Book Chapter

Morphology, taxonomy, and natural distribution of Brachiaria (Trin.) Griseb

author(s)

Renvoize, S.A.

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full citation

Renvoize, S.A.; Clayton, W.D.; Kabuye, Christine H.S.. 1996. Morphology, taxonomy, and natural distribution of Brachiaria (Trin.) Griseb . In: Miles, John W; Maass, Brigitte L; Valle, Cacilda Borges do; Kumble, Vrinda (eds.). Brachiaria: Biology, agronomy, and improvement . Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT); Campo Grande, BR : Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria (EMBRAPA), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Gado de Corte (CNPGC), Cali, CO. p. 1-15. (CIAT publication no. 259)

We reviewed 97 species of the genus Brachiaria, spanning the whole taxon. The species were arranged in groups according to perceived natural affinities. The morphology of the inflorescence, especially the spikelet, was examined in detail and found to be highly variable; accordingly, the number of options for possible alliances among the species is particularly large. Although we eventually established a framework based on nine groups, their boundaries are as yet tentative, with 14 species still to be adequately grouped. The relationship of Brachiaria with other close genera is also discussed.