Taxonomy and distribution of the genus Spartina

Abstract

This investigation deals principally with the rsdetenaination of the liffiits of and the Tariability within the species of Spartinat a genue of grasses. Results of the study show the genus to be composed of sixteen species and t\m minor foras. Only one minor nomenclatorial change is proposed. Because the genus had not, heretofore, been properly typified, Spartlpa cynosuroides (L.) Roth is selected as the type species. The sixteen species are placed in three complexes on the basis of aorphological similarity. Species of the first complex possess hard, slen­ der culms and spikelike panicles composed of numerous, short, closely im­ bricate, twisted spii:es. Rhizomes are usually wanting; if present, they are short and knotty. Spartlna arundlnacea of several South Atlantic and Indian Ocean Islands, S. olllata of southern South America and S. spartinae of North and South Aiaerica are aeabers of th® first eoiatilex. The second complex consists of species with soft, fleshy, succulent culms; pilose pubescence on parts of the spikelets; and soft, flaccid rhi­ zomes with inflated scales. The plants are usually limited to the intertidal aone of coastal marshes. Species admitted to this complex are S. alterniflora of North and South iiaerica and Europe, foliosa. of the Pacific coast of North America, S. longispica of the region near the aouth of the River Plate in South America, marltima of lurope and Africa, S.' neyrautii of southwestern France and _S. townsepdii of England and France. Plants of the third complex are characterized by hard culms; nonspikelike panicles; usually spreading non-twisted spikes; aE,d hispid