A revision of Calyptochloa C.E.Hubb. (Poaceae), with two new species and a new subspecies

2012·8.7 MB·English

by  E J Thompson

A revision of Calyptochloa C.E.Hubb. (Poaceae),
with two new species and a new subspecies
E.J. Thompson & B.K. Simon
Summary
Thompson, E.J. & Simon, B.K. (2012). A revision of Calyptochloa C.E.Hubb. (Poaceae), with two
new species and a new subspecies. Austrobaileya 8(4): 634-652. Two new species of Calyptochloa
C.E.Hubb. (Calyptochloa cylindrosperma E. J.Thomps. & B.K.Simon and C. johnsoniana E. J.Thomps.
& B.K.Simon) endemic to central Queensland, and a new subspecies of Calyptochloa gracillima
C.E.Hubb. (C. gracillima subsp. ipsviciensis E.J.Thomps. & B.K.Simon) endemic to southeast
Queensland are described and illustrated.
Key Words: Poaceae, Paniceae, panicoid, cleistogamous, Calyptochloa, Calyptochloa
cylindrosperma, Calyptochloa gracillima subsp. gracillima, Calyptochloa gracillima subsp.
ipsviciensis, Calyptochloa johnsoniana, Cleistochloa, Queensland flora, taxonomy, new species, new
subspecies, identification key
E.J. Thompson, c/o Queensland Herbarium, Department of Science, Information Technology,
Innovation and the Arts, Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha Road, Toowong, Queensland 4066,
Australia.
B .K. Simon, c/o Queensland Herbarium, Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation
and the Arts, Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha Road, Toowong, Queensland 4066, Australia.
Introduction
Calyptochloa C.E.Hubb., an endemic of axillary spikelets may be produced in the
Australian genus, is placed in the subfamily absence of terminal inflorescences. Webster
Panicoideae Link, tribe Paniceae R.Br. This (1987) stated that the CL spikelets occur
tribe is characterised by the spikelets having singly or in pairs but we have not observed
a pair of dimorphic florets with the lower paired spikelets in any specimens at BRI,
often incomplete, male or sterile, and falling including those cited by Webster (1987), until
entire, the upper fertile, and by the relative we examined the type specimen for one of the
induration of the glumes and lemmas (Clayton new species described herein (Calyptochloa
& Renvoize 1986; Kellogg & Campbell 1987). johnsoniana E.J.Thomps. & B.K.Simon). In
Calyptochloa is amphigamous by having two Calyptochloa, the CL spikelets are obligately
types of inflorescences, viz. in terminal and self-fertilised and never open. Plants of
axillary positions. The terminal inflorescence Calyptochloa retain the CL spikelets for a few
(Connor 1979), is a spike-like raceme with months enclosed in the leaf sheaths before
chasmogamous (CH) pedicillate spikelets disarticulation at the culm nodes or at the leaf
that open at maturity and thereby potentially sheath bases which then fall at maturity with
cross-fertilise. Conversely, the axillary subsequent dispersal of the caryopses.
inflorescence usually consists of a single
Calyptochloa has remained a monotypic
sessile cleistogamous (enclosed self-fertilising
genus since description with only C. gracillima
flowers) (CL) spikelet which is hidden within
C.E.Hubb. recognised until now (Hubbard
semi-woody to woody leaf sheaths at each of
1933b; Tothill & Hacker 1983). The genus is
several nodes along the culm. In the summer
characterised by the perennial mat-forming
wet season, the axillary spikelets are produced
growth habit and the fertile leaf sheaths
at nodes with the terminal inflorescence
which enclose the CL spikelets. Clifford &
above. At other times of the year, these chains
Ludlow (1972) differentiated Calyptochloa
from other Queensland grass genera in their
key using “stems disarticulating at the nodes
Accepted for publication 20 August 2012
at maturity” and “prostrate to creeping” habit.
Thompson & Simon, Calyptochloa 635
The genus is both clonal (stoloniferous) and CH spikelets (Campbell et al. 1983) include
cleistogamous, a rare combination in grasses the following:
(Campbell et al. 1983).
a) reduced CL inflorescence size, usually one
Cleistochloa C.E.Hubb. (Hubbard spikelet compared to a raceme or reduced
1933a), another perennial panicoid genus panicle
from Australia and New Guinea, was b) CL lodicules absent
listed by Connor (1981) with Calyptochloa c) reduced size of CL anthers usually
amongst 13 genera world wide that possess enravelled in reduced styles
clandestine axillary CL spikelets and belong d) upper floret with lemma and palea
in four different subfamilies of the Poaceae. convolute towards the apex tightly
Seven of these genera have amphigamous enclosing the anthers and styles at anthesis
inflorescences and dimorphic spikelets of compared to gaping, and
which Calyptochloa and Cleistochloa are e) the CL caryopses a little larger than the
the only panicoid genera. Dimorphochloa CH caryopses when present.
S.T.Blake (Blake 1941; Simon et al. 2010),
Campbell et al. (1983) provided a detailed
which is also an Australian CL panicoid
classification of CL species comprising
genus, was correctly omitted from Connor’s
four types based on factors that relate to
(1981) list taking into account that this genus
prevention of the spikelets from opening
had not been synonymised with Cleistochloa
including leaf sheath, spikelet parts or the soil
(Clayton & Renvoize 1986; Webster 1987)
conditions. Campbell et al. (1983) classified
at the time. Although Dimorphochloa has
Calyptochloa and Cleistochloa as type II
amphigamous inflorescences it differs from
where fertilisation occurs in spikelets hidden
these other genera in terms of the CL spikelets
in the lowermost sheaths and this type is
as follows: similar to the CH spikelets,
usually associated with major inflorescence
located apically on branchlets below the
and spikelet differentiation. Chase (1908)
terminal inflorescences, and not hidden in
referred to these clandestine CL spikelets at
the leaf sheaths at anthesis. Amphicarpum
or near the ground as cleistogenes. However,
Kunth, another CL panicoid genus from
Calyptochloa and Cleistochloa have CL
eastern North America, was also omitted
spikelets enclosed in the sheaths in upper
from Connor’s (1981) list. Amphicarpum has
axils at fertilisation and the upper floret has
amphigamous inflorescences and dimorphic
modifications including revolute lemma and
spikelets but differs by the subterranean CL
palea, and lodicules are absent, which prevent
spikelets (rhizanthogenes) which are borne at
the floret from opening. These characteristics
the tips of rhizomes.
match type 1 of Campbell et al. (1983), where
Connor (1981) reported that the fertilisation takes place within the leaf sheaths
clandestine spikelets are a secondary source of the middle to upper part of the stem but the
of seed with most of the seed produced in the spikelet may be exserted at maturity.
terminal inflorescences. For the Australian
genera the reverse is true with most or all of Hubbard (1933a) stated that as for the
the caryopses produced in the CL spikelets. American CL grasses, the Australian species
Of about 30 specimens of Calyptochloa are found in arid regions or dry places within
gracillima possessing terminal inflorescences humid regions. Calyptochloa is distributed
inspected at BRI, only one had CH caryopses. from tropical central Queensland with hot
No specimens of Cleistochloa at BRI were humid summers and monsoonal wet season
observed to have CH caryopses, thereby to warm temperate south-eastern Queensland
confirming this same observation made by with warm humid summers (Map 1).
Hubbard (1933a). The Australian genera Calyptochloa spp. are found in mostly well
with clandestine spikelets share features, shaded habitats in a variety of vegetation
indicative of obligate or habitual cleistogamy communities frequently dominated by Acacia
(Connor 1979), which when compared to the spp. on gently undulating to steeply sloping
636 Austrobaileya 8(4): 634-652 (2012)
terrain with shallow to skeletal soils derived Taxonomy
from a variety of geology but often on
Calyptochloa C.E.Hubb., Hook. Icon. PI. 33:
landscapes with lateritic profiles.
t. 3210 (1933). Type species: C. gracillima
In the current paper we provide a taxonomic C.E.Hubb.
account of Calyptochloa, trebling the number Decumbent mat forming perennials; rhizomes
of species. Some of these additional species absent. Stolons wiry, c. 1 mm thick; mid-culm
have been recognised for some time; however, internodes hollow. Culms differentiated,
their description is now possible following sterile and fertile, ascending from stolons.
collection of material critical for character Fertile culms preceded by a portion of sterile
delimitation. Other taxa currently listed under culm; disarticulating at nodes or retained.
Calyptochloa include C. sp. (Charters Towers Leaves ultimately disarticulating; margin
E. J.Thompson+ CHA554) (Simon et al. 2010) undulate on one side, thickened, scabrid,
and C. sp. (Duaringa K.D.Addison 42) (in BRI white, with scattered tubercle-based hairs to
HERBRECS database accessed July 2012); 4 mm long at least at base; adaxial surface
both have same similar features to the species usually with scattered to moderately dense,
described in this paper, but may ultimately erect simple hairs; abaxial surface with
be described in other genera. These taxa are moderately dense, erect simple hairs. Mature
new members of the group of Australian fertile leaf sheaths disarticulating or retained,
panicoid grasses with axillary CL spikelets semi-woody to woody, enclosing from c. half
and are the subject of further study. They have to most of the length of the internode with
overlapping distribution and habitat to other scattered appressed to ascending tubercle-
members of the group and often occur with based bristles between ribs, with or without
Thyridolepis xerophila (Domin) S.T.Blake simple hairs; outer margin with dense, simple
which is also a CL panicoid grass but the CL appressed to ascending simple hairs. Fertile
spikelets are in the terminal inflorescences culm internodes retained within leaf sheaths
and this species lacks axillary spikelets. On or bowing and protruding, scabrid along ribs
a number of occasions up to three to four of with occasional simple hairs to 0.5 mm long
these CL species have been observed growing between ribs. Sterile leaf sheaths retained;
together. usually two types of hairs, with scattered
appressed to ascending stiff tubercle-based
Materials and methods
hairs and sometimes ascending simple hairs.
Morphological data were obtained from Sterile culm internodes with moderately
dried herbarium material at BRI, and from dense to dense appressed to ascending,
cultivated plants transplanted from the field. normal to flagelliform simple hairs to 2 mm
Numerous terminal spikelets and leaf sheaths long between ribs. Ligule a fringe of hairs,
were dissected to examine the contents and c. 0.3 mm long. Inflorescences of two kinds,
describe the characteristics of the spikelets. chasmogamous terminal and cleistogamous
Caryopsis germination trials were conducted axillary. Terminal inflorescences spike-like.
during one summer over a two month Spikelets appressed to rachis, pedicillate,
period using sealable containers in outdoor adaxial, elliptic, dorsiventrally compressed.
conditions with periods of direct sunlight and Lower glume flat, chartaceous, glabrous
no artificial lighting, shade or heating. except at base, apex acute; frequently absent,
if present then restricted to apical spikelets.
Habitat descriptions provided include
Upper glume as long as spikelet, ovate, flat,
Regional Ecosystems (REs) which are defined
chartaceous, 5-nerved, dense simple hairs at
by DERM (2011). Botanical terminology
base and usually moderately dense simple
follows Beentje (2010). Common abbreviations
hairs to 2 mm over lower 30 to 60% and most
used in specimen citations include N.R
of margin, upper portion glabrous; apex acute
(National Park), S.F. (State Forest).
to truncate. Rachilla inconspicuous between
florets. Lower floret sterile; lemma ovate,
flat, chartaceous, densely hairy with simple
Thompson & Simon, Calyptochloa 637
hairs at base and moderately hairy over lower to light brown, shallowly grooved at least on
60 to 80%, upper portion glabrous, margin lower half, on adaxial face; hylum broadly
moderately hairy with hairs to 2 mm long; elliptic, c. 40% of caryopsis length.
apex acute to obtuse. Palea absent. Upper Notes: Calyptochloa differs from the other
floret fertile, shorter than the lower and Australian cleistogamous panicoid genera
slightly indurated; lemma ovate in dorsiventral by having terminal spikelets dorsi-ventrally
view, convolute, chartaceous, glabrous, compressed compared to spikelets elliptic in
3-nerved, apex acute with minutely scabrid cross-section; the upper floret of the terminal
awn; palea ovate, convolute, chartaceous, spikelets about 60 to 70% of the spikelet length
glabrous, 2-nerved; apex acute. Lodicules, 2. compared to equal to the spikelet length;
Anthers, 3. Caryopsis rarely present. Axillary the axillary spikelets retained within semi-
inflorescences usually a single cleistogamous woody to woody leaf sheaths compared to the
spikelet at 5-10 contiguous culm internodes spikelets exposed, partially hidden or hidden
often from immediately below terminal within cartilaginous leaf sheaths; axillary
inflorescence; spikelets enclosed within spikelets lacking spongy tissue at the base of
leaf sheaths which are scarsely enlarged to the lower lemma; axillary caryopsis grooved
conspicuously swollen towards the base where on the adaxial face compared to face convex;
the walls are thicker, semi-woody to woody. and differential indumentum type on the
Spikelets sessile, adaxial, narrow elliptic in sterile and fertile culm internodes compared
dorsiventral view, slightly indurated. Lower to little or no difference in the indumentum
glume absent. Upper glume lanceolate, flat, types.
shorter than spikelet, chartaceous, glabrous Preliminary results from caryopsis
except for base with scattered short simple germination and seedling trials for most of the
hairs, 3-nerved; apex acute to truncate. Calyptochloa spp. recognised here, indicate
Rachilla inconspicuous between florets. some variation in dormancy, cotyledon
Lower floret sterile; lemma elliptic, boat¬ characters and seedling survival. Germination
shaped, two-keeled, chartaceous, glabrous for the trial was sporadic but frequently
except for base, 5-nerved; apex obtuse. temporally clustered giving an impression
Palea absent. Upper floret fertile, more than that dormancy may be broken by a period of
c. 80% of length of first; lemma lanceolate, several hot days. Seedling survival was poor
convolute, chartaceous, glabrous, apex acute for most taxa suggesting that survival may be
with minutely scabrid awn; palea lanceolate, affected by nutrient status and/or acidity of the
convolute, chartaceous, glabrous, obscurely potting medium and is potentially dependent
5-nerved; apex acute to shortly awned. on mycorrhiza. Investigations are continuing
Lodicules absent. Stamens 3. Caryopsis tan into these aspects.
Key to Calyptochloa species
1 Fertile culm internode bowed and protruding from leaf sheath with
chartaceous margins; axillary spikelet with upper glume >4.8 mm
long; upper glume of terminal spikelets scabrid in mid third portion . .3. C. johnsoniana
1. Fertile culm internode retained within leaf sheath with margins semi-
woody to woody; axillary spikelet with upper glume <4.5 mm long;
upper glume of terminal spikelets sparsely hairy to pilose with simple
hairs to 1 mm long in mid third portion.2
2 Lower portion of fertile leaf sheath conspicuously swollen to 2.7 mm wide,
wall 0.3-0.5 mm thick; axillary spikelets 3.5-5.5 mm long (excluding
awn); terminal spikelets 3-4.6 mm long (excluding awn) 1. C. gracillima
2. Lower portion of fertile leaf sheath slightly swollen to 1.4 mm wide, wall
0.2-0.3 mm thick; axillary spikelets 6-7.5 mm long (excluding awn);
terminal spikelets 5-6 mm long (excluding awn).2. C. cylindrosperma
638 Austrobaileya 8(4): 634-652 (2012)
1. Calyptochloa gracillima C.E.Hubb., pedicels 0.3-1.6 mm long; ultimate pedicel
Hook. Icon. PI. 33: t. 3210, 1-6 (1933). Type: 2.5-5.5 mm long. Lower glume triangular
Queensland. Burnett District: Munduberra, to lanceolate, 0.2-1.8 mm long; apex acute.
April 1931, H.S.Bloxsome 9 (holo: BRI; iso: Upper glume 3-5 mm long. Lower lemma
BRI, K [photo BRI]). 2.3-5 mm long; apex acute. Upper lemma
2.2-3.5 mm long, awn 0.5-3 mm long;
Decumbent stoloniferous perennial.
lodicules c. 0.2 mm long; palea 2-3 mm
Ascending branches to 40 cm tall, copiously
long, rarely awned. Anther 1.5-2 mm long.
branched with 7-30 nodes. Stolons to c. 2 m
Caryopsis (1.6-1.8) 2.2-2.5 mm, rarely
long. Mid-culm leaf blades 12-40 mm long,
present. Axillary inflorescences present at
2.5-6 mm wide; adaxial surface with sparse
3-10 internodes. Spikelets 3.5-5.5 mm long
hairs 0.5-2 mm long; abaxial surface with
(without awn), 0.8-1.1 mm wide. Upper
moderately dense simple hairs 0.5-1 mm
glume 0.5-3.5 mm long, apex acute. Lower
long. Mature fertile leaf sheaths retained,
lemma 3-5.5 mm long. Upper floret subequal
convolute, woody. Fertile culm internodes
to lower. Upper lemma body 3.5-5.5 mm
14-40 mm long. Sterile leaf sheaths with or
long, awn 0.5-2.6 mm long; palea 3-3.8 mm
without tubercle-based bristles 0.3-0.8 mm
long. Anthers 0.3-0.7 mm long. Caryopsis
long and occasionally simple hairs 1.5-3 mm
approximately plano-convex, 2-3.5 mm long,
long; outer margin hairs dense, 0.4-1 mm
0.7-0.8 mm wide. Measurements in bold
long. Terminal inflorescences on axes 1.5-3
type are from Hubbard (1933b) and were not
cm long, 5-8-flowered. Spikelets 2.3-5 mm
repeatable from the specimens examined.
long (without awn), 1-1.8 mm wide; lateral
Key to subspecies of Calyptochloa gracillima
la Axillary spikelets 4-5.5 mm long (excluding awn) x 1-1.1 mm
wide, anthers 0.3-0.4 mm long; terminal spikelets with lower
glume when present c. 0.2 mm long and upper glume
apex obtuse to truncate.C. gracillima subsp. gracillima
lb Axillary spikelets 3.5-4.2 mm long (excluding awn) x 0.8-0.9 mm wide,
anthers 0.4-0.7 mm long; terminal spikelets with lower glume when
present 0.8-1.8 mm long and upper glume apex acute . . C. gracillima subsp. ipsviciensis
la. C. gracillima subsp. gracillima (without awn), 1.3-1.8 mm wide; lateral
pedicels 0.4-2 mm long, apical pedicel
Decumbent stoloniferous perennial. Ascending
2- 4.5 mm long. Lower glume triangular to
branches to 25 cm tall, copiously branched
lanceolate, 0.2-1.3 mm long. Upper glume
with 10-30 nodes. Stolons to c. 1.5 m long.
3- 5 mm long; apex truncate. Lower lemma
Mid-culm leaf blades 25-40 mm long, 2.5-5
3-5 mm long. Upper lemma 3-3.5 mm long,
mm wide; adaxial surface with sparse to
awn 2-3 mm long; lodicules 0.2-0.4 mm
moderately dense simple hairs 0.3-1.6 mm
long; palea 2.5-3 mm long, rarely awned,
long and usually some tubercle based hairs
awn to 2 mm long. Anthers (0.5-1) 1.6—2 mm
to 3 mm long on margin at base; abaxial
long. Caryopsis (1.6-1.8) c. 2.3, rarely seen.
surface with moderately dense simple hairs
Axillary inflorescences usually present at 5
0.2-0.8 mm long. Mature fertile leaf sheaths
(3-10) internodes. Spikelets 4-5.5 mm long
10-17 mm long, 1.5-3 mm wide near base
(without awn), 1-1.1 mm wide. Upper glume
with wall 0.3-0.4 mm thick. Sterile leaf
0.5-1.5 mm long. Lower lemma 4-5.5 mm
sheaths with tubercle-based bristles c. 0.3
long. Upper lemma body 4-5.5 mm long, awn
mm long and simple hairs c. 1.3 mm long.
2-2.6 mm long; palea 3-3.8 mm long. Anthers
Terminal inflorescences on axes 1-3 cm
0.3-0.4 mm long. Caryopsis 2-3.5 mm long,
long, 5-8-flowered. Spikelets 3-5 mm long
0.7-0.8 mm wide. Fig. 1 & 2.
Thompson & Simon, Calyptochloa 639
.
Fig. 1 Axillary spikelet of Calyptochloa gracillima subsp. gracillima. A. leaf sheath enclosing axillary spikelet x8.
B. upper glume facing *12. C. side view xl2. D. lower lemma facing xl2. E. upper glume xl2. F. lower lemma xl2. G.
cross-sectional view of lower lemma xl2. H. upper lemma xl2.1. upper palea xl2. J. caryopsis xl6. K. cross-sectional
view of caryopsis xl6. A-K from Blake 19976 (BRI). Del. W. Smith.
640 Austrobaileya 8(4): 634-652 (2012)
Fig. 2. Terminal spikelet of Calyptochloa gracillima subsp. gracillima. A. upper glume facing xi6. B. side view xl6.
C. lower glume *24. D upper glume xl6. E. lower lemma facing xl6. F. upper lemma xl6. G. upper palea xl6. H.
caryopsis xl6. I. cross-sectional view of caryopsis xl6. A-F from Blake 19976 (BRI); H-I from Bean 20216 (BRI).
Del. W.Smith.
Measurements in bold type are from Hubbard Spring, Ka Ka Mundi N.R, via Springsure, May 1999,
(1933b) which were not repeatable from the Bean 14846 (BRI); 16.6 km along Roche Creek Road, E
of Wandoan, Mar 2010, Bean 29485 (BRI). Port Curtis
specimens examined.
District: Gogango, May 1956, Blake 19976, (BRI);
Additional selected specimens examined: Queensland. Marmor, Mar 1943, Blake 14819 (BRI); Hibbs Road,
North Kennedy District: On edge of road 70 km SSE of N of Jambin, Apr 2003, Bean 20216 (BRI). Maranoa
Charters Towers, May 2012, Thompson & Simon CHA795 District: 20 miles [32 km] W of Mitchell, Mar 1936,
(BRI). South Kennedy District: Edge of highway, 53 Blake 10951 (BRI). Darling Downs District: Edge of
km NW of Clermont, May 2012, Thompson & Simon track, Barakula S.F., 32 km NW of Chinchilla, Apr 2012,
EJT875 (BRI); 4 km (direct) NW of haul road overpass, Thompson & Simon EJT786 (BRI).
near Newlands coal mine, WNW of Glendon, Jun 2009,
Distribution and habitat: Calyptochloa
Bean 29028, (BRI). Leichhardt District: Edge of road,
34 km SW of Springsure, Apr 2012, Thompson & Simon gracillima subsp. gracillima is endemic to
EJT830 (BRI); site of Brigalow Research Station, 20 central Queensland (Map 1). At its most
miles [32 km] NW of Theodore, Apr 1963, Johnson 2642 southern limits, it occurs on a range of soil
(BRI); 17 km W of Baralaba, on road to Woorabinda,
types e.g. clay under brigalow (Acacia
Mar 2005, Bean 23519 (BRI); Near Bun Bun Kundoo
Thompson & Simon, Calyptochloa 641
harpophylla F.Muell. ex Benth.) (RE 11.3.1), Decumbent stoloniferous perennial.
sandy duplex soils to skeletal soils on laterite Ascending branches to 40 cm tall, copiously
and shallow sandy soils on sandstone in branched with 10-30 nodes. Stolons to c. 3 m
ironbark woodland (commonly Eucalyptus long. Mid-culm leaf blades 20-36 mm long,
fibrosa subsp. mibila (Maiden & Blakely) 2.5-5 mm wide; adaxial surface with sparse
L.A.S.Johnson) (RE 10.7.7). Other REs hairs 0.5-2 mm long; abaxial surface with
represented include 11.5.3 and 11.5.4. Further moderately dense simple hairs 0.5-1 mm long.
north it occurs on mostly lateritic landscapes Mature fertile leaf sheaths 10-15 mm long,
overlapping with the distribution area of C. 1.2- 2.5 mm wide near base with wall 0.3-0.4
cylindrosperma but the two species are rarely mm thick. Sterile leaf sheaths with tubercle-
seen together. REs represented include 11.7.2 based bristles 0.3-0.7 mm long and simple
and 11.7.6. C. gracillima subsp. gracillima hairs 1.5-3 mm long. Terminal inflorescences
has a much broader habitat range than C. on axes 1.5-3 cm long, 5-8-flowered.
cylindrosperma, C. johnsoniana and C. Spikelets 3-4.6 mm long (without awn), 1-1.6
gracillima subsp. ipsviciensis, which is also mm wide; lateral pedicels 1-1.6 mm long,
reflected in its broader overall distribution. apical pedicel 2.5-4 mm long. Lower glume
lanceolate, 0.7-1.8 mm long. Upper glume
Phenology: Calyptochloa gracillima subsp.
2.3- 4.6 mm long; apex acute. Lower lemma
gracillima flowers from December to March
2.3-4.6 mm long. Upper floret lemma 2.2-3.2
during the wet season. The cleistogamous
mm long, awn 0.5-2.4 mm long; lodicules 0.2
spikelets are produced over a broader seasonal
mm long; palea 2-2.7 mm long, apex acute.
period.
Anther, 1.5-2 mm long. Caryopsis not seen.
Notes: Caryopsis germination trials indicate Axillary inflorescences usually present at 4
differences between the subspecies of (3-5) internodes. Spikelets 3.5-4.2 mm long
Calyptochloa gracillima. Initial trials have (without awn), 0.8-1 mm wide. Upper glume
revealed more rapid germination of C. 0.7-3.5 mm long. Lower lemma 3.5-4.2 mm
gracillima subsp. ipsviciensis and better long. Upper lemma body 3-4.2 mm long, awn
seedling survival than for the nominative 0.5-2.5 mm long; palea 27-3.5 mm long.
subspecies. Anthers 0.4-0.5 mm long. Caryopsis 2.3-37
mm long, 0.5-0.8 mm wide. Fig. 3 & 4.
Conservation status: This subspecies is
widely distributed over a large area and is Additional specimens examined: Queensland.
usually common in the habitats where it Moreton District: Edge of powerline easement off
South Deebing Creek Road, Deebing Heights, Feb 2012,
occurs suggesting this subspecies is Least
Thompson MOR689 & Simon (BRI, CANB, K, SI); Edge
Concern (IUCN 2001). of Kerners Road, Yamanto near Ipswich, Aug 2011,
Thompson EJT497 (BRI, CANB, MO); Edge of Kerners
lb. Calyptochloa gracillima subsp.
Road, Yamanto near Ipswich, Feb 2012, Thompson
ipsviciensis E.J.Thomps. & B.K. Simon, MOR688 & Simon (BRI); Council reserve, corner
subspecies nova similar to C. gracillima Reservior Lane and Kholo Road, Ipswich, May 2002,
C.E.Hubb. subsp. gracillima differing by Thompson MOR739 & Simon (BRI): Ipswich Council
reserve, end of Powers Road, off Kholo Road, c. 1 km S
the axillary spikelets mostly shorter (3.5-4.2
of Brisbane River crossing, c. 6 km N of Ipswich; Mar
mm versus 4-5.5 mm) and narrower (0.8- 2012, Thompson MOR709 (BRI); Edge of Kholo Road,
0.9 mm versus 1-1.1 mm); longer anthers c. 1 km SE of Brisbane River crossing near corner of
(0.4-0.7 versus 0.3-0.4); and by the terminal Blackwall Road, c. 6 km N of Ipswich, Mar 2012,
Thompson MOR693 (BRI, CANB, NSW, RSA).
spikelets with an acute apex of upper glume
(versus obtuse to truncate), and longer lower Distribution and habitat: Calyptochloa
glumes when present (0.8-1.8 mm versus gracillima subsp. ipsviciensis is endemic
<0.2 mm). Typus: Queensland, Moreton to southeast Queensland in the vicinity of
District: Council reserve, cnr Reservoir Ipswich (Map 1) where it is known from
Lane and Kholo Road, Ipswich, 4 April a few small areas. It is an uncommon to
2012, E.J.Thompson MOR711 (holo: BRI; iso: dominant species in woodlands dominated by
CANB, K, L, MO, NSW, SI, US). Eucalyptus spp. including E. crebra F.Muell.
642 Austrobaileya 8(4): 634-652 (2012)
Fig. 3. Axillary spikelet of Calyptochloa gracillima subsp. ipsviciensis. A. habit *0.6. B. leaf sheath enclosing axillary
spikelet x8. C. upper glume facing xl6. D. side view xl6. E. lower lemma facing xl6. F. lower lemma xl6. G. cross-
sectional view of lower lemma xl6. H. upper glume xl6.1. upper lemma xl6. J. upper palea xl6. K. caryopsis xl6. L.
cross-sectional view of caryopsis xl6. A-L from Thompson MOR689 & Simon (BRI). Del. W. Smith
Thompson & Simon, Calyptochloa 643
Fig. 4. Terminal spikelet of Calyptochloa gracillima subsp. ipsviciensis. A. upper glume facing xl2. B. side view xl2.
C. lower glume xl6. D. upper glume xl6. E. lower lemma xl6. F. upper lemma xl6. G. upper palea xl6. H. stamens and
stigmas x!6. A-H from Thompson MOR689 & Simon (BRI). Del. W. Smith.
and E. moluccana Roxb. and/or Corymbia Phenology: Calyptochloa gracillima subsp.
citriodora subsp. variegata (F.Muell.) ipsviciensis flowers from December to March
A.R.Bean & M.W.McDonald on loam to clay during the wet season. The cleistogamous
loam duplex soils derived from shale on gently spikelets are produced over a broader seasonal
undulating to hilly terrain. REs represented period.
include 12.9-10.2, 12.9-10.3 and 12.9-10.19.
Notes: Until 2011 there were no specimen
Associated ground layer species include
records of Calyptochloa gracillima at BRI
Aristida caput-medusae Domin, Cleistochloa
from the Moreton Pastoral District near
subjuncea C.E.Hubb. and Theme da triandra
Ipswich. These new records represent a
Forssk. The habitat is typically moderately
disjunction of over 200 km from the previous
shaded.
known southern limit of the species.
Calyptochloa gracillima subsp. ipsviciensis