Ledebouria caesiomontana A.J.Hankey & N.Hahn (Hyacinthaceae: Hyacinthoideae) : a new species from the Blouberg centre of endemism, Limpopo, South Africa
Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS Publishing
Abstract
Background: Ledebouria Roth (Hyacinthaceae: Hyacinthoideae) is a largely African genus with,
more or less, 40 species occurring in South Africa. The species was first collected in December
1990 by R. Archer [Archer, R.H. 503 (PRE)] and remained un-identified. Subsequently, N. Hahn
also collected the species in 1992 [N. Hahn 444 (ZPB)] and, upon failing to resolve the identity
of the specimen, he approached A. Hankey who initiated further collaborative research.
Objective: To describe the new species of Ledebouria from Blouberg mountain massif in
Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Method: Relevant existing specimens in herbaria were examined and morphological
characters and states noted. The type specimen was collected during an expedition under the
guidance of Prof. Dirk Bellstedt accompanied by Mr Adam Harrower.
Results: Ledebouria caesiomontana A.J.Hankey & N.Hahn sp. nov. was described and illustrated.
The new species was distinguished from its closest relative, Ledebouria papillata S.Venter, by
the ovary which lacks basal lobes, as well the absence of cataphylls and the irregular papillate
ridges present only on the upper leaf surfaces.
Conclusion: Ledebouria caesiomontana is a new species restricted to the Blouberg mountain
massif in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Initial estimates deem the species to be vulnerable
(VU D2) as a result of especially anthropogenic-induced disturbances on the Blouberg.
Description
CITATION: Hankey, A. J., Hahn, N. & Buys, M. H. 2014. Ledebouria caesiomontana A.J.Hankey & N.Hahn (Hyacinthaceae: Hyacinthoideae) : a new species from the Blouberg centre of endemism, Limpopo, South Africa. Bothalia - African Biodiversity and Conservation, 44(1), Art. #119, doi: 10.4102/abc.v44i1.119.
The original publication is available at http://abcjournal.org
The original publication is available at http://abcjournal.org
Keywords
Ledebouria caesiomontana hyacinthaceae, New species -- Blouberg centre of endemism, Ledebouria papillata, Ledebouria caesiomontana -- Blouberg centre -- Limpopo -- South Africa
Citation
Hankey, A. J., Hahn, N. & Buys, M. H. 2014. Ledebouria caesiomontana A.J.Hankey & N.Hahn (Hyacinthaceae: Hyacinthoideae) : a new species from the Blouberg centre of endemism, Limpopo, South Africa. Bothalia - African Biodiversity and Conservation, 44(1), Art. #119, doi: 10.4102/abc.v44i1.119