Enteropogon prieurii (Kunth) Clayton

Vorontsova, Maria S., Nanjarisoa, Olinirina Prisca & Besnard, Guillaume, 2014, Three new grass records for Madagascar, Candollea 69 (1), pp. 85-87 : 86

Enteropogon prieurii (Kunth) Clayton in Kew Bull. 37: 419. 1982.

≡ Chloris prieurii Kunth , Révis. Gramin. 2: 441. 1831.

Typus: SENEGAL: Fort St Louis , Leprieur s.n. (holo-: P ; iso-: K [ K000365082 ]!).

Observations. – An African and Asian species, Enteropogon prieurii (Kunth) Clayton is naturalised in the U.S.A, with records from the states of Alabama and North Carolina ( WCSP, 2014). No invasive characteristics are reported from this area, but herbarium records suggest that its distribution range is increasing in coastal areas around the Indian Ocean. Enteropogon prieurii is likely to be under-recorded due to its striking similarity to the common Chloris virgata Sw. - both species possessing a pale fluffy inflorescence developing black dispersal units consisting of a floret with a caryopsis together with the reduced awned florets. Enteropogon prieurii can however be distinguished from Chloris virgata by its dorsally compressed (rather than laterally compressed) lower lemma and caryopsis. Recent data suggests that Enteropogon prieurii may in fact be better placed in the genus Chloris Sw. ( GRASS PHYLOGENY WORKING GROUP II, 2012).

Specimen examined. – MADAGASCAR. Prov. Majunga: road from NE of Majunga town to the seafront , open sandy secondary vegetation and shade below shrubs, 15°43’S 46°19’E, 5 m, 17.II.2013, Vorontsova, Besnard, Ralimanana & Razanatsoa 964 ( K!, MO!, P!, TAN!) .