Leptochloa simoniana N. Snow is newly described from Papua New Guinea and B
oigu Island in the Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia. A key and tabular
diagnosis are provided for L. simoniana and morphologically similar congene
ric species. It most resembles the sub-Saharan species L. coerulescens. Its
chief diagnostic features are the long-sericeous to arachnose hairs at the
apex of the callus and the densely scabrous adaxial and abaxial leaf surfa
ces. The species is currently known from only three sites and is thus consi
dered vulnerable.