Taxonomic Study of Genus Fimbristylis Vahl. (Cyperaceae) in Nepal
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Department of Botany
Abstract
The genus Fimbristylis Vahl (Cyperaceae Juss.) is composed of about 300 taxa and
there are significant taxonomic issues with both Fimbristylis and the tribe
Abildgaardieae, and there is no agreement on the boundaries and morphological
delimitation of these taxa or the species therein. No comprehensive and detailed
taxonomic work has been done on the genus Fimbristylis. Altogether 23 species of
Fimbristylis are recorded in Nepal. The present study was conducted to carry out the
detailed taxonomic treatment of this genus based on morphology, distribution and
phenology. The study was conducted from the specimens deposited at KATH, TUCH
and Online herbarium: BM, E, K and TI, along with the personal collections as far as
possible. Out of 23 species of Fimbristylis, 18 species are described based on the study
of live plants and herbarium specimens, the remaining five are described based on the
study of herbarium specimens deposited at different herbaria and review of relevant
literatures.
Abildgardia, Bulbostylis and Fimbristylis genera are frequently picked out together
because they are highly similar to one another and can only be distinguished by "minor"
characteristics, which are frequently visible only under a powerful lens. Fimbristylis is
distinguished by the lack of perianth bristles in the flower and lack of a persistent style
base on the nut. The genus Fimbristylis has various economic importance as it provides
food, fodder, medicines, fibres used in making hats, handbag, basket, cushion and mats.
They also have environmental uses as soil improvers whereas some are considered as
agricultural weeds. Taxonomic keys were prepared for the quick identification of the
species. With the help of IBM SPSS version 23.0 Hierarchical cluster analysis was done
where Dendogram was prepared using morphological character and character states
where two main clusters were formed based on presence and absence of leaf blades.
Similarly different sub clusters were formed based on various morphological
characters, which shows the close and distant relationship among the species. Based on
the herbarium and personal collection the species are distributed from 70m – 3200m.
Both vegetative and reproductive characters play a crucial role in delimitation of the
taxa. The taxa are delimited based on the characteristics of root, culms, leaves,
inflorescence type, spikelets, glumes, style, stigma number and nutlets.
Description
Keywords
Fimbristylis, Cyperaceae Juss, Taxonomic Study