title: Systematics ofSimpliciaKirk (Poaceae, Agrostidinae) - an endemic, threatened New Zealand grass genus.
abstract: A new species of the New Zealand endemic grassSimplicia,Simplicia felixis described. The new species is segregated from and compared withSimplicia buchananiiandSimplicia laxa.Simplicia felixoccurs mostly in lightly shaded areas of seasonally dry alluvial forest. A distribution map and an assessment of the conservation status of the new species are presented. Genetic variation in the genus was examined, building on previously published work but including additional sampling. Analysis of nrDNA ITS and ETS and plastidtrnL intron andtrnL-F intergenic spacer sequences showSimplicia felixto be more closely related toSimplicia laxathan toSimplicia buchananii. NeighborNet analyses of AFLP profiles for the three species ofSimpliciashow each to consist of distinct clusters of genotypes well separated from each other.
authors.affiliation: Terrestrial Ecosystems, Science and Policy Group, Department of Conservation, Private Bag 68908. Auckland 1145, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: de Lange
authors.affiliation: Allan Herbarium, Landcare Research, P.O. Box 69, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Rob D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Smissen
authors.affiliation: Terrestrial Ecosystems, Science and Policy Group, National Office, Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 10420, Wellington 6143, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Jeremy R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Rolfe
authors.affiliation: 22 Forres Street, Whanganui, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Colin C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Ogle
keywords: New Zealand flora; Poaceae; Simplicia; Simplicia buchananii; Simplicia felix; Simplicia laxa; conservation status; new species