Cryptachne E.J.Thomps. (Poaceae: Panicoideae: Cleistochloinae), a new genus for Queensland with three new species

Abstract

The new genus Cryptachne E.J.Thomps., endemic to Queensland, is delimited and described. Three new species, all formerly included with phrase names in Dimorphochloa, Cryptachne columboola E.J.Thomps., C. duaringa E.J.Thomps. and C. trinerva E.J.Thomps., are described with illustrations of both macro and micro morphology. Cryptachne is closely related to Calyptochloa differing in the tufted growth habit, racemose terminal inflorescences with spikelets that have a lower lemma subequal to upper lemma, and axillary spikelets with an elaiosome on the lower lemma. The three new species all have restricted distributions in habitat types associated with lancewood dominated ironstone jump-ups; they are suggested to warrant Endangered or Critically Endangered conservation status.