Neotriniakurramica (Poaceae, Stipeae), a new species from Parachinar (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan).

Abstract

The family of grasses (Poaceae) is one of the most diverse plant families, with the tribe Stipeae representing an ecologically significant group of more than 600 species primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions. The genus Neotrinia, a lesser-known member of this tribe, is characterised by unique morphological traits, including distinctive patterns of lemma epidermis. During field studies in the upper Kurram Valley, Pakistan, we found a new species, Neotriniakurramica, which is described here. This perennial grass exhibits distinct morphological features, that differentiate it from previously known species. It is characterised by having up to 8.5 mm long ligules of cauline leaves, up to 15 cm long panicles bearing up to 41 spikelets, subequal glumes, lemma bearing two apical lobes, palea almost equal to lemma, 0.9-1.2 mm long obtuse callus and 50-70 mm long scabrid awns. Figures illustrating the new taxon and a comparison of distinguishing characters of the species representing the genus Neotrinia are presented.