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Issue: Vol. 776 No. 1: 22 Sept. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-09-22
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.776.1.5
Page range: 45-54
Abstract views: 11
PDF downloaded: 0

Bulbine pauciflora (Asphodelaceae: Asphodeloideae), a new cremnophyte from Scarp Forest in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Ria Olivier Herbarium; Department of Botany; Nelson Mandela University; P.O. Box 77000; Gqeberha; 6031 South Africa
Biodiversity Research and Monitoring Directorate; South African National Biodiversity Institute; P.O. Box 52099; Berea Road; Durban; 4007 South Africa
PostNet Suite 75; Private Bag X19041; Linton Grange; 6015 South Africa
Centre for Functional Biodiversity; School of Life Sciences; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Private Bag X01; Scottsville; Pietermaritzburg 3209 South Africa
Monocots cliff-dwelling endemic succulent taxonomy

Abstract

In the course of field work in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa a species of Bulbine was encountered growing on shaded cliff ledges in Scarp Forest. This species shows a distinct syndrome of morphological characters not previously reported in the genus, both vegetatively and in respect of floral characters. This character suite, along with phytogeographical evidence, supports the recognition of B. pauciflora as a new species. We present a morphological description of this new taxon, as well as data on its ecology and distribution in the context of the ethnobotany and bioculture of the genus in the Eastern Cape. The species is compared to some Eastern Cape bulbines with which it grows sympatrically or near-sympatrically, and is comprehensively illustrated.

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How to Cite

Smith, G.F., Crouch, N.R., Mckay, A. & Styles, D.G. (2026) Bulbine pauciflora (Asphodelaceae: Asphodeloideae), a new cremnophyte from Scarp Forest in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Phytotaxa 776 (1): 45–54. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.776.1.5