Species Of Stipa Research Articles

Effects of environmental factors on leaf litter decomposition of three species of Stipa

Plant litter decomposition plays an important role in carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The influence of abiotic factors on the decomposition of plants in humid ecosystems is higher due to the favorable moisture conditions and the abundance of decomposer microorganisms. However, in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, plant litter decomposition is influenced by both abiotic and biotic factors, depending on sparse plant cover, high soil temperature, and low rainfall. The effects of environmental factors on leaf litter decomposition in arid and semi-arid Mongolian steppes are unclear. A field experiment was carried out in meadow steppe, typical steppe, and desert steppes of Mongolia to investigate the effect of environmental factors such as light-expose, shade, and climate conditions on three species of Stipa (Stipa baicalensis, Stipa grandis, Stipa gobica) representing different litter qualities over a two year of incubation (6, 12, 18 and 24 months). The results of the study revealed that the leaf litter decomposition rate differed among the three species, in which Stipa gobica had a relatively high leaf litter decomposition rate. Also, the rate of leaf decomposition of Stipa gobica was directly and indirectly correlated with leaf traits, while it was positively correlated to climatic conditions (r=0.55). However, for Stipa baicalensis, was negatively correlated to leaf traits (r=-0.56 – -0.63) and on the contrary, Stipa grandis was strongly positively correlated to leaf traits (r=0.68-0.89). Seasonality has an effect on the leaf litter decomposition, with the highest decomposition rate occurring from April to October, while the decomposition rate was very low from November to March. Гурван зүйл хялганын навчны задралд хүрээлэн буй орчны хүчин зүйлсийн үзүүлэх нөлөө Хураангуй. Ургамлын задрал нь хуурай газрын экосистем дэх нүүрстөрөгч болон шим тэжээлийн бодисын эргэлтэд чухал үүрэг гүйцэтгэдэг. Чийглэг экосистемийн ургамлын задралд абиотик хүчин зүйлийн нөлөө их байдаг нь чийгийн таатай нөхцөл, задлагч микрорганизм их байдагтай холбоотой. Харин хуурай болон хагас хуурай экосистемийн хувьд ургамлын бүрхэвч сийрэг, хөрсний температур өндөр, хур тунадасны хэмжээ бага байдгаас хамаарч ургамлын задралд абиоток, биотик хүчин зүйл нөлөөлдөг. Хуурай болон хагас хуурай Монгол орны нугажуу, хуурай болон цөлөрхөг хээрийн ургамлын навчны задралд хүрээлэн буй орчны хүчин зүйлс хэрхэн нөлөөлж байгаа нь тодорхойгүй хэвээр байна. Тиймээс энэхүү судалгааны ажлаар нугажуу хээр, хуурай хээр болон цөлөрхөг хээрийн зонхилогч үетэн ургамал болох гурван зүйл хялганын (Stipa baicalensis, Stipa grandis, Stipa gobica) навчны задралд хүрээлэн буй орчны хүчин зүйлс болон ургамлын шинж чанар хэрхэн нөлөөлж буй болон бүлгэмдэл хоорондын ялгааг илрүүлэх зорилготой ажиллалаа. Бид туршилтыг гэрэлтэй болон сүүдэрлэсэн хоёр хувилбартай 2 жилийн хугацаанд 4 удаагийн дээж хураалттай (6, 12, 18 болон 24 сар) хийж гүйцэтгэсэн. Судалгааны үр дүнд ургамлын навчны задрал нь хялганын гурван зүйл хооронд ялгаатай бөгөөд үүнээс Stipa gobica-ийн навчны задралын хурд харьцангуй өндөр болохыг тогтоов. Мөн Stipa gobica зүйлийн навчны задралын хурд нь навчны шинж чанараас эерэг болон сөрөг хамаарч байсан бол цаг уурын үзүүлэлтүүдтэй эерэг (r=0.55) хамааралтай байсан. Харин Stipa baicalensis зүйлийн хувьд навчны шинж чанараас сөрөг (r=-0.56 – -0.63) хамааралтай, Stipa grandis зүйлийн тухайд навчны шинж чанараас эерэг хүчтэй хамааралтай байна (r=0.68-0.89). Ургамлын навчны задралд улирлын байдал нөлөөтэй бөгөөд 4-р сараас 10-р сарын хооронд задралын хэмжээ хамгийн өндөр байсан бол 11-р сараас 3-р сар хүртэл задралын хурд маш бага байв. Үүнээс харахад нугажуу хээр болон хуурай хээрийн ургамлын задрал тухайн ургамлын шинж чанараас хамаардаг бол цөлөрхөг хээрийн ургамлын задралд хүрээлэн буй орчны хүчин зүйлс чухал нөлөөтэй байна. Түлхүүр үгс: Хялгана, навчны задрал, нарны гэрэл, сүүдэр, навчны шинж чанар, нугажуу хээр, хуурай хээр, цөлөрхөг хээр

FEATHER GRASS (STIPA) OF KAZAKHSTAN - THEIR ROLE IN THE STRUCTURE OF VEGETATION

There are 35 species of feather grass (Stipa), 8 of which are endemous. Nutrition and chemical composition were investigated for 14 Stipa; It was established that 327 plant associations are found with the participation of 12 species of Stipa as dominants and subdominants: S. capillata; S. caucasica; S. hohenackeriana; S. ioannis = S. pennata; S. korshinskyi; S. kirghisorum; S. lessingiana; S. orientalis; S. rubens; S. richteriana; S. sareptana; S. szowitsiana; Chromosome numbers have been identified for 9 out of 35 species

Distribution of species of the genus Stipa in Ukraine according to phytosociological databases

The paper presents the current distribution of species of the genus Stipa in Ukraine based on the data from phytosociological databases. The main objectives were to produce maps of distribution and to determine the affinity of Stipa species to EUNIS habitat classification units.We succeeded in selecting the relevés with the participation of 16 out of 27 species of the genus Stipa recognized as a species in the “Nomenclature checklist of higher vascular plants of Ukraine”. A total of 4888 relevés with the presence of Stipa were found. Stipa capillata has the most significant presence in the data set among other species of the genus. It was found in 38.1 % of relevés. This species occupies second place in the analyzed data set by the Percentage Frequency and third place by Average Non-Zero Cover. According to the analysis of the distribution maps, it was established that S. capillata is a widespread species in the Forest-Steppe and the Steppe zones of Ukraine. Stipa lessingiana also has a significant distribution but is limited mainly to the Steppe zone. Both S. borysthenica and S. tirsa are significantly less present in the databases than reported in the literature, particularly in the Red Book of Ukraine and Green Book of Ukraine. Other species of the genus have limited distribution. Analysis of the habitat affinity of Stipa species showed that they occur in ten types of grassland habitats of the third level of the hierarchy according to the new version of the EUNIS classification. The vast majority of species have an ecological optimum in R1B – Continental dry grassland (true steppe). Stipa capillata has the widest amplitude in different habitat types. Also, a wide range of habitat types is characteristic for S. pulcherrima, S. lessingiana, S. pennata, and S. ucrainica. Species that are poorly represented in the dataset (S. zalesskii, S. transcarpatica, S. adoxa, S. asperella, and S. dasyphylla) occur in a few or only one habitat type.Hence, our study shows that the vast majority of Stipa species in Ukraine are rare and need protection at the national level. However, the presence of S. capillata in the sample was very high. It was found in almost all types of dry grassland habitats, as well as in petrophytic, shrub, and even anthropogenic habitats. This is evidence of the high adaptability of the species and its wide ecological and coenotic amplitude. Our study results confirm the idea that S. capillata does not meet the criteria for inclusion to the national protection lists. It also suggests excluding this species from the Red Book of Ukraine, in case if the national legislation will regulate the protection of biodiversity at the superorganism level.

Comparison of Thermal and Hydrotime Requirements for Seed Germination of Seven Stipa Species From Cool and Warm Habitats.

Temperature and water potential are two important environmental factors influencing germination and subsequent seedling establishment. Seed germination requirements vary with species and with the environment in which the seeds are produced. Stipa species dominate large areas of the Eurasian zonal vegetation, but comparisons of germination requirements between Stipa species from different habitats is limited. We investigated the effects of temperature and water potential on seed germination of S. grandis, S. purpurea, and S. penicillata from habitats with low temperatures and relatively abundant rainfall (cool habitats) and S. glareosa, S. breviflora, S. gobiea, and S. bungeana from habitats with relatively high temperatures and low amount of rainfall (warm habitats). Seeds of species from cool habitats had a higher base (T b), optimal (T o), and maximum (T c) temperature than those of species from warm habitats, except for the base temperature of S. purpurea. Response of six tested Stipa species to water potential differed among species but not between habitats. Median water potential for germination was lowest for S. bungeana, S. penicillata, and S. gobiea. There was a negative correlation between hydrotime constant (θ H) and base water potential for 50% of the seeds of all species to germinate (ψ b(50)). Germination time of seven Stipa species in response to temperature and water was well predicted by thermal time and hydrotime models. Results of the present study on germination of these seven species of Stipa may provide useful suggestions for grassland restoration in different habitats.

Microbial diversity in the rhizosphere soils of three Stipa species from the eastern Inner Mongolian grasslands

Rhizosphere soil microorganisms affect the diversity and ecological distribution of aboveground plants and play an important role in the functions of terrestrial ecosystems. Using high-throughput sequencing, we have investigated the rhizosphere soil microbial communities of three species of Stipa from six plots, in the eastern steppe of Inner Mongolia, and analyzed the relationship between microbial diversity and vegetation diversity and soil physicochemical characteristics. The dominant bacteria phyla were: Actinobacteria, 31.73–44.73%; Proteobacteria, 15.79–23.85%; Acidobacteria, 9.42–15.14%; and Chloroflexi, 4.90–13.60%. While the dominant fungi phyla were: Ascomycota, 16.93–82.12%; Basidiomycota, 2.44–81.28%; and Zygomycota, 0.40–18.92%. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) indicated that the soil microbial community compositions in the Stipa baicalensis steppe in Hulunbuir and the Stipa krylovii steppe in the Xilingol plots, were significantly different from the others. The species characteristics of the plant communities were different in each plot for the vegetation diversity factors, the Shannon Weiner index, Simpson index, and the importance value indices of the Stipa and Leymus chinensis significantly affected the community structures of the bacteria and fungi. Among the physicochemical soil parameters, soil pH, ammonium nitrogen (AN), and sucrase (SC), significantly affected the community structures of the bacteria and fungi, and were inseparable from the interactions between the microorganisms and environmental factors. We found that microbial community diversity was complex in the rhizosphere soils of the Stipa, and that they were mainly affected by the vegetation diversity, soil pH, ammonium nitrogen, and soil sucrase activities. These results improve our understanding of the correlations between the Stipa rhizosphere soil microorganisms and the environmental factors, and provide guidance for future research on the distribution characteristics and growth of the Stipa.

Seed viability of some species of stipa l

In territory of Mongolia growing the 17 species of Stipa type. The more than 3000 samples of 190 species of 46 types of perennial plants stored stored in Forage perennial plant’s Genebank of Research Institute of Animal Husbandry, Mongolia, including more 100 samples of 7 species of Stipa. In recent time necessary to study the seed viability of Stipa species and increase, enrich and renew the seed resources in genebank. We studied the seed viability of needle grass (Stipa L) species, that are collected between 1994-2014from the territory of Mongolia. During the identification of lab germination the samples stored for 24 years did not germinated and 27.2% of samples stored for 20-22 years had only 0.4-8.0% of the germination. Whereas, the samples stored for 15-16 years are germinated in 24.0-96.0%, and samples stored for 4-9 years are 56.5-100.0%, and this results shown that the seed germination rate are depending from the stored years. During the field experiment the 11 samples of 3 species of Stipa were tested in irrigated areas and 13.6-72.7% of them were germinated, 50-100% of them survived to autumn and 83.3-100% of them survived for first winter. From our studies, the needle grass samples are quite good at surviving the winter-spring hardships and the vitality of the already-proven plant survival in the second year of life has increased.
 Хялгана (stipa l.)-ын төрлийн зарим зүйл ургамлын үрийн амьдрах чадвар
 Хураангуй: МААЭШХ-ийн Тэжээлийн олон наст ургамлын генофондод хадгалагдаж буй Хялгана (Stipa L) – ы төрлийн ургамлын үрийн амьдрах чадварыг судаллаа. Лабораторийн судалгааны явцад генофондод 24 жил хадгалагдсан дээжүүд огт соёолсонгүй, 20-22 жил хадгалагдсан дээжүүдийн 27.2% нь дөнгөж 0,4-8.0%-ийн соёололттой байлаа. Харин 15-16 жил хадгалагдсан дээжүүд 24.0-96.0%, 4-9 жил хадгалагдсан дээжүүд 56.5-100.0%-ийн соёололттой байгаагаас үзэхэд үрийн соёолох чадвар хадгалах хугацаанаас ихээхэн хамаарч (P≤0.001) байна. Хээрийн судалгаагаар Хялгана (Stipa L) – ы төрлийн 3 зүйлийн 11 дээжийг 2017 онд усалгаатай нөхцөлд тарьж туршихад 13.6-72.7%-ийн хээрийн соёололттой байсан бөгөөд амьдралын 2 дахь жилийн хавар 50-100% нь сэргэн ургаж, 83.3-100%-ийн амьдрах чадвартай байв. Бидний судалгаанаас Stipa -ийн төрлийн дээжүүд өвөл - хаврын хатуу ширүүн нөхцлийг даван туулж амьдралын эхний жилийн өвлийг давах чадвар нилээд сайн, амьдралын 2 дахь жилээс нэгэнт биежсэн ургамлын амьдрах чадвар нэмэгдэж байна.
 Түлхүүр үг: Генофонд, хээрийн соёололт, өвөлжилт, амьдрах чадвар

Reser- vatogenic successions of the psammophyte steppe on the island of Khortytsia

Тhis work presents data on the functional state and reservatogenic changes of the largest integral massif of the psamophytic steppe which is situated in the island of Khortytsia. The research was conducted by the authors from 1996 till 1997, from 2010 till 2012 and from 2016 till 2018 by means of general geographic, floristic and geobotanical methods of field studies using systematic, biomorphological, environmental coenotic, and geographical analysis. The flora of the territory of 11 hectares includes 136 species of vascular plants from 103 genera of 40 families. The spectrum of 10 leading families in the studied flora coincides with other steppe spectra: such as, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Apiaceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Brassicaceae, Ranunculaceae. The grassland is dominated by steppe and meadow-steppe species from xeremosophytes and mezoxeremosophytes. Partial domination of species Stipa pennata L., S. capillata L. and Festuca valesiaca Schleich. ex Gaudin characterizes this territory, as steppe groups with a well-preserved kernel of steppe species characteristic of primary groups that have undergone minor anthropogenic influences. Yet the 27 ruderal species segetal group indicates the negative impact of recreation on the territory, as evidenced by the highest percentage of representation for this group of plants ecotonic areas adjacent to public recreation areas that are most exposed to trampling. It was determined that there were phytocenoses degressive reservatogenic changes. It is confirmed by a decrease in the percentage of projective coverage, a decrease in the proportion of species of the genus Stipa L., a change in the floristic composition as to increase the participation of segetal and ruderal and adventitious species. Degradation processes are manifested, first of all, in ecotonous areas with increased recreational anthropogenic pressure. Estimation of functional state and reservatogenic changes of steppe psamophytic groups in Khortytsia island is an urgent and necessary step for determining the tends of changes in valuable zonal phytogroups, the feasibility of developing and implementing scientific substantiation of the relevant regulatory measures.

Lemma micromorphology and the systematics of Siberian species of Stipa (Poaceae)

We investigated the lemma micromorphology of 17, primarily Siberian, species of Stipa using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All the species had variants of the micromorphology considered typical for Stipa but each had a unique combination of characteristics, enabling its identification solely on the basis of its lemma micromorphology. Phenetic analysis revealed little correlation between the observed variation and the current sectional treatment of the species. The data support exclusion of Stipa borysthenica from Stipa pennata. A key to the species is provided.

Stipa valdemonensis (Poaceae), a new species from Sicily

A new species of Stipa, endemic to Sicily, named Stipa valdemonensis is described here. The new taxon is related to Stipa crassiculmis. Owing to the small number of individuals observed, in few restricted localities only, it is assigned the IUCN threat status “vulnerable”.

English

Examination of species of Stipa having awns with plumose distal segments revealed reliable morphological characters for distinguishing infrageneric, specific and infraspecific taxa in the genus. As a result of our studies, we propose the following new combinations: Stipa sect. Stipa ser. Syreistchikovianae (Martinovský) F.M.Vazquez comb. et stat nov.; Stipa arabica subsp. pamirica (Roshev.) F.M.Vazquez comb. et stat. nov.; Stipa glareosa subsp. pubescens (P.A.Smirn. ex Roshev.) F.M.Vazquez stat. nov.; Stipa hohenackeriana subsp. assyriaca (Hand.-Mazz.) F.M.Vazquez comb. et stat. nov.; Stipa iberica var. bolosii (Romo, Sierra, L.Torres & Cervi) F.M.Vazquez & M.Gutierrez stat nov; Stipa majalis subsp. setulosissima (Klokov) F.M.Vazquez & M. Gutierrez comb. et stat. nov.; Stipa oligotricha subsp. etrusca (Moraldo) F.M.Vazquez comb. et stat. nov.; Stipa pennata subsp. anomala (P.A.Smirn.) F.M.Vazquez & M. Gutierrez comb. et stat. nov.; Stipa pennata subsp. eriocaulis var. lutetiana (H.Scholz) F.M.Vazquez & M. Gutierrez stat. nov.; Stipa pennata subsp. puberula (Podp. & Suza) F.M.Vazquez & M. Gutierrez comb. et stat. nov.; Stipa rubens subsp. rubentiformis (P.A.Smirn.) F.M.Vazquez & M.Gutierrez comb. et stat. nov.; Stipa zalesskii subsp. glabrata (P.A.Smirn.) F.M.Vazquez & M.Gutierrez comb. et stat. nov. and Stipa zalesskii subsp. maeotica (Klokov & V.V.Osychnyuk) F.M.Vazquez & M.Gutierrez comb. et stat. nov.; and the name new: Stipa jacobsii F.M.Vazquez nom. nov. The study also resulted in the recognition of the following new taxa: Stipa minuscula F.M.Vazquez sp. nov. and Stipa pennata subsp. slovaca F.M.Vazquez & M. Gutierrez subsp. nov.

Lectotypification of Stipa czerepanovii (Poaceae)

Lectotypification of Stipa czerepanovii (Poaceae) The paper presents lectotypification of Stipa czerepanovii Kotuch. described from the Zaisan basin (eastern Kazakstan). The material designated as the type of Stipa czerepanovii is deposited in the herbarium of the Komarov Institute of Botany, Russian Academy of Sciences (St.-Petersburg) and composed of three sheets. However, specimens on one of the sheets, represent other species of Stipa, and according the Viena code the lectotype should be designated.

On Jarava, or putting the cart before the horse

AbstractThe change of circumscription of Jarava (Stipeae) from a morphologically homogeneous section with nine species of the genus Stipa to a heterogeneous genus of ca. 60 species is criticized because of the lack of DNA data to support the change. The modification is considered inconvenient in terms of the ICBN article 14.1 on disadvantageous strict application of priority rules, due to the abundance of Stipa in South American arid regions, a fact which is reflected in the extensive use of the name Stipa by Latinamerican botanists.

Carbon isotope discrimination of C3 vegetation in Central Asian grassland as related to long-term and short-term precipitation patterns

Abstract. The relationship between carbon isotope discrimination (13Δ) of C3 vegetation and long-term (30 years) and short-term (growing period) precipitation was investigated. Different species of Stipa, a dominant grass genus in the (semi-)arid Asian steppes, and other C3 species were collected along aridity gradients in Inner Mongolia in 2005 (11 sites, 71 samples) and in the Republic of Mongolia in 2006 (40 sites, 45 samples). The data set was expanded with published and unpublished data of Stipa and other C3 species (11 studies covering 8 years, including 64 observations of Stipa, and 103 observations of other C3 species) and C3 community bulk-samples (11 samples). Weather data were geostatistically interpolated for all sampling sites and years. 13Δ of Stipa followed different relationships for the individual years when related to mean annual precipitation due to large anomalies between annual and long-term average precipitation patterns. However, the 13Δ response to rainfall converged when the (long-term) mean annual precipitation was replaced by year-specific mean daily precipitation during the growing period (PG). Remarkably, the 13Δ-response to (PG) for C3 species as a whole (including herbaceous dicots, semi-shrubs and grasses) and also the C3 community-level response were virtually identical to that of Stipa. The relation was also valid outside the geographical and climatic range where it was developed, giving proof of its robustness.

Systematics of the Tribe Stipeae (Gramineae) Using Molecular Data

Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences have been determined for a wide range of stipoid grasses (Poaceae, Pooideae, Stipeae). Nardus was confirmed as the most appropriate outgroup. Anisopogon is consistently included among the stipoid genera. Lithachne and Oryza form a clade and are clearly not close to Stipeae, and there is no support for including Brachyelytrum within Stipeae. Ampelodesmos and Diarrhena do appear among the core taxa in some analyses, but their positions are unstable and the evidence for retaining them is limited. So far there is inadequate support for rejecting them from Stipeae, so they should be included in any comprehensive study of the tribe. The ITS phylogeny supports a narrow interpretation of Jarava, one that includes only species with clear adaptations to anemophilous diaspore dispersal. There is no support for Achnatherum s.l. being a monophyletic group, nor are there any clear and consistent groups within it. Nassella, Hesperostipa, and Piptochaetium remain well supported. The data support some internal groupings within Nassella, but the sample size is small. It may be worthwhile investigating subgeneric relationships within Nassella. Anemanthele always appears associated with, and sometimes within, Austrostipa, but its position is inconsistent. We recommend continuing to recognize it at the generic level because of its distinctive morphological characters. Stipa s.s. shows some cohesion, but the results also suggest that some species currently included in the genus do not belong in it, suggestions that are supported by other studies. There has been no advance in understanding Piptatherum. The data support some of the subgeneric groupings within Austrostipa, but suggest that others should be combined. Austrostipa subgen. Falcateae is well supported, in part by a shared deletion. Additional species of Stipa s.s. and Piptatherum are being sequenced to broaden the sampling of these two genera.

Cambios en la vegetacion de un campo abandonado despues de un cultivo de trigo

La vegetación prístina de los campos altos del sur de Santa Fe (Argentina) son distintos tipos de flechillares caracterizados por la abundancia de varias especies del género Stipa. Cuando un campo agrícola se abandona suele revertir a las comunidades prístinas. El objeto de este trabajo es analizar los diez primeros años de la sucesión secundaria de un campo sometido a agricultura durante largo tiempo que se abandonó después de un cultivo de trigo (Triticum aestivum). En el primer año aparece trigo acompañado de malezas anuales (Chenopodium album y Portulaca oleracea); después del primer año una parcela fue colonizada por Baccharis salicifolia y las otras por Carduus acanthoides, Cerastium glomeratum, Ammi majus, etc. Los últimos años constituyen una etapa en la que disminuye la diversidad y se establece una fuerte dominancia de Baccharis salicifolia o Carduus acanthoides. El Sorgo de Alepo (Sorghum halepense) aparece en las etapas tempranas y perdura durante todo el período con valores altos de abundancia. Aún, prácticamente no han aparecido especies de los flechillares, por lo tanto se concluye que no ha transcurrido suficiente tiempo para que se regenere el flechillar, o porque sus especies no se encuentran en los bancos de semillas o en las proximidades.

Padrões de distribuição geográfica das espécies de Stipa L. (Poaceae-Stipeae) ocorrentes no Brasil

Twenty two species of the genus Stipa occur in Brazil, all of them in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, twelve in the state of Santa Catarina, seven in the state of Parana and only one, S. sellowiana Nees ex Trin. & Rupr., in the highlands of Serra da Mantiqueira, in the state of Minas Gerais. This area is the northern limit of distribution of Stipa in Brazil, as well as of the tribe Stipeae. An analysis of the geographical distribution of the species and maps showing their phytogeographic patterns are provided.

Two new species and combinations of Stipa L. (Graminae) from northwest Africa

Abstract Two new species of Stipa L., S. meridionalis and S. magrebensis , are described from northern Africa, and two new combinations have been made: S. barbata subsp. brevipila and S. gigantea subsp. maroccana .

Ecology and distribution of naturalised species ofStipain New Zealand

Abstract Nine species of Stipa are naturalised in New Zealand, eight of them from Australia. Another Australian species, S. nitida, was found in Marlborough in the 1940s but has not been seen since. The widespread species 5. nodosa and S. scabra are short tussock-forming plants with falcate awns and are found in eastern South Island from Marlborough to Otago; their period of expansion was the late 19th Century. Five tall, stout, Australian species with bigeniculate awns are of localised distribution and would seem not to have expanded very greatly since their arrival in New Zealand. The only species of South American origin naturalised here, S. neesiana, has proved troublesome in Marlborough and to a lesser extent in Hawkes Bay. This species has the most versatile reproductive system of any species of Stipa in New Zealand. It produces cleistogenes, clandestine panicles at culm nodes, as well as an apical inflorescence. Whether or not these characters have aided its modest success is unknown. Despite features of the seeds which would aid dispersal, only the falcate Australian species have attained wide distribution. The weed potentiality of Stipa spp. is slight.

Stipoid grasses in New Zealand

Abstract The 15 species of stipoid grasses in New Zealand are described, their distribution is mapped, and for the naturalised species their earliest record in New Zealand is given. Five species are recorded for the first time. Nine species of Stipa are Australian in origin. Only Nassella trichotoma is a serious weed; Stipa neesiana is a localised troublesome weed of pastures.

A New Grass Genus from Australia

Whilst working on a revision of the Australian species of Stipa I noticed that several undetermined specimens were only superficially similar to species of Stipa and decided that they would best be treated as a new species in a new genus. This new species is a hummock-forming perennial with Kranz leaf anatomy similar to the 'hard' type (Jacobs 1971; Carolin, Jacobs & Vesk 1973) found in both Triodia and Plectrachne; the awn is almost circular in transsection, consisting of an outer complete layer of unevenly thickened fibres (thickest on the outer tangential wall) with an inner tissue of parenchymatous cells containing a central vascular bundle, quite unlike the awn anatomy of Stipa with its flattened awn (in trans-section) and two lateral cylinders of chlorenchyma (Duval-Jouve 1871). Although its relationships are clearly with Triodia and Plectrachne this new taxon differs from both in the single bisexual floret per spikelet and in the long, single, terminal awn on the lemma.