The Scilla plumbea Puzzle-Present Status of the Genus Scilla Sensu Lato in Southern Africa and Description of Spetaea lachenaliiflora, a New Genus and Species of Massonieae (Hyacinthaceae)

We have studied a taxon from South Africa that has been hidden for more than 150 years within Scilla plumbea (Hyacinthaceae). However, phylogenetic reconstruction based on trnL-F data, morphological evidence (including seed characters), and karyology suggest independent status. DNA data place it clo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Taxon 2003-02, Vol.52 (1), p.75-91
Main Authors: Wetschnig, Wolfgang, Pfosser, Martin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological taxonomies
Chromosome numbers
Chromosomes
Endosperm
Flora of southern africa
Genera
Hyacinthaceae
Massonieae
Phylogenetics
Phylogeny
Plants
Plastid DNA sequences
Ploidies
Scilla plumbea
Seed morphology
Spetaea lachenaliiflora
Taxa
Taxonomy
Testa
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Summary:We have studied a taxon from South Africa that has been hidden for more than 150 years within Scilla plumbea (Hyacinthaceae). However, phylogenetic reconstruction based on trnL-F data, morphological evidence (including seed characters), and karyology suggest independent status. DNA data place it close to the Daubenya alliance but not close to any particular genus of Massonieae previously included within Scilla s.l. Unique characters of seeds indicate that this taxon does not belong to the Daubenya clade. Analysis of the iconotype of Scilla plumbea Lindl., on the other hand, reveals morphological details suggesting membership in the Scilla natalensis clade (= genus Merwilla in the recent classification of Speta). Merwilla, however, occupies a basal position among Massonieae and is not related to the Daubenya clade. Based on all data, we describe this taxon as a new genus and species Spetaea lachenaliiflora Wetschnig & Pfosser.
ISSN:0040-0262
1996-8175
DOI:10.2307/3647303