Anthephora is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae (order Poales), comprising around 10 accepted species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, southwest Asia, the Americas, and various islands. The genus belongs to the large and ecologically diverse grass family, which includes nearly all of the world's major cereal crops and pasture grasses.
Species in Anthephora are typically annual or perennial grasses adapted to open, often arid or semi-arid environments. The genus shows a broad geographic range within Africa, from the dry savanna zones of Algeria and Eritrea in the north, through West and Central Africa, and south to the Cape Province of South Africa. Anthephora pubescens, sometimes called wooly fingergrass, is among the most widespread African species, spanning dry habitats from North Africa to southern Africa, and also occurring in Iran. Anthephora hermaphrodita is the main New World representative, native to Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the West Indies, with naturalized populations established in Florida and Hawaii.
The genus was formerly more broadly conceived and included species now placed in Bouteloua, Hilaria, and Tarigidia. GBIF recognizes 4 accepted species under the genus in its current circumscription.
Distribution
Anthephora is native to southwest Asia, Africa, the Americas, and various islands. African species span a wide latitudinal range, from Algeria and Eritrea in the north to the Cape Province of South Africa. Anthephora hermaphrodita is native to Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the West Indies (including the Galápagos), and has been naturalized in Florida and Hawaii.
Taxonomy Notes
The genus was formerly circumscribed more broadly. Several species previously placed in Anthephora have been reclassified into Bouteloua (A. axilliflora → Bouteloua dactyloides), Hilaria (A. belangeri → Hilaria belangeri; A. punctulata → Hilaria cenchroides), and Tarigidia (A. aequiglumis → Tarigidia aequiglumis). GBIF currently accepts 4 species in the genus within order Poales, family Poaceae.
