The species distinction of the narrow‐leaved Festuca from East Africa based on AFLP fingerprinting and morphology

The distinctness of the species Festuca claytonii , F. elgonensis and F. pilgeri (endemic species in East Africa) was assessed by comparison to the widespread narrow‐leaved species F. abyssinica , F. chodatiana and F. richardii . The six species were analysed using 56 morphological characters and 375 AFLPs. Principal components and discriminant analyses of the morphological data revealed that the endemic species F. claytonii and F. pilgeri are good species, but that F. abyssinica, F. elgonensis and F. richardii do intergrade. Relevant morphological characters were identified for an overall species distinction but also for pairwise comparisons. A principal coordinate analysis of the AFLPs confirmed the species distinction mentioned above. In conclusion, four narrow‐leaved species of Festuca occur in Uganda, viz. F. abyssinica , F. chodatiana , F. claytonii and F. pilgeri . F. elgonensis and F. richardii should be included in F. abyssinica . A key to the species is given.