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Type: Article
Published: 2021-04-16
Page range: 20–28
Abstract views: 35
PDF downloaded: 1

Ceropegia heidukiae (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae)—a morphologically intriguing and rare novelty from South Africa

School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Department of Plant Systematics, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
Eudicots Ceropegieae endemism geophyte glaucous leaves KwaZulu-Natal Ngome mistbelt grassland trap flower

Abstract

A new species of Ceropegia (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae-Stapeliinae) is described from Ngome in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This new species shares a subset of vegetative and floral characters with the long-lost C. rudatisii, but is clearly separated by its sophisticated floral morphology. Ceropegia heidukiae occurs in Northern Zululand Mistbelt Grassland, an endangered vegetation type. A comprehensive species description is provided together with information on habitat and distribution; photographs of plants in habitat are also provided. A preliminary assessment of conservation status according to IUCN criteria suggests that C. heidukiae is Critically Endangered (CR).