Taxonomic Revision of the Temperate Woody Bamboo Genus Kuruna (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Arundinarieae)

Previous molecular phylogenetic analyses based on plastid DNA sequence data supported the recognition of Kuruna as a new temperate woody bamboo (Arundinarieae) genus, representing the twelfth major linage of Arundinarieae. Kuruna is distinguished by a combination of vegetative and reproductive characters including features of rhizomes, branching and synflorescences. Here seven species, distributed in Sri Lanka and southern India, are included in this genus: Kuruna debilis, K. densifolia, K. floribunda, K. scandens, K. walkeriana, K. wightiana (here transferred to Kuruna), and the newly described K. serrulata. This revision includes an updated description of the genus, detailed descriptions for all seven species, line illustrations for all species, and a morphological key for their identification.