Species limits in 'Carpha' (Schoeneae, Cyperaceae) based on phenetic analyses

Abstract

We review the taxonomic history of 'Carpha'. Recent estimates of the number of species in 'Carpha' have varied from 4 to 15. The generic limits of 'Carpha' and some species limits within 'Carpha' have been uncertain. This study tests the limits of species in 'Carpha sensu lato' by phenetic analyses of morphological data and identifies 16 species. Three of them ('Carpha cf. bracteosa' C.B.Clarke, 'C. discolor ms' and 'C. ulugurensis ms') are new; the taxonomic ranks of 'C. angustissima' Cherm., 'C. capitellata' (Nees) Boeck. 'var. bracteosa' (C.B.Clarke) Kük., 'C. nivicola' F.Muell. and 'C. schoenoides' Banks et Sol. ex Hook.f. are clarified; 'C. perrieri Cherm'. is synonymised with 'C. capitellata' (Nees) Boeck.; the definitions of 'C. schlechteri' C.B.Clarke and 'C. glomerata' (Thunb.) Nees are amended.