Notes on distribution, identification and typification of the Elongated Sweet Grass <Anthoxanthum hookeri> (Aveneae: Poaceae) with comparative notes on <A. borii>

Anthoxanthum hookeri is reported for the first time from western Himalaya. The present collection from Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve also represents the westernmost extension of its known global distribution. This finding clarifies the typification of the species through a critical analysis of type elements. Moreover, this study provides additional insights into the taxonomic relationship between A. hookeri and its closely related species A. borii. The second-step lectotypification of A. borii is also proposed. These findings underscore the importance of field-based taxonomy and herbarium studies in resolving complex species delimitations in Himalayan grasses.