Abstract
We describe and illustrate three species of Aspalathus from the poorly explored Baviaanskloof Biosphere Reserve, and the Klein Swartberg mountains of South Africa as new: Aspalathus chlorina C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, A. vulpicaudata C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, and A. outrampsii C.H.Stirt. & Muasya. IUCN red data list assessments are also provided, along with a distribution map and notes on ecology.
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