A NEW SPECIES OF MERXMUELLERA (ARUNDINEAE, POACEAE) FROM SOUTH-AFRICA

Merxmuellera setacea N.P. Barker from the south-western Cape, South Africa, is formally described. Descriptions of the morphology and leaf anatomy, in transectional and surface view, as observed under the light- and scanning electron microscope are given. Comparisons between this taxon and other southern African arundinoid species are made on the basis of morphological and anatomical observations. While the morphology of M. setacea is in keeping with the generic limits of Merxmuellera Conert, the leaf blade anatomy appears to be intermediate between Merxmuellera, Pentameris Beauv. and Pentaschistis (Nees) Spach.