the authentic specimens housed in DD, BSD, GUH and CAL. Voucher specimens are deposited in GUH. Some taxa which are not collected by the authors are included here based on the specimens housed at Botanical Survey of India, Northern Circle, Dehradun (BSD). Poa rhadina Bor is a rare and narrow endemic species of the Western Himalaya and restricted to Tehri Garhwal only.