Holcus mollis L. subsp.hierrensis (Poaceae), a new subspecies of El Hierro (Canary Islands), and some notes on the species

Abstract

Holcus mollis L. subsp. hierrensis is new to science. Its distinct chamaephytic habit and particular features of the morphology of the spikelets, provided in a key, as well as its ecology allow a taxonomic separation from the otherwise similar subsp. mollis. A short survey of important facts about the species given in the literature is presented. The possible status of the new subspecies as a neoendemic of the island of El Hierro (Canaries) is discussed.