Eragrostis surreyana (Poaceae) an uncommon, habitat restricted new species from the Pilbara Bioregion of Western Australia

Eragrostis surreyana K.A.Sheph. & Trudgen sp. nov. is a diminutive annual lovegrass named for the late Surrey Jacobs (1946-2009). This species is restricted to seasonal wetland areas in the Pilbara Bioregion of Western Australia. Although it is quite widespread, E. surreyana is currently only known from five locations and it is likely it has suffered loss of populations through habitat degradation caused by sheep and cattle grazing. It is therefore considered to be a species of conservation concern. Eragrostis surreyana produces numerous culms and forms a small tussock. It is distinguished from related species by its flexuose rachilla, ovate lemmas and short hairs along the keel of each palea. A description, images and a map of the distribution of this new species is provided.