Taxonomy and nomenclature of Bromus sect. Genea

Abstract

A modem re-assessment is given of the taxonomy and nomenclature of the 8(-9) annual taxa within the mainly Mediterranean/SW Asiatic Bromus L. sect. Genea Dum. (Poaceae): B. diandrus Roth var. diandrus, B. diandrus var. rigidus Roth, B. fasciculatus Presl, B. madritensis L., B. rubens L., B. sterilis L., B. tectorum L. subsp. tectorum and B. tectorum subsp. lucidus Sales; less emphasis is given to B. madritensis and B. rubens. None of these taxa has previously been investigated throughout their total areas and the taxonomic conclusions expressed here are a result of a multidisciplinary approach. For reasons of convenience the species are considered in three informal groups based on overall similarities: i, B. sterilis, B. diandrus and B. rigidus, so often recognized as independent species in recent Floras but here regarded as varieties of one species; ii, B. madritensis, B. rubens and B. fasciculatus, with particular attention given to B. fasciculatus; and iii, B. tectorum subsp. tectorum and subsp. lucidus, previously regarded as independent species.