Submitted to: Sida
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: July 13, 1995
Publication Date: N/A
Interpretive Summary: In agriculture the grasses constitute the most important vascular plant family. Development of grass species, for example, to use in stabilizing range and arid lands, depends on accurate systematic classification above the genus and species level. In the New World classification of the tribe Eragrostideae that includes finger grass, wind grass, drop seed and love grass, the relationships among the genera is problematic. This paper redefines these relationships based on an analysis of characteristics of each genus. Subtribes are outlined and the most important features presented. As a result of this work these grasses can be more effectively used and /or controlled.
Technical Abstract: A subtribal classification system for 38 genera of Eragrostideae that occur in the New World is presented. Seven recognized subtribes include: Eleusininae, Eragrostidinae, Monanthochloinae, Muhlenbergiinae, Munroinae, Sporobolinae, and Uniolinae. A comparative discussion outlining the recent classification history is included. Diagnostic fully comparative descriptions are given for each subtribe and a new subtribe, Munroinae, is validated.