Taxonomic novelties and synopsis of the genus Digitaria (Poaceae: Panicoideae: Paniceae) in Bolivia

Abstract

The genus  Digitaria is represented in Bolivia by 27 taxa: 22 species and 5 varieties.  Digitaria argillacea var. nulliseta A. S. Vega & Rúgolo var. nov. is described and illustrated.  Digitaria
catamarcensis, D. ternata, D. setigera and D. aequiglumis var. laetevirens are reported for the first time for the country and D. laxa constitutes a dubious report for Bolivia. Digitaria gerdesii var. boliviensis and D. similis are recognized and confirmed for Bolivia and the following species are excluded: Digitaria neesiana, D. sanguinalis, D. violascens and D. corynotricha. Digitaria lanuginosa and D. setigera are illustrated with details and  Digitaria fragilis is illustrated for the first time.This paper includes synonymy, iconography, geographical distribution and ecology, uses, vernacular names, specimens examined, a key for the identification of taxa is also given.