Stipa Linnaeus (1753: 78)

Vázquez, Francisco Maria, Márquez, Francisco, García, David & Oualidi, Jalal El, 2025, A taxonomic revision of Stipeae s. l. tribe (Poaceae) in N Africa, Phytotaxa 699 (1), pp. 1-174 : 44-72

Stipa Linnaeus (1753: 78) .

Type:— Stipa pennata Linnaeus ( Freitag, 1985: 437; Jarvis et al., 1993: 91)

Perennials, caespitose. Simple panicle poor to highly ramified, long peduncle. Flowers glumes sub-equals, lemma apex truncated, seriated, or not surface pubescence, involved margins; anthers apex smooth or hairs; callus acute; awn bigeniculate, scabrid or plumose, long.

Key to Stipa sections and series

1. Awn column smooth, seta plumose with hairs 2.5–7 mm ............................................................................................ S. sect. Stipa .

- Awn column scabrid to plumose, with hairs 0.1–2.3 mm ................................................................................ S. sect. Leiostipa (2).

2. Awn сolumn plumose to pilose with hairs 0.8–2.3 mm .................................................................. S. sect. Leiostipa ser. Barbatae .

- Awn column scabrid with prickles 0.1–0.2 mm .............................................................................................................................. 3.

3. Lemma surface not seriated; homogeny pubescent ......................................................................... S. sect Leiostipa ser. Africanae .

- Lemma surface seriated; with hair lines equal to inequal ................................................................ S. sect Leiostipa ser. Leiostipa .

Key to Stipa species NB: The lemma dimension is not included the callus.

1. Awn plumose, with hairs 1–7 mm ................................................................................................................................................... 2.

- Awn scabrid, with pickles or hairs 0.1–0.8 mm .............................................................................................................................. 6.

2. Column of awn smooth ................................................................................................................................................................... 3.

- Column of awn pubescent to pilose ................................................................................................................................................. 5.

3. Lemma (17–)18–21(–22) mm. Glumes (68–)72–95(–100) mm long. Sheath sterile leaves scabrid frequently to pubescent ........... ..................................................................................................................................................................................... S. almeriensis .

- Lemma 14–16(–16.5) mm. Glumes (35–)48–68(–70) mm long. Sheath sterile leaves smooth, scabrid to pubescent ................... 4.

4. Abaxial surface of sterile leaves smooth. Awn 21–28(–30) cm. Glumes (35–)45–58(–62) mm ................................. S. apertifolia .

- Abaxial surface of sterile leaves pubescent, occasionally scabrid. Awn 28–38(–40) cm. Glumes (58–)60–68(–70)mm.................... ......................................................................................................................................................................................... S. atlantica .

5. Awn 15–20 cm long with hairs 0.4–0.9(–1) mm ................................................................................................................ S. × alba .

- Awn 10–22 cm long with hairs 1.2–2.7 mm ..................................................................................................................... S. barbata .

6. Column of awn with scabrid angles and progressive middle lines of prickles. Ligule truncated (0.5–) 0.8–1.5 mm long. Lemma (7–)8–9(–9.5) mm. Cleistogamous plants ................................................................................................................... S. maroccana .

- Column of awn with scabrid angles and slides middle smooth. Lemma (7–) 7.5–14 mm. Chasmogamous or cleistogamous plants .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7.

7. Sheath sterile leaves pubescent ....................................................................................................................................................... 8.

- Sheath sterile leaves scabrid to smooth ........................................................................................................................................... 9.

8. Lemma seriated. Internodal stem smooth to pubescent. Callus 1.5–3 mm. Lemma (7.5–) 8–10.5 mm and awn 10–18 cm ................ ......................................................................................................................................................................................... S. lagascae .

- Lemma not seriated. Internodal stem pubescent totomentose. Callus 2.5–7 mm. Lemma 9–14.5 mm and awn 17–35 cm ............... ...................................................................................................................................................................................... S. letournexii .

9. Vegetative limb margin ciliated ...................................................................................................................................... S. balansae .

- Vegetative limb leaves margin scabrid to smooth ......................................................................................................................... 10.

10. Anther apex bearded, with hairs 0.17–0.2 mm .............................................................................................................................. 11.

- Anther apex smooth ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12.

11. Lemma not seriated. Glumes subequal. Ligule truncated to rounded 1.5–3(–3.5) mm long ....................................... S. trabutiana .

- Lemma seriated. Glumes unequal. Ligule acute 7–15 mm long ........................................................................................ S. offneri .

12. Lemma (11–) 12–14 mm long, with 5–7 inequal lines of hairs, two shortly or inexistent. Ligule (4–) 5–9 mm long. Awn 15–25 cm long ........................................................................................................................................................................... S. meridionalis .

-

13.

- Lemma up to 7–12 mm with 7 subequal to inequal lines of hairs. Ligule 1–5 mm long. Awn 10–26 cm long ............................ 13. Lemma 7–9.5 mm. Awn 10–18 cm ................................................................................................................................... S. bufensis . Lemma 10–12 mm. Awn 14–26 cm .................................................................................................................................... S. juncea .

I.- Stipa ser. Stipa L.

Type: Stipa pennata L. ( Freitag, 1985: 437).

Awn column smooth and rest plumose with hairs> 2.5 mm.

Annotations to Stipa sect. Stipa from N Africa and Iberian Peninsula

The Stipa sect. Stipa in North Africa is characterised by the scarcity of populations in the area. This group usually appears located in elevated areas above 900 m, on calcareous soils and in areas not disturbed by agriculture or livestock. In addition, they require an average rainfall of more than 600 mm per year, which further limits their presence in the area. These conditions are met in the Middle and High Atlas and in the coastal mountains of Algeria and Tunisia.

The first reports confirming the presence of this group in Africa appeared in Desfontaines (1798 –1799), who mentioned Stipa pennata L., in his Atlantic flora, confirmed by Munby (1847); later Cosson & Durieu (1854 –1867) mentioned it for Batna ( Algeria), as did Munby (1866), confirmed by Trabut (1884) and later by Battandier & Trabut (1902) for a large part of N Africa.

However, it was not until the description of Stipa atlantica P.A. Smirn. (Smirnov, 1929) , that the diversity of the group in N of Africa began to be evidenced. Later, a new taxon was discovered: Stipa dasyvaginata subsp. longiglumis H. Scholz ( Scholz, 1989) , related to Stipa dasyvaginata Martinovsky , was found in the Iberian Peninsula and finally described as Stipa jacobsii F.M. Vázquez from the Middle Atlas in Morocco ( Vázquez & Gutierrez, 2011). Prior to these contributions, the material from North Africa was commonly identified as Stipa mediterranea var. grafiana Steven (= Stipa pulcherrima K. Koch [nom. cons.] ( Nobis et al., 2017b; Martinovsky, 1967; Fennane, 2014).

The integrated study of materials from the Iberian Peninsula, together with those from North Africa allows a more adequate and possibly more accurate vision of the diversity of the group in the two territories and their relationships, as already pointed out by Gonzalo (2012). The materials from these two territories (Iberian Peninsula and North Africa), have three related groups of populations that can be distinguished on the basis of the morphology of the floral parts. They also have a differentiated ecology in two areas:

1.- The populations of specimens with glumes (68–)72–95(–100) mm long and lemmas (17–)18–21(–22) mm long, with pods in the sterile leaves often scabrid and punctually pubescent, isolated in caespitose groups of up to 10 specimens, in areas of 1300–1800 m a.s.l., in stable, structured scrub, coexisting with species such as Stipa offneri Breistr. or Macrochloa tenacissima ( L. ex Loefl) Kunth, and at lower elevations with Stipa filabrensis H. Scholz et al. , or Stipa balansae H. Scholz at higher elevations. This taxon was first named Stipa dasyvaginata subsp. longiglumis H. Scholz (holotype B 10-0168924!) and finally Stipa almenriensis F.M. Vázquez. It has a certain ecological relationship with Stipa pulcherrima K. Koch , with which it has been confused. The distribution is in North Africa from Algeria to Morocco, and in the southern Iberian Peninsula in south-eastern Andalusia (Malaga, Granada and Almeria).

2.- There are specimens located in areas of slightly altered terrain, forming more or less wide caespitose clumps of more than 22 specimens with glumes (58–)60–68(–70) mm long and lemma 14–16(–16.5) mm long, with pods of the fertile and sterile leaves frequently pubescent and occasionally scabrid. It is named Stipa atlantica P.A. Smirn. (Smirnov, 1929) , although it has often been related to Stipa iberica Martinosvky (s.l.) which it can be distinguished by lemmas not exceeding 14 mm in length and the presence of margins up to 24 cm. However, these two taxa are morphologically very close and there are some areas in their distribution where they coexist, especially in the central Iberian Peninsula. Stipa atlantica P.A. Smirn. , has often been identified as Stipa pulcherrima K. Koch , from which it can be distinguished by its lower bearing in the floral and foliar characters. They also occur in ecologically distinct areas: S. atlantica ocurrs in drier thermal zones at the western end of the Mediterranean (South Central France and the E Iberian Peninsula and N of Africa (Morocco and Algeria), whereas S. pulcherrima occurs in temperate zones of the eastern half of the Mediterranean, Central Europe and SW Asia. In S. atlantica populations of medium to large size can be distinguished, with a lemma of more than 14 mm and an awn of more than 28 cm can be distinguished, corresponding to the type species ( Stipa atlantica s.s.), these are distributed in the central, eastern and south-eastern, Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. Meanwhile the French and northern Iberian populations, the lemma is less than 14 mm and the awn up to 24 cm which was named Stipa iberica Martinosvky (s.s.) (Martinovky, 1966) and earlier Stipa mediterranea (Trin. & Rupr.) Asch. & Graebn. , (Ascherson & Graebner, 1898). The first available name for the species is Stipa mediterranea (Trin. & Rupr.) Asch. & Graebn., (1898: 106) (≡ Stipa pennata L. var. mediterranea Trin. & Rupr., (1842: 82) (Bas.) (Lectotype: LE-TRIN! ( Vázquez & Devesa, 1996: 140); Isolectotype: MW 0761272! (https://plant.depo. msu.ru/public/scan.jpg?pcode= MW 0761272)) (Syn.: ≡ Stipa pennata L. subsp. mediterranea (Trin. & Rupr.) Brand, (1906: 2713) (Bas.); ≡ Stipa pulcherrima K.Koch subsp. mediterranea (Trin. & Rupr.) O.Schwarz, (1949: 88) ; = Stipa iberica Martinovský, (1966: 150) (Holotype: FI 001877!); = Stipa iberica Martinovský var. pygmaea Martinovský, (1970: 74) (Holotype: MA 004963!); = Stipa iberica Martinovský var. pygmaea Martinovský , f. levis Martinovský, (1970: 74) (Holotype: LD n.v.); = Stipa iberica Martinovský subsp. pauneroana Martinovsky f. pseudodasyphylla Martinovský, (1970: 75) ; = Stipa pennata L. subsp. iberica (Martinovský) O.Bolós, Masalles & Vigo, (1988: 96) ; = Stipa iberica Martinovský var. pseudodasyphylla (Martinovský) F.M.Vázquez & Devesa, (1996: 141) ; = Stipa iberica Martinovský subsp. bolosii Romo, E.Sierra, Lluis de Torres & A.Cervi, (1998: 214) ; = Stipa iberica Martinovský subsp. pseudodasyphylla (Martinovský) Romo, (2000: 123); = Stipa pennata L. subvar. iberica (Martinovský) O.Bolòs & Vigo, (2001: 546) ; = Stipa pennata L. subvar. levis (Martinovský) O. Bolòs and Vigo, (2001: 546); = Stipa pennata L. subvar. pygmaea (Martinovský) O.Bolòs & Vigo, (2001: 546) ; = Stipa pennata L. var. iberica (Martinovský) O.Bolòs & Vigo, (2001: 546) ; = Stipa iberica Martinovský var. bolosii (Romo, Sierra, L.Torres & Cervi) F.M.Vázquez & M.Gut., (2011: 163) ; = Stipa pulcherrima auct . pl. non K.Koch, (1848: 440)), for the populations of the northern Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Representative specimens studied: FRANCE: Nice, 1887, without collector ( MW 0761277). SPAIN: Barcelona: Castelgali, 19-111-1899, J. Cadevall, (BC-Cadevall); Manlleu, 14-VII-1990, F. M. Vázquez, ( HSS 0056851); Huesca: Abizanda, 11- V 1-1983, G. Montserrat et al., ( JACA 685583); Barbastro, 3-VI-1984, P. Montserrat, ( JACA 16484); Purroy de la Solana, 10-VII-1990, F. M.Vázquez ( HSS 0056874); Ronda de Isabena, 1- IX-I984, G. Montserrat, ( JACAG 683/84). Lérida: Ager, 5-VI-1987, P. & G. Montserrat, ( JACA 505387); Conques, 11-VII-1990, F. M.Vázquez, HSS 0056856; Collado de Colmians, 11-VII-1990, F. M. Vázquez, ( HSS 00124407). Guines, 17-VI-1917, E. Gros, ( BC 67626); Teruel: Aguilar de Alfambra, 19-VI-1982, P. Montserrat et al., ( JACA 43782).

3.- At the highest elevations, above 2000 m, where the snow remains until the months of April and May, there are specimens with short glumes, usually not exceeding 56 mm, with leaves with smooth surfaces on the abaxial side, with short margins of less than 28 cm and forming groups with (4–)5–8 caespitose specimens mixed with subalpine shrubs species Berberis hispanica Boiss. & Reuter , Rhamnus myrtifolia Willk. or Juniperus communis L., always in calcareous substrates. This taxon has been given several names. First Stipa pennata , like most of the previous taxa, later Martinovsky (1967) calls it Stipa apertifolia , although the character of the short glumes had not gone unnoticed by Maire (1957), (sub. Stipa pennata subsp. mediterranea var. breviglumis Maire ), later described as S. dasyvaginata Martinosvky (1970) from the Sierra Nevada (Granade, Spain) and finally S. jacobsii F.M. Vázquez ( Vázquez & Gutierrez, 2011) from Algeria; all are considered synonyms of the valid first name: Stipa apertifolia Martinosvky originating from the central eastern mountains of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a species distributed at high elevations (> 2000 m a.s.l.) of calcareous mountains of the central and southern Iberian Peninsula and the northern Africa ( Morocco and Algeria).

1. Stipa almeriensis F.M. Vázquez (2006: 78) . ( Figure 20 & 21 (3))

Type:— SPAIN. Almería, Minas de Almagrera , 1650 m.a.s.l., 19 June 1984, J. Guirado s.n. [holotype ALME17433 ! (right specimen), designated by Vázquez (2006: 78)] .

= Stipa dasyvaginata subsp. longiglumis H. Scholz (1989: 131) (holotype B 100168924 !).

= Stipa apertifolia subsp. longiglumis (H. Scholz) F.M. Vázquez & Devesa (1996: 323) .

= Stipa pennata subsp. mediterranea var. grafiana auct. pl. not Steven (pro. sp.) (1857: 116) & Linden (1868: 283).

= Stipa pulcherrima auct . pl. not K. Koch (1848: 440).

= Stipa longiglumis H. Scholz in herb. (B100168924!) (Curator Herbarium B, 2021).

Culm erect not geniculate at base, smooth to scabrid, 35–90 cm tall; prophylls edged, with spiral turns dorsally to 12 mm striate surface, scabrid to ciliate between turns. Leaves with sheaths scabrid on the stem, scabrid at the throat especially in the vegetative leaves, free margin, scabrid; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 5–12(–14) mm long, apex acute to obtuse, membranous, scabrid; vegetative blades culms to 47 cm long, convolute, abaxially scabrid, adaxially scabrid-villous striated, scabrid on the margin, to 3.7 mm of diameter; fertile blades culms to 18 cm long, convolute, abaxially scabrid to smooth, adaxially scabrid-villous, striated, scabrous on the margin, to 2.6 mm of diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed acute. Inflorescence to 32 cm long, panicle oblong, falling, loose, the axis scabrid, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, scabrid to frequently pubescent, spikelet-bearing in 2/3 parts of inflorescence. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 69 mm long, lineally pubescent; glumes narrow, sub-equal, (68–)72–95(–100) mm long, green when immature to pale green when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3–5 smooth to finely scabrid ribs; lemma slender, fusiform, (17–)18–21(–22) mm long, seriated, with 5–7 unequal lines of hairs: the laterals greater than the rest do not reach apex, central line inequal to intermediate, short, apex truncate, ciliate, not auricles; callus sharp and slender, (4–) 5–7.5 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 15–20 mm, smooth; awn (26–)32–45(–48) cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 10 cm long, twisted, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<3.5 cm), the third segment (seta) to 38 cm long, villous with ascending hairs to 5–7 mm long, angled, gradually less villous toward the tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 2–4 mm long, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex aristate the posterior shorter than laterals, to 1.8 mm long, lineal; anthers 10–15 mm long, apiculate apex without hairs; stigma 2, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 12–16 mm long, pale brown ( Figure 21 (a3–f3).

Phenology:—Flowering (May–)June–July.

Habitat:—Montane areas, on calcareous substrates at elev. 1000–2400 m a.s.l. Coexists in communities of mainly shrubby species such as Juniperus oxycedrus L., Juniperus phoenicea L., sub-shrubs ( Thymus algeriensis Boiss. & Reuter ), together with trees such as Quercus rotundifolia Lam. , and mainly herbaceous species such as Ephedra major Host , Dactylis glomerata L. or Artemisia atlantica Cosson ( Belkacem et al., 2021) . Ononido-Rosmarinetea. (Lavandulo lanatae-Echinospartion boissieri).

Distribution:—[Stenomediterranean-Southern Occidental]. In North Africa: Algeria, Morocco ( Figure 20 ).

2. Stipa atlantica P.A. Smirnov (1929: 270) . ( Figure 20 & 21 (2))

Type:— ALGERIA. Dhalga, June 1853, Munby s.n. [lectotype LE 00009266! [digital imagen], designated by Gonzalo (2012: 26)]. = Stipa iberica subsp. pauneroana Martinovský (1970: 74) (holotype MA 184491!).

= Stipa iberica subsp. austro-iberica H. Scholz (1989: 129) (holotype B 10-0202967 !) .

= Stipa iberica var. austro-iberica (H. Scholz) F.M. Vázquez & Devesa (1996: 142).

= Stipa pauneroana (Martinosvky) F.M. Vázquez & Devesa (1996: 143) .

= Stipa pennata var. pauneroana (Martinovský) O. Bolòs & Vigo (2001: 547) .

= Stipa pennata auct . not Linnaeus (1753: 78).

= Stipa pennata subsp. mediterranea var. grafiana auct. pl. not Steven (pro. sp.) (1857: 116) & Linden (1868: 283).

= Stipa pulcherrima auct . pl. not K. Koch (1848: 440).

= Stipa pennata auct . pl. not Linnaeus (1753: 78).

Culm erect not geniculate at base, glabrous, 25–110 cm tall; prophylls not studied. Leaves with sheaths scabrid to pubescent on the stem, scabrid at the throat specially in the vegetative leaves, free margin, scabrid to ciliate; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 4–6.5 mm long, apex acute to obtuse, membranous, scabrid to pubescent, ciliate margin; vegetative blades culms to 28 cm long, convolute, abaxially scabrid to pubescent, adaxially scabrid-villous striated, scabrous-ciliated on the margin, to 3 mm of diameter; fertile blades culms to 15 cm long, convolute, abaxially scabrid to scabrid-pubescent, adaxially scabrid-villous, striated, scabrous-ciliated on the margin, to 2.4 mm of diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed acute. Inflorescence to 62 cm long, panicle oblong, downfall, loose, the axis scabrid, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, smooth to scabrid, spikelet-bearing in 2/3 parts of inflorescence. Spikelet free, gradual in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 68 mm long, lineally scabrid; glumes narrow, sub-equal, (58–)60–68(–70) mm long, green when immature to pale green when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3–5 ribs smooth to finely scabrid; lemma slender, fusiform, 14–16(–16.5) mm long, seriated, with 5–7 unequal lines of hairs: the laterals greater than the rest do reach apex and central line sub-equal to intermediate, middle, apex truncate, ciliate, not auricles; callus sharp and slender, 4.5–7(–7.5) mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 14–18 mm, smooth; awn 28–38(–40) cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 9 cm long, twisted, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<3.5 cm), the third segment (seta) to 28 cm long, villous with ascending hairs to 4.5–7 mm long, angled, gradually less villous toward the tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 2–4 mm long, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex aristate the posterior shorter than laterals, to 1.8 mm long, lineal; anthers 8–14(–16) mm long, apiculate apex without hairs; stigma 2, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 10–14(–15) mm long, pale brown ( Figure 21 (a2–f2).

Phenology:—June to August.

Habitat:—Mainly in open areas above 700 m a.s.l. in semi-steppe zones with snowfall in winter.

Distribution:—[Stenomediterranean- Occidental]. In North Africa: Algeria, Morocco ( Figure 20 ).

3. Stipa apertifolia Martinovský (1967: 274) . ( Figure 20 & 21 (1))

Type: SPAIN. Cuenca , June-1898, M. Gandoger s.n [holotype PCR451501 !, designated by Martinovský (1967: 274)] .

= Stipa dasyvaginata Martinovský (1970: 61) (holotype PCR219007 !).

= Stipa pennata var. breviglumis Maire (1953: 71) [lectotype MPU10520!, designated by Vázquez & Gutierrez (2011: 159)]. = Stipa apertifolia var. nevadensis F.M. Vázquez & Devesa (1996: 139) (holotype GDAC26143!).

= Stipa jacobsii F.M. Vázquez (2011: 159) (holotype MPU10520 !).

= Stipa pennata subsp. mediterranea var. grafiana auct. pl. not Steven (pro. sp.) (1857: 116) & Linden (1868: 283).

= Stipa pennata auct . pl. not Linnaeus (1753: 78).

Culm erect not geniculate at base, glabrous, 25–100 cm tall; prophylls not studied. Leaves with sheaths glabrous on the stem, glabrous at the throat, free margin, smooth to scabrid; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 3.5–6(–7) mm long, apex acute, membranous, scabrid; vegetative blades culms to 14 cm long, convolute, abaxially smooth, adaxially scabrid striated, scabrous on the margin, to 2.5 mm of diameter; fertile blades culms to 12 cm long, convolute, abaxially smooth, adaxially scabrid, striated, scabrous on the margin, to 1.8 mm of diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed obtuse. Inflorescence to 25 cm long, panicle oblong, falling, loose, the axis scabrid to glabrous, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, smooth to scabrid, spikelet-bearing in half the inflorescence. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 47 mm long, smooth to scabrid; glumes narrow, sub-equal, (35–)45–58(–62) mm long, green when immature to pale green when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3–5 ribs smooth to finely scabrid; lemma slender, fusiform, 14–16.5 mm long, seriated, with 5–7 lines of unequal hairs: the lateral longer than the rest and central line shorter, apex truncate, ciliate, not auricles; callus sharp and slender, 4–6 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 12–16 mm, smooth; awn 21–28(–30) cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 7 cm long, twisted, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<2.5 cm), the third segment (seta) to 20 cm long, villous with ascending hairs to 3.5–5.5 mm long, angled, gradually less villous toward the tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 1.5–3 mm long, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex aristate the posterior shorter than laterals, to 1 mm long, lineal; anthers 6–9.5 mm long, apiculate apex without hairs; stigma 2, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 9–12(–13) mm long, pale brown ( Figure 21 (a1–h1)).

Phenology:—June to August.

Habitat:—In calcareous areas above 2000 m a.s.l.

Distribution:—[Stenomediterranean mountain W]. In North Africa: Algeria, Morocco ( Figure 20 ).

II(a). Stipa L. sect. Leiostipa Dumortier (1824: 134) .

Type: Stipa capillata Linnaeus (Dumortier, 1824) .

Awn column scabrid to plumose, with hairs to 2.3 mm long.

II(a). Stipa L. sect. Leiostipa ser. Leiostipa Dumortier (1824: 134) .

Type: Stipa capillata Linnaeus (designated here).

= Stipa L. ser. Pseudocapillatae Roshevitz (1934: 103).

= Stipa L. ser. Capillatae Roshevitz (1934: 106).

= Stipa L. sect. Stipa gr. Leiostipa (Dumort.) Freitag (1985: 456) , comb. inval.

= Stipa L. sect. Leiostipa Dumort. ser. Capillatae (Roshev.) Moraldo (1986: 212) .

Lemma seriated. Awn angles scabrid with prickles up to 0.8 mm long.

4. Stipa balansae H. Scholz (1996: 226) ( Figure 22 & 23 (a1–g1)).

Type:— ALGERIA. Hauts plateaux près de Saida, 21-V-1852, Gallerand s. n. (Balansa, Pl.d’Algérie 261, sub Stipa lagascae ) [holotype: B 100168927!; syntype 1: P 1923248! (confirm by H. Scholz 1996); syntype 2: P 1923251! (confirm by H. Scholz 1996)].

= Stipa lagascae subsp. normalis var. oropediorum Maire (1936: 266) [lectotype: MPU003659 !, designated here].

= Stipa clausa auct . pl. not Trabut in Battandier. & Trabut (1905: 366).

= Stipa juncea auct . pl. not Linnaeus (1753: 78).

= Stipa fontanesii auct . pl. not Parlatore (1850: 167, in obs.).

Culm erect not geniculate at base, glabrous, 45–130 cm tall; prophylls bifid, with two turns dorsally to 18 mm striate surface, ciliated to pubescent. Leaves with sheaths glabrous to glabrescent in sterile leaves; glabrous to glabrescent on the stem, villous at the throat, especially on the innovations, free margin, ciliate; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 2–4.8 mm long, apex acute, membranous, scabrid to smooth, ciliate margin; vegetative blades culms to 47 cm long, convolute, abaxially glabrous or sometimes scaberulous, adaxially villous striated, scabrous on the margin, to 1.8 mm of diameter; fertile blades culms to 16 cm long, less plane to convolute, abaxially smooth, occasionally scabrous, less pubescent, adaxially villous, striated, scabrous-ciliate on the margin, to 1.5 mm of diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed obtuse. Inflorescence to 48 cm long, panicle lanceolate, falling, loose, the axis glabrous, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, smooth to scabrid, spikelet-bearing in all inflorescences. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower up to 24 mm long, smooth to scabrid; glumes narrow, sub-equal, 28–45 mm long, green when immature to purple when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3–5 ribs smooth to finely scabrid; lemma slender, fusiform, 9–12(–14) mm long, seriated, with 7 unequal lines of hairs: the lateral more long than central line, apex truncate, ciliate; callus sharp and slender, 2.4–3.7 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 8–12 mm, dorsally with line of flexuous hairs to 1.1 mm; awn 14–25 cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 4.5 cm long, twisted, scabrid-villous with ascending hairs to 0.3 mm long, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<2.2 cm), the third segment (seta) to 15 cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less villous toward the scabrous tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 1–1.8 mm long, acute, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex entire the posterior shorter than laterals, to 1 mm long, lineal; anthers 4–8.5 mm long, apex bearded with hairs 0.3–0.6 mm; stigma 3–4, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 7–10 mm long, brown to pale brown ( Figure 23 (a1–h1)).

Phenology:—April to June.

Habitat:—In various habitats above 600 m a.s.l. in calcareous or basaltic substrates with rainfall below 700 mm per year in skeletal soils between rocky outcrops.

Distribution:—[Endemic Stenomediterranean-NW African]: Algeria, Morocco ( Figure 22 ).

Notes: —The material selected by Trabut (1905) to name S. clausa Trab. (nomen novum), was collected by Lagasca on the Iberian Peninsula, and was previously named S. gigantea Lag. (not Stipa gigantea Hoffmman. ex Link ). This species is restricted to the central Iberian Peninsula. Its close relative from North Africa, S. balansae H. Scholz , was correctly named by Scholz (1996), on the basis of material collected by Balansa in Algeria.

5. Stipa bufensis F.M. Vázquez, H. Scholz & Sonnentag (1999: 30) ( Figure 22 & 24 (a2–f2)).

Type:— SPAIN. Murcia, Alhama de Murcia, 26 April 1990, F. M . Vázquez s.n. (holotype HSS003502 !, isotypes ( UNEX14303 !, B100299855 !).

= Stipa lagascae subsp. normalis var. embergeri Maire (1936: 266) . (lectotype MPU003655 !, designated here; syntypes: MPU003656 !; MPU003657 ! P0083458 ! designated here).

= Stipa lagascae subsp. normalis var. australis f. glabriligulata Maire (1937: 383) (lectotype MPU002735 !, designated here).

Culm erect not geniculate at base, pubescent, 50–130 cm tall; prophylls edged, with two spiral turns dorsally to 21 mm striate surface, scabrid to glabrous between turns. Leaves with sheaths glabrous on the stem, glabrous to scabrid at the throat, especially on the innovations, free margin, scabrid; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 1–3.5 mm long, apex acute, truncate or obtuse, membranous, scabrid, ciliate margin; vegetative blades culms to 52 cm long, convolute, abaxially smooth, occasionally scabrid, adaxially scabrid striated, scabrous on the margin, to 2 mm of diameter; fertile blades culms to 18 cm long, less plane to convolute, abaxially smooth, adaxially scabrid, striated, scabrous on the margin, to 1.7 mm of diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed, obtuse. Inflorescence to 55 cm long, panicle lanceolate, falling, loose, the axis scabrid, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, scabrid, spikelet-bearing in all inflorescences. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 28 mm long, scabrid; glumes narrow, sub-equal, 28–45 mm long, green when immature and pale purple mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3–5 ribs smooth to finely scabrid; lemma slender, fusiform, 7–9.5 mm long, seriated, with 7 lines of unequal hairs: the lateral longer than the central line, apex truncate, ciliate; callus sharp and slender, 1.5–3 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 6–9 mm, smooth occasionally with one hair line dorsally; awn 10–18 cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 3.5 cm long, twisted, scabrid-villous with ascending hairs to 0.6 mm long, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<1.5 cm), the third segment (seta) to 14 cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less scabrid-villous toward the scabrous tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 1–2 mm long, acute, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex entire, the posterior shorter than laterals, to 1 mm long, lineal; anthers 4–8 mm long, apiculate apex without hairs; stigma 3, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 6–9 mm long, brown to pale brown ( Figure 24 (a2–g2)).

Phenology:—April to May (June).

Habitat:—In areas above 1000 m a.s.l. on calcareous, granitic and volcanic substrates, of skeletal soils between rocky outcrops.

Distribution:—[Stenomediterranean- Occidental]. In North Africa: Algeria, Morocco ( Figure 22 ).

6. Stipa juncea Linnaeus (1753: 78) ( Figure 22 & 23 (a2–h2)).

Type:— SWITZERLAND-FRANCE. in Helvetia, Gallia, date unknown, collector or number (lectotype LINN 94-2 !, designated by Vázquez et al. (1995: 179).

= Stipa lagascae subsp. normalis var. trabutii Maire (1936: 266) (lectotype MPU010518 !, designated here).

= Stipa celakovskyi Martinovský (1976: 187) (holotype PCR 324 !).

= Stipa filabrensis H. Scholz, M. Sonnentag & F.M. Vázquez (1999: 28) (holotype B100202028 !; isotype HSS16988 !).

= Stipa lagascae subsp. celakovskyi (Martinovský) O. Bolòs & Vigo (2001: 544) .

= Stipa lagascae auct . pl. not Roemer & Schultes (1817: 333).

Perennial. Culm erect not geniculate at base, glabrous, 70–180 cm tall; prophylls edged, with two spiral turns dorsally to 24 mm striated surface, glabrous to ciliate between turns. Leaves with sheaths glabrous on the stem, glabrous to scabrid at the throat, especially on the innovations, free margin, scabrid to ciliate; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 1.5–5 mm long, apex acute to obtuse, membranous, scabrid, ciliate margin; vegetative blades culms to 55 cm long, convolute, abaxially glabrous, adaxially scabrid to villous striated, scabrous on the margin, to 2.5 mm of diameter; fertile blades culms to 24 cm long, less plane to convolute, abaxially smooth, adaxially scabrid to villous, striated, scabrous-ciliate on the margin, to 2.2 mm of diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed and frequently acute, less often obtuse. Inflorescence to 52 cm long, panicle lanceolate, falling, loose, the axis scabrid to glabrous, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, smooth to scabrid, spikelet-bearing in all inflorescences. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 27 mm long, smooth to scabrid; glumes narrow, sub-equal, 30–47 mm long, green when immature and mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3–5 ribs smooth to finely scabrid; lemma slender, fusiform, 10–12 mm long, seriated, with 7 unequal lines of hairs: the lateral longer than the central line, apex truncate, ciliate; callus sharp and slender, 2–3.7 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 9–11 mm, smooth occasionally with one hair line dorsally; awn (14–) 15–26 cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 5 cm long, twisted, scabrid-villous with ascending hairs up to 0.18 mm long, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<2 cm), the third segment (seta) to 17 cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less scabrid-villous toward the scabrous tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 1–2.5 mm long, acute, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex entire the posterior shorter than laterals, to 1 mm long, lineal; anthers 5–9 mm long, apiculate apex without hairs; stigma 3, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 6–9 mm long, brown to pale brown ( Figure 23 (a2–h2).

Phenology:—April to June.

Habitat:—In areas above 900 m a.s.l. in degraded forests, on calcareous and basaltic substrates, on skeletal soils among rocky outcrops.

Distribution:—[Stenomediterranean]. In North Africa: Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco ( Figure 22 ).

7. Stipa lagascae Roemer & Schultes in Linnaeus (1817: 333) ( Figure 24 (a2–g2) & 25).

Type:— SPAIN. Madrid, Cerro Negro, without date, Lagasca s.n. (lectotype MA185146 !, designated by Vázquez & Devesa (1996: 147).

≡ Stipa juncea var. lagascae (Roemer & Schultes) Mutel (1837: 27) .

≡ Stipa gigantea subsp. lagascae (Roemer & Schultes) Trabut in J. A. Battandier & L. C. Trabut (1895: 165).

= Stipa lagascae var. eriophylla Willkomm (1861: 306) (lectotype n.v.).

= Stipa gigantea f. pubescens Hackel (1877: 119) (lectotype MA149144 ! designated here).

= Stipa sibthorpii Boissier & Reuter in Boissier (1884: 501), pro syn. .

= Stipa lagascae subsp. normalis var. pubescens (Hack.) Maire (1936: 266) .

= Stipa lagascae var. malvana Perrin de Brichambaut & Sauvage (1954: 236) (holotype MPU9690 !; isotypes RAB21088 ! and RAB21089 ! designated here).

= Stipa pubescens Lagasca (1816: 3) , nom. illeg., not Brown, R. R. Br. (1810: 174).

Culm erect not geniculate at base, scabrid, pubescent to glabrous (less), 50–110 cm tall; prophylls edged, with two spiral turns dorsally to 18 mm striate surface, pubescent to tomentose between turns. Leaves with sheaths pubescent on the stem, pubescent to scabrid at the throat, especially on the innovations, free margin, scabrid to ciliate; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 1–3.5 mm long, apex acute to obtuse, membranous, scabrid to pubescent, ciliate margin; vegetative blades culms to 50 cm long, convolute, abaxially pubescent, adaxially scabrid-villous striated, scabrous-ciliate on the margin, to 2 mm of diameter; fertile blades culms to 19 cm long, less plane to convolute, abaxially pubescent, adaxially scabrid-villous, striated, scabrous-ciliate on the margin, to 1.7 mm of diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed obtuse. Inflorescence to 44 cm long, panicle lanceolate, falling, loose, the axis scabrid to villous, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, scabrid, spikelet-bearing in all inflorescence. Spikelet free, slider in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 25 mm long, scabrid; glumes narrow, sub-equal, 30–45 mm long, green when immature and purple when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3–5 ribs finely scabrid; lemma slender, fusiform, (7.5–) 8– 10.5 mm long, seriated, with 7 lines of unequal hairs: the lateral more long than central line, apex truncate, ciliate; callus sharp and slender, 1.5–3 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 6–10 mm, smooth occasionally with one hair line dorsally; awn 10–18 cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 3.5 cm long, twisted, scabrid-pilose with ascending hairs to 0.7 mm long, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<1.5 cm), the third segment (seta) to 14 cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less scabrid-villous toward the scabrous tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals acute, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex entire 1–2 mm long, the posterior shorter than laterals, to 1 mm long; anthers 4–8 mm long, apiculate apex without hairs; stigma 3, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 6–9 mm long, brown to pale brown ( Figure 24 (a2–g2)).

Phenology:—April to June (July).

Habitat:—In areas above 400 m a.s.l., on calcareous substrates.

Distribution:—[Stenomediterranean- Turanian]. North Africa: Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco ( Figure 25 ).

Notes:—A review of the S. lagascae Roemer & Schultes is required across all of its distributional range. Specimens from North Africa show few differences with S. lagascae s.s. from the Iberian Peninsula: lemma> 7.5 mm (vs <7 mm), hairs are> 0.5 mm (≤ 0.3 mm) on the final segment of the awn. Pending further study: we consider these differences not significant enough to warrant the recognition of two different taxa between the Iberian Peninsula and the Maghreb. North African plants that were named S. lagascae var. malvana Brich. & Sauvage , which would be a potential name for North African populations, are not considered in this work.

8. Stipa maroccana H. Scholz (1996: 227) ( Figure 25 & 26 ).

Type:— MOROCCO. Hoher Atlas, Ostteil, Adrar n’ Imeral zw, Lac de Tislit & Tizi-n-Isly, 2300 m, 30 August 1992, Kreisch 920733a (holotype B10 0168923!) .

= Stipa lagascae subsp. normalis var. australis Maire (lectotype MPU003658 !, designated here).

= Stipa lagascae Roemer & Schultes subsp. normalis Maire in Cuénod, A. J. (1954: 79), nom. inval.

= Stipa capillata auct . pl., not Linnaeus (1762: 116).

Culm erect or somewhat geniculate at base, glabrous, 40–75 cm tall; prophylls not studied. Leaves with sheaths glabrous, nearly glabrous on the stem, free margin, ciliated to glabrous; ligule truncated, decurrent, to (0.5) 0.8–1.5 mm long, apex ciliated; vegetative blades culms 8–18 cm long, involute, abaxially glabrous or sometimes scaberulous, adaxially scabrous striated, scabrous on the margin, to 1.5 mm wide diameter; fertile blades culms 3–8 cm long, involute, abaxially smooth, adaxially scabrous to villous, striated, scabrous on the margin, to 5.5 mm wide when extended lamina, ca. 1 mm wide when rolled, the base with a bowed-out callus on each side. Inflorescence 11–16 cm long, panicle pyramidal, falling, loose, the axis scabrous, the branches in distant verticils, slender, flexuous, more-less scabrous, smooth below, spikelet-bearing in the upper half, the lowermost ca. 3–7 cm long, the lower internode of axis as much as 8 cm long. Spikelet adpressed and somewhat crowded along the branches, the lateral pedicel ca. 2 mm long, smooth to glabrescent; glumes narrow, sub-equal, (25–)28–35(–38) mm long, green to purple with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3 ribs; lemma slender, terete, (7–)8–9(–9.5) mm long, seriated, with 7 lines of hairs unequal: the central sub-equal to lateral and more long than intermediate, apex truncate, ciliate; callus sharp and slender, 1.7–2(– 2.5) mm long, villous with adpressed hairs, the body loosely villous with some-what adpressed short hairs; palea 7–9 mm, smooth, occasionally dorsal villous, with line of flexuous hairs to 1.8 mm; awn (10–) 12–16 cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 5 cm long, twisted, scabrid angles and middle slide with fine line of hairs, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter, the third segment (seta) 8–11(–12) cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less scabrid to tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 0.9–1.3 mm long, acute, 2 ribs, apex entire, the posterior to 1 mm long, acute, 1 rib, apex entire; anthers 3.5–5(–6) mm long, apex smooth; stigma 3, flexuous, ciliate. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 3–5 mm long, pale brown ( Figure 26 ).

Phenology:—May to July.

Habitat:—In areas above 500 m a.s.l., with calcareous substrates.

Distribution:—[Endemic Stenomediterranean NW African]: Algeria, Morocco ( Figure 25 ).

9. Stipa meridionalis F.M. Vázquez & Devesa (1997: 204) . ( Figure 25 & 27 )

Type:— MOROCCO. Djebel Azrou Akchar , 2000 m, 34°47’N 3°50’W, 11 June 1929, Font i Quer s.n. (holotype BC811174 a!) .

= Stipa juncea auct . pl. not Linnaeus (1753: 78).

= Stipa offneri auct . pl. not Breistroffer, M. A. C. (1950: 2).

Culm erect not geniculate at base, glabrous, 60–140 cm tall; prophylls edged, with two spiral winds dorsally to 26 mm striate surface, scabrid to glabrous between winds. Leaves with sheaths glabrous on the stem, glabrous to scabrid at the throat, especially on the innovations, free margin, scabrid; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, (4–) 5–9 mm long, apex acute, membranous, scabrid; vegetative blades culms to 47 cm long, convolute, abaxially smooth, occasionally scabrid, adaxially scabrid striated, scabrous on the margin, to 2.5 mm of diameter; fertile blades culms to 19 cm long, less plane to convolute, abaxially smooth, adaxially scabrid, striated, scabrous on the margin, to 1.9 mm of diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed obtuse. Inflorescence to 52 cm long, panicle lanceolate, falling, loose, the axis scabrid to smooth, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, scabrid to smooth, spikelet-bearing 2/3 parts of inflorescence. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 21 mm long, scabrid to smooth; glumes narrow, sub-equal, 25–45 mm long, pale green when immature and green when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3 ribs smooth to finely scabrid; lemma slender, fusiform, (11–) 12–14 mm long, seriated, with 3–5 lines of hairs unequal: the lateral more long than central line, apex truncate, ciliate; callus sharp and slender, 2–4.2 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 6–9 mm, smooth occasionally with one hairs line dorsally; awn 15–25 cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 5 cm long, twisted, scabrid-villous with ascending hairs to 0.3 mm long, the second segment (genicula) like to first but shorter (<2 cm), the third segment (seta) to 15 cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less scabrid-villous toward the scabrous tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 1.5–3.5 mm long, acute, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex entire, the posterior shorter than laterals, to 2 mm long, lineal; anthers 4–8 mm long, apiculate apex without hairs; stigma 3, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 6–9 mm long, brown to pale brown ( Figure 27 ).

Phenology:—May to July.

Habitat:—In areas above 800 m a.s.l., on calcareous and basaltic substrates with annual rainfall below 800 mm and skeletal soil in rocky outcrops.

Distribution:—[Endemic Stenomediterranean-NW African]: Algeria, Morocco ( Figure 25 ).

10. Stipa offneri Breistroffer (1950: 2) & (1952: 237) ( Figure 28 & 29 ).

Type:— FRANCE. Marssilia, Orange, s.d., D. Robillard, s.n. (holotype LAU21929 !. (herb. Gaudin-0321!)) .

= Stipa juncea auct . pl. not Linnaeus, C. (1753: 78).

Culm erect not geniculate at base, glabrous, 40–100 cm tall; prophylls edged, with two turns dorsally to 21 mm striate surface, glabrous between turns. Leaves with sheaths glabrous on the stem, glabrous at the throat, specially on the innovations, free margin, scabrid; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 7–15 mm long, apex acute, membranous, glabrous; vegetative blades culms to 27 cm long, convolute, abaxially smooth, occasionally scabrid, adaxially scabrid striated, scabrous on the margin, to 1.8 mm of diameter; fertile blades culms to 10 cm long, less plane to convolute, abaxially smooth, adaxially scabrid, striated, scabrous on the margin, to 1.2 mm of diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed acute. Inflorescence to 40 cm long, panicle lanceolate, falling, loose, the axis smooth, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, smooth, spikelet-bearing 2/3 parts of inflorescence. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 20 mm long, smooth; glumes narrow, unequal, lower 14–34 mm long, upper 12–28 mm long, pale green when immature and yellow-green when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3 ribs smooth to finely scabrid; lemma slender, fusiform, 8–12 mm long, seriated, with 5 lines of hairs unequal: the lateral more long than central line, apex truncate, scabrid; callus sharp and slender, 1.5–3 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 7–11 mm, smooth, apex occasionally ciliated; awn 6–15 cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 3 cm long, twisted, scabrid-villous with ascending hairs to 0.2 mm long, the second segment (genicula) like to first but shorter (<1.5 cm), the third segment (seta) to 12 cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less scabrid-villous toward the scabrous tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 1.5–3 mm long, acute, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex entire, the posterior shorter than laterals, to 1.5 mm long, lineal; anthers 4–6.5 mm long, apiculate apex without hairs or with hairs to 0.2 mm; stigma 2, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 5–9 mm long, brown to pale brown ( Figure 29 ).

Phenology:—April to July.

Habitat:—In areas above 300 m a.s.l., on calcareous skeletal soils between rocky outcrops.

Distribution:—[Stenomediterranean Occidental]. In North Africa: Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia ( Figure 28 ).

II(b). Stipa L. sect. Leiostipa Dumort. ser. Africanae F.M. Vázquez ser. nov.

Type: Stipa letourneuxii Trabut

Description: Culm internode pilose to tomentose, Lemma not seriated. Awn angles scabrid with prickles to 0.6 mm. Included species: S. korshinskyi Roshev., S. letourneuxii Trabut , and S. trabutiana F.M.Vázquez.

11. Stipa letourneuxii Trabut (1890: 405) ( Figure 30 , 31 & 32 (a1–c1)).

Type:— TUNISIA. In planitie excelsa inter Khranguet Douara / “Oul Selama et” Fernana, 10 May 1887, A. Letourneux s.n. (lectotype MPU007724 !, designated here; isolectotypes P2661970 !, P2661977 !, MPU07724 !, G00080608 ! designated here) .

≡ Stipa lagascae subsp. letournexii (Trab.) Battandier & Trabut (1895: 165) .

Culm erect not geniculate at base, pubescent to tomentose, 70–180 cm tall; prophylls edged, with two spiral turns dorsally to 42 mm striate surface, pubescent between turns. Leaves with sheaths pubescent to scabrid on the stem, pubescent to scabrid at the throat, especially on the innovations, free margin, scabrid to ciliate; ligule long, lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 4–15 mm long, apex acute, membranous, scabrid to pubescent, ciliate margin; vegetative blades culms to 72 cm long, convolute, abaxially pubescent, scabrid to smooth, adaxially scabrid-villous striated, scabrous-ciliate on the margin, to 2.7 mm in diameter; fertile blades culms to 28 cm long, less plane to convolute, abaxially pubescent, scabrid more frequently glabrous, adaxially scabrid-villous, striated, scabrous-ciliate on the margin, to 2.1 mm in diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed, obtuse. Inflorescence to 68 cm long, panicle lanceolate, falling, lax, the axis scabrid to villous, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, scabrid, spikelet-bearing in all inflorescence. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 45 mm long, scabrid; glumes narrow, sub-equal, 40–67 mm long, green when immature and pale purple when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3–5 ribs finely scabrid; lemma slender, fusiform, 9–14.5 mm long, pubescent, unseriated, apex truncate, ciliate; callus sharp and slender, 2.5–7 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 9–12 mm, smooth to hairy dorsally; awn 17–35 cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 6 cm long, twisted, smooth, scabrid to scabrid-villous with ascending hairs 0.05–0.15(–0.3)mm long, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<3.5 cm), the third segment (seta) to 25 cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less scabrid-villous toward the scabrous tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 1.5–2.5 mm long, acute, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex entire, posterior shorter than laterals, to 1.2 mm long, lineal; anthers 4–6.5 mm long, apiculate apex without hairs; stigmas 3–4, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 6–7 mm long, brown to pale brown ( Figure 31 & 32 (a1–c1)).

Key to Stipa letourneuxii varieties

1. Awn columna angles scabrid to smooth. Lemma 9–11 mm long. Callus 2.5–3.5 mm long. .................... S. letourneuxii var. ignea .

- Awn columna angles scabrid. Lemma 11–14.5 mm long. Callus 3.9–7 mm long. ......................................................................... 2.

2. Culm basal internode hirsute to pilose. Callus 5.5–7 mm long. Awns 19–27 cm long. ....................... S. letourneuxii var. tunetana .

- Culm basal internode hirsute to tomentose. Callus 3.9–6 mm. Awns 20–35 cm long. .................. S. letourneuxii var. letourneuxii .

11a. Stipa letourneuxii var. letourneuxii Trabut (1890: 405) ( Figure 30 , 31 & 32 (a1–c1)).

= Stipa lagascae var. pellita Trinius & Ruprecht (1842: 71) (lectotype LE s.n.!, designated by Freitag (1985: 479).

= Stipa gigantea var. planifolia Trabut (1885: 395) (lectotype: MPU251190 ! designated here).

= Stipa lagascae subsp. normalis var. pubescens f. breviaristata Maire (1936: 266) (lectotype MPU251168!, designated here). = Stipa longipes Trab. ex Maire (1936: 266) pro syn.

= Stipa lagascae subsp. normalis var. pubescens f. puberula Maire (1937: 383) (lectotype MPU003923 !, designated here).

= Stipa letournexii subsp. pellita (Trin. & Rupr.) H. Scholz in Greuter & Raus Th. (1998: 173).

= Stipa pellita (Trin. & Rupr.) Tzvelev (1966: 19) .

= Stipa gussonei Moraldo (1986: 221) (holotype FI002940 !).

= Stipa clausa f. amplifolia Trabut in herb., (MPU251190!).

Culm 80–180 cm tall, basal internode hirsute to tomentose. Leaves with ligule (5–) 7–14 mm long; vegetative blades culms to 72 cm long; fertile blades culms to 28 cm long. Inflorescence panicle to 68 cm long. Spikelet with pedicel of last flower up to 45 mm long; glumes (44–) 47–67 mm long; lemma 11–14.5 mm long; callus sharp and slender, 3.9–6 mm long; palea lineal-lanceolate 10–12 mm, smooth to hairy dorsally; awn 20–35 cm long, the first segment scabrid, ca. 6.5 cm long, the second segment like to first but shorter (<3.5 cm), the third segment to 25 cm long; lodicules, the two laterals 1.8–2.5 mm long, the posterior up to 1.2 mm long; anthers 4.5–6.5 mm long. Caryopsis ca. 7 mm long ( Figure 32 (a1–c1)).

Phenology:—(March) April to July (August).

Habitat:—In areas above 400 m a.s.l., in calcareous in skeletal soils between rocky outcrops.

Distribution:—[Stenomediterranean- S]. In North Africa: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco ( Figure 30 ).

11b. Stipa letourneuxii var. ignea (F.M. Vázquez) F.M.Vázquez stat. nov. ( Figure 30 & 32 (a3–c3)).

Type:— TUNISIA. Sidi Tou, National Park, Beni M’Hira , near Tataouïne, 11°22′W, 32°51′N, April 1996, M . Visser s.n. (holotype HSS 11868 !) .

≡ Stipa letourneuxii subsp. ignea F.M. Vázquez (2007: 443) . (Bas.)

= Stipa clausa f. lamprophylla Trabut , in herb. (MPU251195!).

Culm 70–130 cm tall, basal internode pilose to hirsute. Leaves with ligule 4–12 mm long; vegetative blades culms to 57 cm long; fertile blades culms to 17 cm long. Inflorescence panicle to 55 cm long. Spikelet with pedicel of last flower to 38 mm long; glumes 40–54 mm long; lemma 9–11 mm long; callus sharp and slender, 2.5–3.5 mm long; palea lineal-lanceolate 9–10.5 mm, smooth to hairy dorsally; awn 17–22 cm long, the first segment scabrid to smooth, ca. 5 cm long, the second segment like the first but shorter (<2.5 cm), the third segment to 15 cm long; lodicules, the two laterals 1.5–2 mm long, the posterior to 1 mm long; anthers 4–5.5 mm long. Caryopsis 6–6.5 mm long ( Figure 32 (a3–c3)).

Phenology:—April to June.

Habitat:—In areas above 400 m a.s.l., on calcareous and schistous substrates in skeletal soils between rocky outcrops..

Distribution:—[Endemic Stenomediterranean-NW African]: Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco ( Figure 30 ).

11c. Stipa letourneuxii var. tunetana (H. Scholz) F.M.Vázquez comb. & stat. nov. ( Figure 30 & 32 (a2–c2)).

Type:— TUNISIA. Mezraia Djerba , vieille friche caillouteuse, 29 March 1978, C . Vanden Berghan s.n. (holotype B 100177788 !) .

≡ Stipa tunetana H. Scholz (1991: 79–80) . (Bas.)

≡ Stipa letourneuxii subsp. tunetana (H. Scholz) H. Scholz (2006: 663) .

= Stipa lagascae subsp. normalis var. pubescens f. latifolia Maire & Weiller (1939: 307) (holotype MPU005471 !, designated here).

Culm 80–170 cm tall, basal internode hirsute. Leaves with ligule 6–15 mm long; vegetative blades culms to 68 cm long; fertile blades culms to 25 cm long. Inflorescence panicle to 61 cm long. Spikelet with pedicel of last flower to 45 mm long; glumes 48–65 mm long; lemma 11–13 mm long; callus sharp and slender, 5.5–7 mm long; palea lineal-lanceolate 10.5–12 mm, hairy dorsally; awn 19–27 cm long, the first segment scabrid to scabrid-villous, ca. 5.5 cm long, the second segment like the first but shorter (<3 cm), the third segment to 20 cm long; lodicules, the two laterals 1.5–2.5 mm long, the posterior to 1.1 mm long; anthers 4.5–6 mm long. Caryopsis 6–6.5 mm long ( Figure 32 (a2–c2)).

Phenology:—April to July.

Habitat:—In steppe areas above 300 m. a.s.l., in calcareous substrates in skeletal soils among rocky outcrops.

Distribution:—[Endemic Stenomediterranean-NW African]: Libya, Tunisia and Algeria ( Figure 30 ).

12. Stipa trabutiana F.M. Vázquez sp. nov. ( Figure 33 & 34 ).

Type:— MOROCCO. Maatarka , (32,97116 / -2,52027), 1320 m.s.a.l., 7 May 2015, M . Chambouleyron s.n. ( ECWP s.n.). Isotypes HSS82619 ; ECWP s.n., paratypes Mengoub , (32,22129 / -2,44881), 30 March 2017, 1000 m.s.a.l., M . Chambouleyron s.n. ( RAB s.n.; ECWP s.n.)

Culm erect, shortly geniculate at base, smooth to scabrid, 30–90 cm tall; prophylls edged, with two spiral turns dorsally to 31 mm striate surface, pubescent between turns. Leaves with sheaths smooth to scabrid on the stem, smooth at the throat, especially on the innovations, free margin, scabrid to ciliate; ligule long, lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 1.5–3(– 3.5) mm long, apex truncated to rounded, membranous, scabrid; vegetative blades culms to 12 cm long, convolute, abaxially scabrid to smooth, adaxially scabrid-villous striated, scabrous on the margin, to 1.8 mm in diameter; fertile blades culms to 8 cm long, convolute, abaxially smooth, less scabrid, adaxially scabrid, striated, scabrous on the margin, to 1.2 mm in diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed acute. Inflorescence to 30 cm long, panicle lanceolate, falling, lax, the axis scabrid to villous, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, scabrid, spikelet-bearing in all inflorescence. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 32 mm long, scabrid; glumes narrow, sub-equal, (26–)28–35(–38) mm long, green when immature and pale purple when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3–5 finely scabrid ribs; lemma slender, fusiform, 7.5–9.5(–10.5) long, pubescent, unseriated, apex truncate, ciliated; callus sharp and slender, 2.5–3(–3.3) mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 7–9(–10) mm, pubescent dorsally; awn 10–17(–20) cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 4.5 cm long, twisted, scabrid-villous with ascending hairs to 0.2 mm long, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<2.7 cm), the third segment (seta) to 12 cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less scabrid-villous toward the scabrous tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 1.3–2.3 mm long, acute, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex entire, the posterior shorter than laterals, to 1 mm long, lineal; anthers 3–3.7 mm long, apiculate apex with hairs to 0.17 mm; stigmas 3, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 5.5–6.5 mm long, brown to pale brown ( Figure 34 ).

Etymology:—Dedicated to the eminent French botanic Louis Charles Trabut (1853, Chambery–1929, Alger), author of the new Stipa taxa from North Africa.

Phenology:—May to June.

Habitat:—In steppe areas from 900–1500 m a.s.l., on calcareous substrates with less than 500 mm of annual rainfall, often on skeletal soil among rocky outcrops.

Distribution:—[Endemic Stenomediterranean-Maroccan]. Endemic to eastern Morocco ( Figure 33 ). Expected in Algeria.

Notes:—Compared with S. trabutiana , S. letourneuxii s.l. taxa are characterised by the presence of pubescent stems in the internodes and in the reeds (vs. smooth), callus up to 7 mm long (vs. to 3.5 mm), and glabrous anthers at the apex (vs. hairy). Compared with S. offneri (also present in the area), which also has hairy anthers, S. trabutiana has rounded to truncate ligules ≤ 3.5 mm long on fertile leaves (vs. acute and> 4 mm long).

This sum of characters from S. letourneuxii s.l. and S. offneri , allows us to consider a possible hybrid origin for this species. However, the rounded to truncated ligula of up to 3.5 mm is an exclusive character for this taxon, unlike the acute ligule of up to 14–15 mm in S. leourneuxii s.l. and S. offneri .

II(c). Stipa L. sect. Leiostipa Dumort. ser. Barbatae Moraldo (1986: 211) .

= Stipa L. sect. Barbatae Junge (1911: 130) .

Type — Stipa barbata Desfontaines (Tzvelev, 1974; Moraldo, 1986).

Awn plumose with hairs more than 0.8 mm.

13. Stipa barbata Desfontaines (1798: 97) ( Figure 35 , 36 & 37 )

Type:— ALGERIA. circa Mascar et Tlemsen, Desfontaines, n.n. or date (lectotype P-DESF! designated here) .

≡ Stipa barbata Desf. var. normalis Kuntze (1887: 254) , nom. inval.

Perennial. Culm erect not geniculate at base, glabrous to pubescent, 22–75 cm tall; prophylls edged, with two spiral turns dorsally to 16 mm striate surface, glabrous to pubescent between turns. Leaves with sheaths glabrous to pubescent, frequent glabrous on the stem, free margin, ciliate to glabrous; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 1–5.5 mm long, apex acute, membranous, scabrid, ciliate margin; vegetative blades culms to 35 cm long, convolute, abaxially glabrous or sometimes scaberulous, adaxially scabrous to villous striated, scabrous on the margin, to 2.5 mm in diameter; fertile blades culms to 18 cm long, less plane to convolute, abaxially smooth, occasionally scabrous, adaxially scabrous to villous, striated, scabrous-ciliate on the margin, to 2 mm in diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed obtuse. Inflorescence to 22 cm long, panicle lanceolate, falling, lax, the axis scabrid to glabrous, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, smooth to scabrid, spikelet-bearing in all inflorescence. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 18 mm long, smooth to scabrid; glumes narrow, sub-equal, 25–46 mm long, green when immature to purple when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3–5 smooth to finely scabrid ribs; lemma slender, fusiform, 7.5–12 mm long, seriated, with 7 lines of unequal hairs: the lateral longer than the central line, apex truncate, ciliate; callus sharp and slender, 2–3.5 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 7–10 mm, glabrous to villous line with rigid hairs to 1.2 mm; awn 10–23 cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 4–5 cm long, twisted, scabrid-villous with ascending hairs more than 2 mm long, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<1.5–1.8 cm), the third segment (seta) to 15 cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less villous toward the scabrous tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 1–2.2 mm long, acute to obtuse, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex entire, the posterior longer than laterals, to 2, 5 mm long, lineal; anthers 4–8 mm long, apex smooth; stigma 2, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 5–8 mm long, brown to pale brown.

Observations on infraspecific taxa from Asia: At the end of the nineteenth century and in the first years of the twentieth century some infraspecific taxa related to Stipa barbata Desf. were proposed, and included in the variability range of Stipa arabica Trinius & Rupert (1842: 77) (Holotype: LE n.v. ( Freitag, 1985: 457) Isolectotypes: G 143482!; G 149308!; K 000309385! (= Stipa barbata Desf. var. platyphylla Hack. (1903: 163) ; = Stipa barbata Desf. var. seminudata Hack. (1885: 8) ; = Stipa barbata Desf. var. szovitziana (Trinius & Rupert) Hack. (1885: 8) ; = Stipa szovitziana Trinius ex Hoen. (1838: 243) [lectotype: LE n.v. ( Freitag, 1985: 457); isotype: TUB 011708! (digital imagen!)])

Key to Stipa barbata subspecies.

1. Column awn with hairs (1.9–) 2–2.7 mm long ......................................................................................... S. barbata subsp. barbata . - Column awn with hairs 1.2–1.8 mm long .............................................................................................. S. barbata subsp. brevipila .

13a. Stipa barbata subsp. barbata Desfontaines (1798: 97) ( Figure 35 & 36 ).

= Stipa barbata var. hispanica Trinius & Ruprecht (1842: 77) [lectotype LE n.v.; isotype: L0653579 ! (digital imagen) designated here]. = Stipa plumosa Pourret ex Willkomm in Willk. & Lange (1861: 60) [lectotype COI-WILLK 00034989 !, designated here].

= Stipa calatajeronensis Tineo ex Arcangeli (1882: 772) [lectotype PI n.v.; isotype LY0626254 ! (digital imagen) designated here].

= Stipa barbata var. calatajeronensis (Tineo ex Arcangeli) Richter (1890: 32) .

= Stipa barbata var. longiaristata Martinovský (1979: 373) (holotype: PR s.n.!, (specimen right) (Martinovský (1979: 373))

= Stipa intermedia Schtegl. ex Roshev. in B.A.Fedchenko (1916: 138) pro. syn.

= Stipa mauritiana Sennen in Herb. (MA 161903!).

Culm erect not geniculate at base, glabrous to pubescent, 25–75 cm tall; prophylls edged, with two spiral turns dorsally to 16 mm striate surface, glabrous to pubescent between turns. Leaves with sheaths glabrous to pubescent, frequent glabrous on the stem, free margin, ciliate to glabrous; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 2–5.5 mm long, apex acute, membranous, scabrid, ciliate margin; vegetative blades culms to 35 cm long, convolute, abaxially glabrous or sometimes scaberulous, adaxially scabrous to villous striated, scabrous on the margin, to 2.5 mm in diameter; fertile blades culms to 18 cm long, less plane to convolute, abaxially smooth, occasionally scabrous, adaxially scabrous to villous, striated, scabrous-ciliate on the margin, to 2 mm in diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed obtuse. Inflorescence to 22 cm long, panicle lanceolate, falling, lax, the axis scabrid to glabrous, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, smooth to scabrid, spikelet-bearing in all inflorescence. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 18 mm long, smooth to scabrid; glumes narrow, sub-equal, 28–46 mm long, green when immature to purple when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3–5 smooth to finely scabrid ribs; lemma slender, fusiform, 8–12 mm long, seriated, with 7 lines of unequal hairs: the lateral longer than the central line, apex truncate, ciliate; callus sharp and slender, 2–3.5 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 8–10 mm, glabrous to villous line with rigid hairs to 1.2 mm; awn 11–23 cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 5 cm long, twisted, scabrid-villous with ascending hairs (1.9) 2–2.7 mm long, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<1.8 cm), the third segment (seta) to 15 cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less villous toward the scabrous tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 1–2.2 mm long, acute to obtuse, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex entire, the posterior longer than laterals, to 2, 5 mm long, lineal; anthers 4–8 mm long, apex smooth; stigma 2, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 5–8 mm long, brown to pale brown ( Figure 36 ).

Phenology:—(March) April to May.

Habitat:—In areas above 300 m a.s.l., on calcareous and acid substrates, between rocky outcrops.

Distribution:—[Stenomediterranean and Irano-Turanian]. In North Africa: Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco ( Figure 35 ).

13b. Stipa barbata subsp. brevipila (Cosson & Durieu) F.M. Vázquez & Devesa (1997: 202) ( Figure 35 & 37 ).

Type:— ALGERIA. Bord du Chott-el-Chergui, à Sidi Khalifa, 29 May 1852, Cosson s.n. (lectotype P01919866 !, designated here; isolectotypes P01919865 !; P01919864 !; paratypes P01919853 !; P01919854 !; P01919855 !) .

≡ Stipa barbata var. brevipila Cosson & Durieu (1867: 76) . (Bas.)

= Stipa barbata auct . pl. not Desfontaines (1798: 97).

Culm erect not geniculate at base, glabrous to pubescent, 22–67 cm tall; prophylls edged, with two spiral turns dorsally to 14 mm striate surface, glabrous to pubescent between turns. Leaves with sheaths glabrous, frequent glabrous on the stem, free margin, ciliate to glabrous; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 1–4.5 mm long, apex acute, membranous, scabrid, ciliate margin; vegetative blades culms to 14 cm long, convolute, abaxially glabrous or sometimes scaberulous, adaxially scabrous to villous striated, scabrous on the margin, to 2.2 mm in diameter; fertile blades culms to 9 cm long, less plane to convolute, abaxially smooth, occasionally scabrous, adaxially scabrous to villous, striated, scabrous-ciliate on the margin, to 2 mm in diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed obtuse. Inflorescence to 17 cm long, panicle lanceolate, falling, lax, the axis scabrid to glabrous, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, smooth to scabrid, spikelet-bearing in all inflorescences. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 16 mm long, smooth to scabrid; glumes narrow, sub-equal, 25–42 mm long, green when immature to purple when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3 smooth to finely scabrid ribs; lemma slender, fusiform, 7.5–10 mm long, seriated, with 7 sub-equal lines of hairs: the lateral longer than the central line, apex truncate, ciliate; callus sharp and slender, 2.2–3 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 7–9 mm, glabrous; awn 10–20 cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 4 cm long, twisted, scabrid-villous with ascending hairs 1.2–1.8 mm long, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<1.5 cm), the third segment (seta) to 14 cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less villous toward the scabrous tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 1–2 mm long, acute, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex entire, the posterior shorter than laterals, to 1 mm long, lineal; anthers 4–7.5 mm long, apex smooth; stigma 2, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 5–7 mm long, brown to pale brown ( Figure 37 ).

Phenology:—April to June.

Habitat:—In areas above 300 m a.s.l., on calcareous and acid substrates and on skeletal soils among rocky outcrops.

Distribution:—[Endemic Stenomediterranean-NW African]: Algeria, Morocco ( Figure 35 ).

Notes

The presence of Stipa arabica Trin. & Rupr. , in Egypt, confirmed by Ibrahim et al., 2016, is restricted to an area outside of Africa: the Sinai montains ( Egypt) and the Arabian Peninsula.

Nothotaxa

1H. Stipa × alba F.M. Vázquez & S. Ramos (2007: 443) pro. sp .. ( Figure 38 & 39 )

Type:— TUNISIA: Beni M’Hira , near Tataouïne, 10°49′W, 32°57′N, April 1996, M . Visser s.n. (holotype HSS11867 !) .

= Stipa barbata var. brevipila auct. not Cosson & Durieu (1867: 76). (Parents: S. barbata × S. letourneuxii ).

Culm erect not geniculate at base, glabrous, occasionally pubescent, 45–120 cm tall; prophylls edged, with two spiral turns dorsally to 18 mm striate surface, glabrous to ciliate between turns. Leaves with sheaths glabrescent to pubescent on the stem, free margin, ciliate to glabrous; ligule lanceolate, shortly decurrent, 2–4.5 mm long, apex acute to obtuse, membranous, scabrid, ciliate margin; vegetative blades culms to 21 cm long, convolute, abaxially glabrous to pubescent, adaxially villous striated, scabrous on the margin, to 3 mm in diameter; fertile blades culms to 12 cm long, less plane to convolute, abaxially smooth to pubescent, occasionally scabrous, adaxially villous, striated, scabrous-ciliate on the margin, to 2.5 mm in diameter, rigidly sharp-pointed obtuse. Inflorescence to 37 cm long, panicle lanceolate, falling, lax, the axis scabrid to glabrous, alternate branches, slender, flexuous, smooth to scabrid, spikelet-bearing in all inflorescence. Spikelet free, progressive in flowering, the lateral pedicel of last flower to 18 mm long, scabrid; glumes narrow, sub-equal, 27–48 mm long, green when immature to purple when mature with hyaline long-acuminate tips, 3 ribs smooth to finely scabrid; lemma slender, fusiform, 8–12 mm long, not seriated or seriated with 7 lines of unequal hairs or partially seriated: the lateral longer than the central line, apex truncate, ciliate; callus sharp and slender, 2.2–3 mm long, villous with adpressed white hairs; palea lineal-lanceolate 7–10.5 mm, glabrous; awn 15–20 cm long, persistent, bigeniculate, the first segment (column) ca. 4 cm long, twisted, scabrid-villous with ascending hairs 0.4–0.9 (–1) mm long, the second segment (genicula) like the first but shorter (<1.5 cm), the third segment (seta) to 14 cm long, flexuous, angled, gradually less villous toward the scabrous tip; lodicules 3, unequal, the two laterals 1–2 mm long, acute, lanceolate, 1 rib, apex entire, the posterior shorter than laterals, to 1 mm long, lineal; anthers 5–8 mm long, apex smooth; stigma 2, plumose. Caryopsis terete, fusiform, 6–8 mm long, brown to pale brown ( Figure 39 ).

Phenology:—May to June.

Habitat:—Coincident with Stipa letourneuxii Trab.

Distribution:—In North Africa: Tunisia, Morocco ( Figure 38 ).

Review names:

Figures

FIGURE 20. Geographic distribution of Stipa sect. Stipa: Stipa apertifolia (red mark) Stipa atlantica (violet mark) and Stipa almeriensis (blue mark) in North Africa (from checked herbarium sheets and selected bibliographical data (stars)).

FIGURE 21. Stipa sect. Stipa: 1. Stipa apertifolia. 2. Stipa atlantica. 3. Stipa almeriensis a. Inflorescence fraction and plant habitus. b. Anthecium +Awn. c. Glumes. d. Lemma pubescence distribution. e. Ligule (Sheet + Limb fractions together). f. Fertile leaf Limb cross section. Bars indicate 1 mm in f; the rest 10 mm.

FIGURE 22. Geographic distribution of Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Leiostipa: Stipa balansae (red mark) Stipa juncea (yellow mark) and Stipa bufensis (blue mark) in North Africa (from checked herbarium sheets and selected bibliographical data (stars)).

FIGURE 25. Geographic distribution of Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Leiostipa: Stipa meridionalis (red mark), Stipa lagascae (yellow mark) and Stipa maroccana (blue mark) in North Africa (from checked herbarium sheets).

FIGURE 26. Stipa maroccana (Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Leiostipa). a. Plant habitus. b. Spikelet. c.Anthecium open. d. Anthecium +Awn. e. Ligule (Sheet + Limb fractions together). f. Lemma pubescence distribution. g. Awn fraction (column). g’. Awn basal section (column). Bars indicate 1 mm in g; the rest 10 mm.

FIGURE 27. Stipa meridionalis (Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Leiostipa). a. Plant habitus. b. Spikelet. c. Anthecium open. d. Anthecium + Awn. e. Ligule (Sheet + Limb fractions together). f. Lemma pubescence distribution. g. Awn fraction (column). h. Fertile limb leaf section. Bars indicate 1 mm in g and h; the rest 10 mm.

FIGURE 28. Geographic distribution of Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Leiostipa: Stipa offneri (yellow mark) in North Africa (from checked herbarium sheets and selected bibliographical data (stars)).

FIGURE 29. Stipa offneri (Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Leiostipa). a. Plant habitus. b. Spikelet. c. Anthecium open. d. Anthecium + Awn. e. Ligule (Sheet + Limb fractions together). f. Lemma pubescence distribution. g. Awn fraction (column). h. Fertile limb leaf section. Bars indicate 1 mm in g and h; the rest 10 mm.

FIGURE 30. Geographic distribution of Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Africanae: Stipa letourneuxii subsp. letourneuxii (red mark) Stipa letourneuxii var. tunetana (yellow mark) and Stipa letourneuxii var. ignea (blue mark) in North Africa (from checked herbarium sheets).

FIGURE 31. Stipa letourneuxii (Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Africanae). a. Plant habitus. B.b Spikelet. c. Anthecium open. d. Anthecium + Awn. e. Ligule (Sheet + Limb + Node-Internode culm fractions together). f. Lemma pubescence distribution. g. Awn fraction (column). h. Fertile limb leaf section. Bars indicate 1 mm in g and h; the rest 10 mm.

FIGURE 33. Geographic distribution of Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Africanae: Stipa trabutiana (red mark) in North Africa (from checked herbarium sheets).

FIGURE 34. Stipa trabutiana (Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Africanae). a. Plant habitus. b. Spikelet. c.Anthecium open. d. Anthecium +Awn. e. Ligule (Sheet + Limb fractions together). f. Lemma pubescence distribution. g. Awn fraction (column). h. Lodicules. i. Androecium (Anthers). Bars indicate 1 mm in g, h and i; the rest 10 mm.

FIGURE 35. Geographic distribution of Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Barbatae: Stipa barbata subsp. barbata (red mark) and Stipa barbata subsp. brevipila (blue mark) in North Africa (from checked herbarium sheets and selected bibliographical data (stars)).

FIGURE 36. Stipa barbata subsp. barbata. a, a’. Plant habitus. b. Spikelet. c. Anthecium open. d. Anthecium + Awn. e. Ligule (Sheet + Limb fractions together). f. Lemma pubescence distribution. g. Awn fraction (column). h. Fertile limb leaf section. Bars indicate 1 mm in g, and h; the rest 10 mm.

FIGURE 37. Stipa barbata subsp. brevipila. a. Plant habitus. b. Spikelet. c. Anthecium open. d. Anthecium + Awn. e, e’. Ligule diversity (Sheet + Limb fractions together). f. Lemma pubescence distribution. g. Awn fraction (column). h. Fertile limb leaf section. Bars indicate 1 mm in g, and h; the rest 10 mm.

FIGURE 38. Geographic distribution of Stipa x alba (red mark) in North Africa (from checked herbarium sheets).

FIGURE 39. Stipa × alba. a. Plant habitus. b. Spikelet. c. Anthecium open. d. Anthecium + Awn. e. Ligule (Sheet + Limb fractions together). f. Awn fraction (column). g. Awn terminal fraction section. h. Fertile limb leaf section. i and i’ Lemma surface. Bars indicate 1 mm in f, g, and h; the rest 10 mm.

FIGURE 23. 1. Stipa balansae. 2. Stipa juncea..(Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Leiostipa) a. Plant habitus. b. Anthecium +Awn. c. Spikelet. d. Lemma pubescence distribution. e. Ligule (Sheet + Limb fractions together). f. Fertile leaf apex. g. Awn fraction (column). h.Androecium (Anthers). Bars indicate 1 mm in f, g and h; the rest 10 mm.

FIGURE 24. 1. Stipa lagascae. 2. Stipa bufensis.(Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Leiostipa) a. Plant habitus. b. Anthecium open. c. Spikelet. d. Palea section + Callus + Anterior lodicules. e. Ligule (Sheet + Limb fractions together). f. Androecium (Anthers). g. Awn fraction (column). Bars indicate 1 mm in b, d, f and g; the rest 10 mm.

FIGURE 32. 1. Stipa letourneuxii var. letourneuxii; 2. Stipa letourneuxii var. tunetana; 3. Stipa letourneuxii var. ignea. (Stipa sect. Leiostipa ser. Africanae) a. Anthecium + Awn. b. Ligule (Sheet + Limb fractions together). Bars indicate 10 mm.