The uncommon southern African and Malagasy genus Sartidia in the Aristidoideae, Poaceae resembles the closely related Aristida but has a C3 photosynthetic system, 3–5-veined lower glumes, and a ventrally grooved caryopsis. We present a revision of Sartidia in Madagascar with two species. Sartidia isaloensis is described as new based on its interrupted inflorescence structure, small spikelets, and short awns. A leaf anatomical study and a δ13C analysis confirm that S. isaloensis is a C3 species. Sartidia perrieri is likely extinct in the wild. We present descriptions, typification, illustrations, distribution maps, an identification key, and IUCN conservation assessments. A key to the Aristidoideae in Madagascar is also included.
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23 July 2015
The Genus Sartidia (Poaceae: Aristidoideae) in Madagascar
Maria S. Vorontsova,
Thomas Haevermans,
Agathe Haevermans,
Jacqueline Razanatsoa,
Marjorie R. Lundgren,
Guillaume Besnard
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Systematic Botany
Vol. 40 • No. 2
June 2015
Vol. 40 • No. 2
June 2015
Aristida
C3
C4
grasses
new species
Stipagrostis