Naming hybrids in the Andropogon lateralis complex (Andropogoneae, Poaceae) after multivariate analysis

Abstract

The Andropogon lateralis complex is constituted by 13 taxonomic entities: seven species and six class inter-specific hybrids distributed in Central and South America. Natural hybrids within this group are quite common due to lack of inter-specific barriers. These hybrids have been collected in the last two centuries and, in most cases, have caught the attention of taxonomists, who formally described several as new taxa. Therefore, taxonomic entities based on them have been validly published. In southern South America, among the ten taxonomic entities in the A. lateralis complex, five are natural hybrids and at least three possess legitimate names (A. x coloratus, A. x lindmanii, and A. x subtilior). Based on morphometric analyses and previous studies we propose that other two natural hybrids deserve taxonomic names. These entities are Andropogon x velutinus (A. bicornis X A. glaziovii,= Andropogon sp 1 according to Zanin, 2001) and Andropogon x catarinensis (A. bicornis X A. arenarius). Taxonomic treatments of A. x velutinus and A. x catarinensis are presented.