Abstract:The geographical distribution of Avena L. (Aveneae, Poaceae) was studied by field investigation and reviewing specimens and literature. The results showed that 29 species in Avena were distributed in Europe, Mediterranean, Northern Africa, Western Asia, Eastern Asia, and the Americas. In China, four species of Avena distribute in high altitude areas in the northern, northwestern, and southwestern provinces. Seven sections are delimited in Avena, including sect. Avenotrichon (Holub) Baum, sect. Ventricosa Baum, sect. Agraria Baum, sect. Tenuicarpa Baum, sect. Ethiopica Baum, sect. Pachycarpa Baum, and sect. Avena. The sect. Ethiopica occurs in Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, and the remaining six sections occur in Mediterranean, Southwestern Europe, Northwestern Africa, Western Asia, Eastern Asia, and the Americas. The results suggest that the Mediterranean, Northwestern Africa, and Western Asia are the distribution centers and diversification centers of Avena, while the origin center of Avena needs to be further studied.
