Delimiting the genera of the Ficinia Clade (Cypereae, Cyperaceae) based on molecular phylogenetic data.

Generic delimitations in the Ficinia Clade of tribe Cypereae are revisited. In particular, we aim to establish the placement of annual species currently included in of which the phylogenetic position is uncertain. Phylogenetic inference is based on two nuclear markers (ETS, ITS) and five plastid markers (the genes , , and , the intron and spacer) data, analyzed using model based methods. Topologies based on nuclear and plastid data show incongruence at the backbone. Therefore, the results are presented separately. The monophyly of the smaller genera (, , , , ) is confirmed. However, is paraphyletic as is retrieved as one of its clades. Furthermore, is paraphyletic if and allies are excluded. We take a pragmatic approach based on the nuclear topology, driven by a desire to minimize taxonomic changes, to recircumscribe to include the annual species characterized by cartilaginous glumes and formally include all the species inferred outside the core clade. Consequently, the circumscription of is narrowed to encompass only those species retrieved as part of the core clade. Five new combinations are made (). We present nomenclatural summary at genus level, identification keys and diagnostic features.