identifier	taxonID	type	CVterm	format	language	title	description	additionalInformationURL	UsageTerms	rights	Owner	contributor	creator	bibliographicCitation
2ABB360989DB564FA45BF59E5DE0CBCA.text	2ABB360989DB564FA45BF59E5DE0CBCA.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Trichanthecium ambositrense (A. Camus) Lopes-Neto, P. L. Viana & Zuloaga 2026	<div><p>Trichanthecium ambositrense (A. Camus) Lopes-Neto, P. L. Viana &amp; Zuloaga comb. nov.</p><p>Figs 1, 2, 3, 4; Tables 1 –2</p><p>Panicum ambositrense A. Camus, Bulletin de la Société Botanique de France 72: 370. 1925. (Camus 1925)</p><p>Type</p><p>MADAGASCAR – Fianarantsoa province • <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=47.24597&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-20.53625" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 47.24597/lat -20.53625)">Env. D’Ambositra</a>; [20°32’10.5”S, 47°14’45.5”E]; 1700 m; May 1912; J. M. H. A. Perrier de la Bâthie 10851 “ no. 34 ”; lectotype (designated by Vorontsova 2018: 148): P [P 00450276]; isolectotype: K [K 00805604] image .</p><p>Description</p><p>Perennials. Rhizomes absent. Culms 40–200 cm tall, prostrate, rooting at the lower nodes, branching at the lower and upper nodes, internodes 4–5.5 cm long, glabrous; nodes black (in siccus), glabrous. Leaves regularly distributed along the culms; sheaths 2.5–5 cm long, shorter than the internodes, glabrous, not distichous and not overlapping, glabrous on both margins; ligules 0.2–0.6 mm long, membranous, shortly ciliate at the apex, truncate, yellowish (in siccus); pseudoligules absent; auricles absent; blades 5–13 × 0.3–1 cm, linear or linear-lanceolate, flat, horizontal to ascended, green (in siccus), glabrous or pubescent on both surfaces, base rounded, not amplexicaul, margins scaberulous, apex acuminate. Synflorescence terminal, exserted; peduncle 8–10 cm long, scaberulous; panicle 10–25 × 5–8 cm, diffuse; main axis sinuous, scaberulous; pulvini glabrous; first order branches alternate, ascended, not falling together with the spikelets at maturity; axis of the branches glabrous; pedicels 3–5 mm long, yellowish (in siccus), scaberulous, sinuous, not curved at maturity, claviform. Spikelets 2–2.5 (– 2.7) × 0.6–0.8 mm, narrowly ovoid, green or purple, glabrous, perpendicularly inserted on their pedicels, not curved at maturity; lower glume 2–2.5 (– 2.7) mm long, as long as the spikelet, not embracing the upper glume at its base, narrowly ovate, 3 - nerved, apex acuminate; stipe between the glumes absent; upper glume 2–2.5 (– 2.7) mm long, narrowly ovate, 5–7 - nerved, apex acuminate; lower lemma 2–2.5 (– 2.7) mm long, elliptic, 5 - nerved, apex apiculate; lower palea present, 1.2–1.6 mm long, lanceolate, white (in siccus), glabrous, apex acute; lower flower sterile; upper anthecium stipe absent; upper anthecium 1.3–1.5 × 0.5–0.6 mm, ellipsoid, whitish (in siccus), smooth, glabrous, apex rounded. Caryopsis not seen.</p><p>Distribution</p><p>Trichanthecium ambositrense occurs in the central and northern regions of Madagascar, while a single collection originates from Grande Comoros island (Comoros) (Fig. 3).</p><p>Habitat and ecology</p><p>Found near streams in wet gallery forest understory, at (517 –) 1253–2244 m elevation.</p><p>Phenology</p><p>Flowering from September to June.</p><p>Preliminary IUCN conservation assessment</p><p>Trichanthecium ambositrense has an EOO of 400,824 km 2 and AOO of 56 km 2. According to the IUCN criteria (2024), this species is assessed as Vulnerable VU B 2 ab (iii), based on the AOO (&lt;2,000 km 2), the number of locations (&lt;10) (including five protected areas in Madagascar, i. e. Analamazaotra National Park, Andringitra National Park, Mahomborondro National Park, Massif d’Itremo National Park, and Montagne d’Ambre National Park), and the inferred continuous decline of habit quality (Andrianambinina et al. 2025; Rakotonasolo et al. 2025).</p><p>Notes</p><p>Trichanthecium ambositrense can be recognized by the combination of the following morphological characters: perennial life cycle, prostrate culms, rooting at the lower nodes and branching at the lower and upper nodes, blades linear or linear-lanceolate, the exserted synflorescences, panicles 10–25 × 5–8 cm, diffuse, bearing narrowly ovoid spikelets, 2–2.5 (– 2.7) mm long, glabrous, with apex acuminate, lower glume as long as the spikelet, the lower palea present but smaller than the lower lemma, and lower flower sterile (Fig. 4). Trichanthecium perrieri, a closely related species and also endemic to Madagascar (Zuloaga et al. 2024), is often confused with T. ambositrense, since both species possesses prostrate culms, rooting at the lower nodes, leaves regularly distributed along the culms, linear or linear-lanceolate blades, synflorescence terminal, narrowly ovoid spikelets, and lower glume acuminate, but T. perrieri can be mainly distinguished by the larger spikelets, 2.5–3 (– 3.2) mm long, and the shorter and contracted panicles, 2–7 × 2–6 cm (Table 1).</p><p>Both species are morphologically similar to T. aequinerve, an African species widely distributed from Ethiopia to South Africa (Zuloaga et al. 2024), which can be differentiated by the decumbent culms and lower glume ovate with apex acute (Table 1). Trichanthecium pusillum (Hook. f.) Zuloaga, an annual species widely distributed on east tropical Africa, from Ethiopia to Tanzania (Zuloaga et al. 2024), can be differentiated by the decumbent culms, short-exserted panicles, 1–2 (– 4.5) × 1–3 cm, the hirsute ellipsoid spikelets with acute apex, lower glume 1 / 2 to 4 / 5 the length of the spikelet and lower palea absent (Table 1).</p><p>In addition to T. ambositrense and T. perrieri, there are two other Trichanthecium species recorded in Madagascar: Trichanthecium brazzavillense and Trichanthecium parvifolium (Lam.) Zuloaga &amp; Morrone (Vorontsova 2018). Trichanthecium brazzavillense is mainly distinguished from the aforementioned congeners by the erect unbranched culms, not rooting at the lower nodes, filiform blades, synflorescences bearing globose or broadly ellipsoid spikelets, densely hirsute with tuberculate trichomes, with apex acute and lower palea as long as the lower lemma, while T. parvifolium it is an annual decumbent and geniculate herb, rooting and branching at the lower nodes, with ovate-lanceolate blades, synflorescences bearing globose spikelets, 1–1.8 mm long, glabrous, with apex obtuse or acute and lower palea shorter than the lower lemma (Table 2).</p><p>Additional material examined.</p><p>COMOROS – Grande Comoros • “ <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.333054&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-11.586111" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.333054/lat -11.586111)">Iles Comoros</a> ”; [11°35’10”S, 43°19’59”E]; 57 m; 1847–1852; L. H. Boivin s. n.; P [P 00216552, P 02332660] .</p><p>MADAGASCAR – Antananarivo province • Ambatolaona; 15 May 1935; Herbarium Jardin Botanique de Tananarive 32423; P [P 02251336], TAN n. v. • Ambatovory (environs de Tananarive; P. K. 26 route de Tamatave); Apr. 1957; J. M. Bosser 11009; P [P 02251345] • Angavokely; Mar. 1959; J. M. Bosser 12730; TAN • <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=47.16084&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-19.22022" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 47.16084/lat -19.22022)">Analamisaraka</a>; 19°13’12.79”S, 47°09’39.02”E; 1768 m; 6 Mar. 2022; N. H. Rakotomalala, N. F. Randrianarimanana, L. MacKinnon &amp; J. A. Randriamampianina 552; K • Angavokely (east of Tananarive); 25 Jun. 1964; T. Tateoka 3519; P [P 02726869] • Angavokely, station menant a l’Angavobe, station forestière Angavokely; Jan. 1960; J. M. Bosser 13719; TAN • Ankaratra, Centre; 2000 m; Apr. 1914; J. M. H. A. Perrier de la Bâthie 10740; P [P 02251347] • Ankaratra, Faratsiho, Faratsiho; Jan. 1955; J. M. Bosser 7621; P [P 02307398], TAN • Ankaratra, Manjakatompo; Feb. 1953; J. M. Bosser 4850; P [P 02251340] • Antsirabe, forest of Manjakatompo; 24 May 1950; R. E. Vaughan s. n.; K [K 000805440] • La Mandraka; Feb. 1953; J. M. Bosser 5008; TAN • La Mandraka; Feb. 1953; J. M. Bosser 5009; P [P 02251334] • Manerinerina, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=47.125&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-17.958612" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 47.125/lat -17.958612)">Analamaintso forest, 10–20 km after Manerinerina</a>; 17°57’31”S, 47°07’30”E; 1472 m; 13 Feb. 2013; M. Vorontsova, G. Besnard, H. Ralimanana &amp; J. Razanatsoa 907; K, TAN • Manjakatompo; Feb. 1953; J. M. Bosser 4853; TAN • Ramainandro; 1600 m; Feb. 1957; J. M. Bosser 10817; P [P 02251341], TAN . – Antsiranana province • Diana Region, montagne d’Ambre PN, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=49.15&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-12.583333" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 49.15/lat -12.583333)">near sommet d’Ambre</a>; 12°35’S, 49°09’E; 1253 m; 9 Apr. 1993; O. Andrianantoanina, S. T. Malcomber, A. Solotiana &amp; J. Rabety 49; G [G 00393756], K [K 000805443], MO [MO 2973764, MO 3065146], P [P 06795995], S [S 16-18279], TAN [TAN 101817997], US [US 04303282] • <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=49.116665&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-13.7" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 49.116665/lat -13.7)">Massif de Marivorahona au SW de Manambato</a>; [13°42’S, 49°07’E]; 1750–2244 m; 18 Mar. 1951; H. Humbert &amp; R. Capuron 25692; K [K 000805552], MO [MO 3120266], P [P 01914209, P 01914213, P 02726977], TAN • Plantes du Parc National de la Montagne d’Ambre, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=49.159447&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-12.596389" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 49.159447/lat -12.596389)">montagne d’Ambre, partie centrale (12°34’S – 49°10’E) à 430 m du point Côté 1445, au 267 °</a>; 12°35’47”S, 49°09’34”E; 1344 m; 10 Nov. 2007; L. Gautier &amp; L. Nusbaumer LG 5188; BR [BR 0000025908978 V], G [G 00075803], K [K 001634952] • Tsaratanana Massif, trail from Mangindrano up S ridge of the Moromokotro, Andohinisambirano to Rahampintso Marqina, Elfin forest; 1800–2000 m; 11 May 1974; A. H. Gentry 11674; K [K 000805441], P [P 02251342] • Tsaratanana; 2000 m; Apr. 1923; J. M. H. A. Perrier de la Bâthie 16365; P [P 02251335, P 02251348] . – Fianarantsoa province • 34 km N of Fianarantsoa, PK 376 along route 7; 28 Jan. 1975; T. B. Croat 29960; TAN • Ambatomaneloka, Ambatomaneloka (Itremo), PK 121 route de Morondava; Sep. 1956; J. M. Bosser 9949; TAN • Ambohimitombo, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=47.429085&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-20.718195" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 47.429085/lat -20.718195)">Ambohimitombo forest (Tanala)</a>; [20°43’05.5”S, 47°25’44.7”E]; 1350–1440 m; 1 Jan. 1895; C. Forsyth-Major 267; K [K 000805605] • <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=46.922222&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-22.213625" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 46.922222/lat -22.213625)">Andringitra National Park</a>; [22°12’49.05”S, 46°55’20”E]; Apr. 1964; J. M. Bosser 19435; P [P 02251332, P 03487900], TAN • Est-Andringitra, Anjavidilava, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=46.88889&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-22.213625" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 46.88889/lat -22.213625)">Versant Est</a>; [22°12’49.05”S, 46°53’20”E]; 1700 m; 11 Jan. 1971; J. L. Guillaumet 3701; P [P 02325400], TAN • Itremo, Antsirakambiaty, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=46.5625&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-20.59639" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 46.5625/lat -20.59639)">à l’entrée de la première forêt galerie d’Antsirakambiaty</a>; 20°35’47”S, 46°33’45”E; 1534 m; 18 Feb. 2014; O. P. Nanjarisoa, H. Ralimanana &amp; A. Razafindraibe 138; K, TAN • Itremo, Antsirakambiaty, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=46.563084&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-20.595001" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 46.563084/lat -20.595001)">Itremo Protected Area</a>; 20°35’42”S, 46°33’47.1”E; 1524 m; 12 Mar. 2012; M. Vorontsova G. Ratovonirina, F. Rakotonasolo, R. Rajaonarison, R. Andriamampionona &amp; Rakoton 736; K, TAN . – Mahajanga province • Betainkankana, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=48.666668&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-14.3" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 48.666668/lat -14.3)">Ankaizina</a>; [14°18’S, 48°40’E]; May 1962; J. M. Bosser 2536; TAN . – Toamasina province • <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=48.448612&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-18.938833" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 48.448612/lat -18.938833)">Analamazaotra</a>; [18°56’19.8”S, 48°26’55”E]; J. M. H. A. Perrier de la Bâthie 10922; K [K 000244679], P [P 02251343] • Analamazaotra; Apr. 1914; J. M. H. A. Perrier de la Bâthie 10925; K [K 000805442], P [P 02251337], TAN • <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=48.414352&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-18.927588" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 48.414352/lat -18.927588)">Périnet</a>; [18°55’39.32”S, 48°24’51.66”E]; Feb. 1955; J. M. Bosser 7775; P [P 02251338] • Périnet, forest reserve in vicinity of Périnet, along Route 2 between Tananarive and Tamatave; 25 Feb. 1975; T. B. Croat 32262; TAN • without locality; Oct. 1936; Herbarium Jardin Botanique de Tananarive 2166; P [P 02251346] .</p><p>Key to the Old World species of Trichanthecium (adapted from Zuloaga et al. 2024)</p><p>Terminology according to Zuloaga et al. (2011).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/2ABB360989DB564FA45BF59E5DE0CBCA	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		Plazi	Lopes-Neto, Ray Balieiro;Patrícia Pantoja Serrão Filgueira, Joana;Hackel, Jan;Vorontsova, Maria S.;Lage Viana, Pedro;Omar Zuloaga, Fernando	Lopes-Neto, Ray Balieiro, Patrícia Pantoja Serrão Filgueira, Joana, Hackel, Jan, Vorontsova, Maria S., Lage Viana, Pedro, Omar Zuloaga, Fernando (2026): Phylogenetic and morphological data support a new combination for a grass endemic to Madagascar and nearby islands: Trichanthecium ambositrense (Poaceae). Plant Ecology and Evolution 159 (2): 415-430, DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.185113
