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Type: Article
Published: 2019-12-19
Page range: 85–114
Abstract views: 25
PDF downloaded: 1

A taxonomic revision of Geschollia (Asparagaceae, Urgineeae)—from a monotypic genus towards its diversification, including the description of five new species

Depto. Ciencias Ambientales y Recursos Naturales (dCARN), Universidad de Alicante, P. O. Box 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
Selmar Schonland Herbarium, Department of Botany, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa.
Depto. Ciencias Ambientales y Recursos Naturales (dCARN), Universidad de Alicante, P. O. Box 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
Institute of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, NAWI Graz, Karl-Franzens University Graz, Holteigasse 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria.
Depto. Ciencias Ambientales y Recursos Naturales (dCARN), Universidad de Alicante, P. O. Box 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
Institute of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, NAWI Graz, Karl-Franzens University Graz, Holteigasse 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria.
distribution ecology Hyacinthaceae nomenclature taxonomy Urgineoideae Monocots

Abstract

In the frame of a taxonomic revision of Hyacinthaceae subfamily Urgineoideae (Asparagaceae tribe Urgineeae) combining morphological and genetic data from numerous samples across its whole range of distribution, we here present a taxonomic revision of Geschollia, a genus originally accepted as monotypic to include G. anomala. This genus was characterized by the single, synanthous, terete leaf; long racemose inflorescence; tepals connate for ca. 1 mm and reflexed at anthesis; spreading to patent stamens; and small polygonal seeds. Our morphological studies in combination with phylogenetic analyses evidence that Geschollia is indeed a strongly supported monophyletic group, which includes eight species matching most of the features cited above. In this context, we here describe five new species in this genus and accordingly expand the original characterization of Geschollia to accommodate these new taxa. Furthermore, two new combinations are presented for previously described species. An identification key is provided for all accepted species in the genus.