Taxonomic revision and nomenclatural update of Paspalum sect. Pectinata (Poaceae, Panicoideae, Paspaleae)

Abstract

A taxonomic revision and nomenclatural update for Paspalum sect. Pectinata is presented. This section comprises seven species distributed from southern Mexico to Peru, Bolivia and southern Brazil, and is characterized by having linear to lanceolate blades, inflorescences subdigitate or conjugate with a winged rachis, and upper glume and lower lemma 3?7-nerved. We include 16 names and propose lectotypes for Paspalum aspidiotes, P. contractum, P. cordatum, P. lanciflorum and P. pectinatum. Also, after examination of herbarium specimens, a new synonym for Paspalum reticulinerve is proposed. The revision was based on a review of the relevant literature, study of types and materials from 43 herbaria. Descriptions, distribution maps, illustrations and comments are presented for each species, and a key to all species is included.