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Issue: Vol. 767 No. 1: 16 Jul. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-07-16
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.6
Page range: 54-62
Abstract views: 24
PDF downloaded: 5

Coilonox spiciflorum (Hyacinthaceae subfam. Ornithogaloideae), a new species from Namaqualand, South Africa

Depto. de Ciencias Ambientales y Recursos Naturales (dCARN); Universidad de Alicante; P. O. Box 99; E-03080 Alicante; Spain; Department of Botany; Rhodes University; Makhanda; 6140; South Africa
Centre of Natural History; Universalmuseum Joanneum; 8045 Graz; Austria
Depto. de Ciencias Ambientales y Recursos Naturales (dCARN); Universidad de Alicante; P. O. Box 99; E-03080 Alicante; Spain
Depto. de Ciencias Ambientales y Recursos Naturales (dCARN); Universidad de Alicante; P. O. Box 99; E-03080 Alicante; Spain
Harry Butler Institute; Murdoch University; 90 South Street; Building 390; Murdoch WA 6150; Perth; Australia; Dept. of Geography & Environmental Studies; Stellenbosch University; Private Bag X1; Matieland 7602; Stellenbosch; South Africa
Monocots Asparagaceae Coilonox sp. nov Hyacinthaceae Namaqualand taxonomy Scilloideae

Abstract

Field explorations in the Northern Cape province of South Africa revealed an undescribed species of Coilonox, sharing diagnostic characters of the genus. These include ovate-oblong tepals of a fleshy texture with a darker longitudinal midrib band visible on both sides and associated with 3–5 aggregated nerves, sub-homomorphic stamens with narrowly subulate filaments, and most notably, a gynoecium with an ovate-oblong, smooth and subcylindrical ovary and elongated and thin style, commonly deflexed and ending into a subcapitate stigma covered by elongated, abundant glands. However, the new species clearly differs from the currently known species in the genus by distinct morphological characters, such as the small overall plant size; filiform, small, apically twisted leaves; sessile to shortly pedicellate flowers; and comparatively small flowers, fruits and seeds. Coilonox spiciflorum, a new species occurring in quartzite fields and on quarzitic outcrops in Namaqualand, South Africa, is here described. A complete morphological description of the new species, as well as data on ecology, distribution, and differences with related species, are provided. In addition, a new combination, C. gildenhuysii, is established for another South African congener from the Northern Cape.

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How to Cite

Martínez-Azorín, M., Pinter, M., Crespo, M.B., Alonso-Vargas, M. Ángeles & Mucina, L. (2026) Coilonox spiciflorum (Hyacinthaceae subfam. Ornithogaloideae), a new species from Namaqualand, South Africa. Phytotaxa 767 (1): 54–62. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.6