Morphological Variation and Taxonomic Conclusion of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. In Iran

Cynodon dactylon is widely distributed in Iran in diverse habitats. In this study, morphological variation of 46 populations of this species was evaluated based on 52 qualitative and quantitative characters to reveal the true taxonomic situation of the species. High morphological variation with no significant correlation with geographical and ecological conditions was observed. Among the morphological characters, presence of hair on leaf and sheath surfaces and spike color had major role on groupings in dendrogram. Based on the results of this study, presence of pilose hairs on leaf surfaces and outer surface of leaf sheath were shown to be stable diagnostic characters in detecting infraspecific taxa and accordingly, the species C. dactylon present in Iran two varieties: var. dactylon and var. villosus Regel. A morphological description for this species and taxonomic key of the varieties are provided.