The genus Chlorophytum Ker Gawl. (Asparagales, Asparagaceae) in Madagascar, with the description of 12 new species, 4 new subspecies and 1 new variety
Abstract
The genus Chlorophytum Ker Gawl. (Asparagaceae) is revised taxonomically for Madagascar. It is a palaeotropical genus of more than 200 species, all of which are geophytes that are distributed throughout Africa, the Arabian Peninsula (Oman), Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, China and Australia. We recognise 39 endemic taxa for Madagascar (30 species, 4 subspecies, 3 varieties and 2 potential species not formally named due to incomplete material). Descriptions and geographical data are provided for all taxa, of which 17 are newly described in this revision: 12 species (C. albociliatum sp. nov., C. aspidistrifolium sp. nov., C. basivaginatum sp. nov., C. candelabrum sp. nov., C. darainense sp. nov., C. helvillae sp. nov., C. meridionale sp. nov., C. nigrogranulosum sp. nov., C. nusbaumeri sp. nov., C. ranirisonii sp. nov., C. ratovosonii sp. nov., C. tolyanum sp. nov.); 4 subspecies (C. sofiense subsp. gautieri subsp. nov., C. graniticum subsp. ambrense subsp. nov., C. meridionale subsp. ihosyense subsp. nov., C. meridionale subsp. tulearense subsp. nov.); and 1 variety (C. madagascariense var. boinense var. nov.). Chlorophytum gramineum (Baker) H.Perrier, is based on an illegitimate name (Anthericum gramineum Baker), and is replaced by the later legitimate name, C. madagascariense Baker, that we consider to be a taxonomic synonym. We retain the varieties described by Perrier de la Bâthie within this species, transferring them to C. madagascariense, and we give a new name – C. madagascariense var. pervillei nom. nov. Furthermore, we lectotypify eight species: C. decaryanum, C. decipiens, C. dianellifolium, C. geayanum, C. graniticum, C. namorokense H.Perrier, C. sofiense, C. subligulatum, and two varieties: C. dianellifolium var. transiens and C. madagascariense var. sciaphilum comb. nov.). An identification key and preliminary conservation status assessments following IUCN Red List criteria are provided for all species.
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