Multivariate morphometric analysis of the Stipa turkestanica group (Poaceae: Stipa sect. Stipa)

Based on numerical analyses of macromorphological characters (cluster analysis, principal coordinate analysis and principal component analysis), scanning electron microscopy observation of lemma and lamina micromorphology, as well as field observations, five taxa belonging to the Stipa turkestanica group have been recognized in the mountain area of Central Asia. They are S. turkestanica subsp. turkestanica, S. turkestanica subsp. trichoides, S. macroglossa subsp. macroglossa, S. macroglossa subsp. kazachstanica and S. kirghisorum. As a result of this study, we propose one new combination, S. macroglossa var. pubescens, and designate lectotypes for S. turkestanica subsp. trichoides and S. macroglossa var. pubescens, and an epitype for S. kirghisorum. Illustrations of micromorphological structures of the lemma, patterns of leaf hairiness and an identification key are provided. A taxonomic synopsis including information on nomenclatural types, synonyms, descriptions of the taxa, and, as supplementary information, a list of the specimens examined is also presented.