Remarks on the taxonomy and nomenclature of the Stipa tianschanica complex (Poaceae), on the base of a new record for the flora of Tajikistan (central Asia)

The taxonomic position and distribution of Stipa tianschanica Roshev, a species new to the flora of Tajikistan (central Asia), are discussed. Its morphological characters are compared with other members of the S. tianschanica complex and information on their taxonomy and distribution are presented. The distinguishing features of S. tianschanica subsp. tianschanica, S. tianschanica subsp. gobica (Roshev.) D. F. Cui and S. klemenzii Roshev. are presented in a table, together with photographs of their lemma surfaces and a list of their synonyms. Analysis of the morphological characters of the taxa provides new information on their variability and a new combination, S. tianschanica subsp. gobica var. pubescens (Hanelt & Dava?amc) M. Nobis comb. nov., is proposed. A key to the taxa of Stipa sect. Smirnovia Tzvel. occurring in Tajikistan (especially in the area of Pamirs), a description of S. tianschanica subsp. tianschanica and illustrations of the most important diagnostic characters of the taxon are included.