Author ORCID Identifier

Richardson, David M: 0000-0001-9574-8297
Mateos-Naranjo, Enrique: 0000-0001-6276-5664
Morris, James: 0000-0002-0511-642X
Li, Bo: 0000-0002-0439-5666
Costa, Cesar Serra Bonifacio: 0000-0002-3948-6349
Duarte, Bernardo: 0000-0003-1914-7435
Redondo-Gomez, Susana: 0000-0002-5280-9325
Adams, Janine Barbara: 0000-0001-7204-123X
Davy, Anthony J: 0000-0002-7658-7106
Cacador, Isabel: 0000-0002-4475-6091
Bouma, Tjeerd: 0000-0001-7824-7546
Bortolus, Alejandro: 0000-0003-3035-315X
Schwindt, Evangelina: 0000-0001-6693-9828
Munoz-Rodriguez, Adolfo Francisco: 0000-0002-1647-357X
Levin, Lisa: 0000-0002-2858-8622
Temmerman, Stijn: 0000-0003-3346-9115

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

Abstract

In 2014, a DNA-based phylogenetic study confirming the paraphyly of the grass subtribe Sporobolinae proposed the creation of a large monophyletic genus Sporobolus, including (among others) species previously included in the genera Spartina, Calamovilfa, and Sporobolus. Spartina species have contributed substantially (and continue contributing) to our knowledge in multiple disciplines, including ecology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, biogeography, experimental ecology, biological invasions, environmental management, restoration ecology, history, economics, and sociology. There is no rationale so compelling to subsume the name Spartina as a subgenus that could rival the striking, global iconic history and use of the name Spartina for over 200 yr. We do not agree with the subjective arguments underlying the proposal to change Spartina to Sporobolus. We understand the importance of both the objective phylogenetic insights and of the subjective formalized nomenclature and hope that by opening this debate we will encourage positive feedback that will strengthen taxonomic decisions with an interdisciplinary perspective. We consider that the strongly distinct, monophyletic clade Spartina should simply and efficiently be treated as the genus Spartina.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Ecology

COinS