Revisión de las especies chilenas del genero Mélica L. (Gramineae)

Abstract

Revision of the species of the genusMelica L. (Gramineae) in Chile. The genus Mélica, widely distributed in the temperate zones of the world, occurs in Chile between the 27°50' and 40°15' latitude south, and from sea level to about 2.000 m altitude. It is found principally in the central mediterranean zone of the country, generally associated to the Acacia caven steppe. The description of each of the 63 species, varieties, and forms originally described or mentioned for Chile was consulted. Type specimens, phototypes, clastotypes, and other materials from national and foreign herbaria were studied, as well as material from new collections made by the author. The 25 species previously mentioned for Chile, were reduced to 7 species, based on geographical distribution and morphological characteristics of the species. M. argentata, M. commersonii, M. longiflora, M. mollis, M. paulsenii, M. poecilantha, and M. violacea are proposed as valid. The other entities were of dubious merit, were never collected in Chile or clearly belonged to other genera. A key for the identification of the species, morphological descriptions and illustrations, and distribution maps are presented for each species.