Scleria diversity in Madagascar: evolutionary links to mainland Africa.

Abstract

A taxonomic revision of the genus Scleria (Cyperoideae, Cyperaceae) in Madagascar is presented, supported by a phylogeny based on the markers ndhF, rps16 and ITS. Collections from K, P and MO have been examined and 424 specimens identified to species level. Our results recognise 25 species of Scleria from Madagascar, including two varieties: six endemics, one near endemic, 10 African species and eight tropical widespread taxa. Scleria achtenii is reported for the first time in Madagascar and S. rosea is taken out of synonym of S. trialata. Distribution maps, preliminary conservation assessments, and notes on synonymy, ecology and ethnobotany are provided. Nine species have been typified. Three rare endemic species: S. andringitrensis, S. madagascariensis and S. perpusilla, are assessed as threatened. The most diverse sections: Abortivae and Hypoporum, which include 13 species in total and 52% of the vouchers examined, showed strong differences in habitat preference