Typology of the synflorescence of Andropogoneae (Poaceae), additional comments

Synflorescences of the Andropogoneae tribe are studied from a typological point of view. The criteria of CLAYTON & RENVOIZE (1986) were used in order to arrange the subtribes, excluding the former Maydeae as suggested by WATSON & DALLWITZ (1992). 36 taxa from 7 subtribes have been studied; data for other genera from CLAYTON & RENVOIZE (1986) and WATSON & DALLWITZ (1992) have been included for the comparison of the inflorescence structure. In the inflorescence of Andropogoneae specialisations of paracladia were observed which can be characterized as short paracladia and long paracladia. Most short paracladia are of second grade, although there appear some of first degree and third degree in some genera. Some species present long paracladia with prophylls and bracts wereas on others both they are absent. There is a third group of species which has both types of paracladia. It is proposed long paracladia without prophylls and bracts to call long paracladia without trophotagma and long paracladia with trophotagma to call long paracladia with trophotagma. The extent of ramification in the area of long paracladia with trophotagma is amplified by the development of the axillary buds of the prophylls. and bracts with the exception of the generally sterile distal bracts. Possible phylogenetic tendencies in the development of the subzone of short paracladia and the subzone of long paracladia are discussed.