Inflorescence structures and evolution in subfamily Chloridoideae (Gramineae)

Inflorescence structures of 81 species and two subspecies (representing 61 genera) of the Chloridoideae have been investigated using stereo microscopy (SM). Inflorescences of the Chloridoideae are true polytelic inflorescences. Thirteen inflorescence subtypes are distinguished based on modes of the truncation and the homogenization. These are categorized into four basic inflorescence types. A key for the identification of these inflorescence types is presented. Generally, inflorescence characters have definite systematic value in recognizing supra-generic taxa in the Chloridoideae. Twelve processes have been identified as responsible for inflorescence diversification that awaits verification by further systematic study.