<i>Heteropogon</i>‐<i>Themeda</i>grasses evolve to occupy either tropical grassland or wetland biomes

Species of the Heteropogon-Themeda clade are ecologically important grasses distributed across tropics, including widespread species, such as pantropical H. contortus and T. triandra, range-restricted species ritchiei anathera. Here, we examine habitat preferences grassland/savanna wetland by describing bioclimatic niche characteristics, characterizing functional traits, investigating evolution traits 31 in relation to precipitation temperature. The climatic limits linked mean annual seasonality that also distinguish seven from 24 species. Tests equivalency highlighted unique However, factors do not fully explain geographic range, other likely contribute their distribution ranges. Trait analyses demonstrated were separated culm height, leaf length, area, awn types. Phylogenetic showed evolved tall stature with long large leaves lack hygroscopic awns suggest selective pressures shift between savanna/grassland wetland. two most Heteropogon Themeda triandra have significantly different niches, but found alone does current distributions triandra. Our study provides a new understanding biogeography evolutionary history an C4 tropical grasses. This article is protected copyright. All rights reserved.