Phylogenetic Reconstructions and Two New Varieties in the Andropogon virginicus Complex (Poaceae: Andropogoneae)

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Abstract
Phylogenetic reconstructions of the Andropogon virginicus complex were performed using Swofford''s computer programs for maximum parsimony. Character state polarity is based on outgroup analysis of Andropogon sect. Leptopogon, to which the virginicus complex belongs. A previously undetected synapomorphy justifies monophyly of this section. The data used in the reconstructions contain extensive homoplasy, and tree topology changes considerably with minor changes in the data. Nevertheless, the interrelationships of the taxa on the most parsimonious trees are largely corcondant with the results of previous studies. These cladistic analyes do, however, suggest different evolutionary relationships for the subspecific taxa of A. virginicus and A. glomeratus, the two most complex species. As a consequence of these analyses, two new varieties, A. virginicus var. dicipiens and A. glomeratus var. scabriglums, are described.