Title : Integrative taxonomic revision of the tribe Andropogoneae dumort. (Poaceae) from Western Himalaya, India: Diversity, micro-morphology, economic potential, and conservation insights
Abstract:
The tribe Andropogoneae Dumort. (Poaceae) is a globally significant and taxonomically rich group within the grass family, comprising ecologically dominant and economically valuable species distributed primarily across tropical and subtropical regions. However, its diversity in the Western Himalaya, a region known for its unique biodiversity and ecological fragility has remained underexplored and taxonomically unresolved. This study offers a comprehensive taxonomic and ecological assessment of Andropogoneae from the Western Himalaya, India, using an integrative approach that combines classical taxonomy, micro-morphological analysis, conservation assessment, and ethnobotanical documentation. Through extensive field surveys, herbarium studies, and comparative morphological analysis, a total of 103 taxa belonging to 34 genera and 13 sub-tribes, have been recorded from the region including new regional records and noteworthy morphological variations. The study also provides detailed species descriptions, taxonomic keys, and photographic documentation to aid identification and field application. Species richness is examined across diverse altitudinal and ecological gradients, revealing key hotspots of diversity and endemicity. The pattern of distribution of the tribe Andropogoneae has also been observed, depicting hump-shaped curve along the altitudinal zonation. Maximum diversity of species is observed in the altitudinal range of 1500–2000 m asl with the occurrence of 55 taxa whereas 52 taxa are found to occur along an altitudinal range of 1000–1500 m asl. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has also been employed to examine critical micro-morphological traits with special emphasis on leaves to elicit their epidermal features. The parameters considered for segregating the taxa involve epidermal cells, stomatal complex, silica bodies, papillae, microhairs, macrohairs, hooks and prickles. A key to the studied taxa has also been provided based on anatomical features of leaf. These characters, documented using high-resolution LEICA software imaging, were instrumental in resolving species-level taxonomic ambiguities and strengthening diagnostic frameworks. In addition to taxonomy, the research explores the economic potential of selected Andropogonoids. Field-based observations and literature review highlight their significance in traditional medicine, livestock fodder, biofuel applications, and ecological services such as soil stabilization, emphasizing their role in sustainable rural livelihoods. The GeoCAT (Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool) has also been utilized to assess the conservation status of each recorded taxon using IUCN Red List criteria and the findings underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation measures and habitat protection strategies in the Himalayan region. The present study is a comprehensive taxonomic investigation of the tribe Andropogoneae from Western Himalaya. It is hoped that circumscription of Western Himalayan Andropogonoids will enhance the current knowledge in the tribe, help in better understanding of its taxonomy and pave way for further studies on other aspects viz. pharmacology, phytochemistry, palynology and embryology. This integrative study not only contributes a critical update to the taxonomic and ecological understanding of Andropogoneae in the Western Himalaya but also highlights the tribe’s broader importance in conservation biology, sustainable development, and ecosystem resilience. By combining rigorous fieldwork, advanced microscopy, geospatial tools, and ethnobotanical insight, the research establishes a holistic model for grass systematics and conservation in biodiversity hotspots.
