Free amino acids as taxonomic characters in the tribe Arundinelleae (Gramineae)

This report records the results of a pilot study on the usefulness of free amino acids in the taxonomy of the tribe Arundinelleae (Gramineae). The work, carried out on a Beckman Model 120C Amino Acid Analyzer and using 70% ethanolic extracts, indicated patterns of variation unrelated to those found in traditional classifications. The amino acid variation encountered should be considered taxonomic noise; this example supports the view that free amino acids may not be of general value in higher plant systematics.