Abstract:In order to accumulate data for the phylogenetic reconstruction of Sorghum, the geographical distribution of Sorghum Moench (Andropogoneae, Panicoideae, Poaceae) was studied by field investigation and reviewing specimen and literature. Sorghum, including about 29 species, is a representative group in the tribe Andropogoneae due to the paired heterogamous spikelets (one sessile, fertile; the other one pedicelled, staminate or sterile) made up racemes along each node of inflorescences. Sorghum species distribute in the tropical and subtropical to temperate regions, with the species number being 22, 15, 9, 3, 2 in Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Mediterranean, respectively. In addition, six species have extended to the Americas. In China, five species distribute in northeastern, southwestern, and southern provinces. Among five subgenera of Sorghum, only subgen. Sorghum has representatives in the New World, other subgenera are restricted to the Old World. The subgen. Sorghum presents in Africa then spread to tropical and temperate regions around the world, subgen. Parasorghum extends from Africa, Asia to Australia, subgen. Stiposorghum occurrs in Australia and Asia, subgen. Chaetosorghum is found in Australia, and subgen. Heterosorghum is found in Australia and Aisa. These results suggested that northeast Australia was the distribution center and diversification center of Sorghum, while the origin center of Sorghum needs to be further studied.
