Stipa narynica sp. nov. (Poaceae) from the western Tian‐Shan Mountains

A new species of grass, Stipa narynica, has been discovered and described from the western Tian-Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan. This species is morphologically distinct from its closest relative, S. aktauensis, due to longer glumes (41–55 mm), anthecium (12.0–14.2 mm), and seta hairs (6.0–8.0 mm). Additionally, the lemma of S. narynica is either glabrous or has a poorly developed ring of short hairs, unlike the distinctly pilose lemma of S. aktauensis. The study also examined the lemma and leaf blade structure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to further differentiate these species. A key for identifying similar middle Asian species in the sect. Smirnovia is provided.

Nobis, M. (2012). Stipa narynica sp. nov. (Poaceae) from the western Tian‐Shan Mountains. Nordic Journal of Botany, 30(1), 70–76. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1756-1051.2011.01403.x