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The “Reticulata irises” are dwarf irises highly appreciated in horticulture, which are characterised by their tuberiform bulbs, with a single fleshy inner tunic clothed mostly with reticulate or reticulate-hairy outer tunics, and basal leaves bifacial, angulose or finely sulcate in section. The aggregate is often accepted as a taxonomically compact group to which the name Iris subg. Hermodactyloides (Iris sect. Reticulatae) is often applied. It includes between 10–22 taxa (species and subspecies) occurring disjunctly from central Türkiye and the Transcaucasus throughout the Middle East to western China. Molecular work shows that Iris subg. Hermodactyloides, is polyphyletic as frequently delineated. Alternatively, analytic treatments accept two genera, Alatavia and Iridodictyum, exhibiting clear differences in morphology, biogeography, and phylogenetic connections. Recently, new field prospection across scarcely prospected vast territories led to the description of many new taxa in the “Reticulata irises.” In this context, an updated synopsis of the bulbous genera Alatavia (four species) and Iridodictyum (18 + 2 species) is reported. For each accepted taxon, main synonyms, type indication, chromosome numbers, distribution areas, and taxonomic or nomenclatural remarks are reported. Further, five new specific combinations are introduced, and also four neotypes, two lectotypes, two second-step lectotypes, and one epitype are designated.

The taxonomic identity and phylogenetic relationships of several southern African perennial taxa related to Frankenia repens are discussed. In particular, F. nodiflora Lam., a misunderstood species described from the Cape region and synonymised to F. pulverulenta, is restored for plants endemic to salt-pans and riverbeds in the coastal lowlands across the Cape Flats (Western Cape province, South Africa). Further, a revision of morphologically close plants, usually identified as F. pulverulenta or F. repens, also occurring in similar saline ecosystems of the inland western South Africa revealed the existence of two distinct new entities not matching any described taxa of the genus. Molecular analyses of nuclear ribosomal (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region) DNA sequence data together with morphological divergence allow recognition of those taxa at species rank, within an independent lineage close to F. repens. In consequence, two new sea-heath species are described in the so-called “F. repens group”: F. nummularia from the Nama-Karoo Biome (Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces), and F. anneliseae from the Succulent Karoo Biome (Northern Cape province). Full morphological description and type designation are reported for each accepted species as well as data on ecology, habitat, distribution, and taxonomic relationships to other close relatives are given. Further, an identification key is presented to facilitate recognition of the southern African taxa of Frankenia.

Iris subgenus Xiphium is a small group of taxa that occur in the Mediterranean Basin, a long-recognized biodiversity hotspot. Phylogenetic relationships among these Iris were reconstructed based on sequence data from 110 nuclear markers (coding regions) and plastomes using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. Best trees based on plastome and combined datasets resolved Iris subgenus Xiphium and I. xiphium as not monophyletic while nuclear and all-gene (combined nuclear and plastid coding regions) datasets resolved the subgenus as monophyletic but I. xiphium as not monophyletic. Topology tests indicated the alternative hypothesis of a monophyletic subgenus is not rejected by the combined dataset while a monophyletic I. xiphium is rejected. Topology tests also showed the hypothesis of a polyphyletic subgenus is rejected by the nuclear and all-gene datasets, however, a monophyletic I. xiphium is not rejected by these two datasets. We hypothesize that the subgenus is monophyletic based on these analyses, morphology, and biogeography, and that uneven patterns of missing data is a likely reason for topological incongruence among datasets. A previously suggested informal group within the subgenus was supported. Patterns of relationships among species suggest multiple exchanges between the African and European continents but also the importance of the Strait of Gibraltar as a barrier to genetic exchange.

The name “Spergularia hanoverensis Simon” has been misapplied to an endemic taxon confined to inland semidesert ecosystems in central-western South Africa. It is commonly accepted as a small annual species occurring in saline habitats in a wide elevation range, but its identity still remains obscure. In the context of taxonomic and phylogenetic research on the African species of Spergularia, we found that the name was never validly published. After revision of herbarium material housed in South African herbaria, a voucher collected from Hanover was found at PRE bearing some labels handwritten by E. Simon that suggest it might be an intended type for the name. Additional herbarium material and wild populations from the Karoo region were identified that matched the samples in that voucher, and taxonomic research was conducted to clarify their identity. Among other characters, those Karoo plants show a woody dense compact habit, woody perennial at base; stems prostrate to ascendent; leaves entirely glabrous, somewhat glaucous; large white-hyaline conspicuous stipules; inflorescence glanduliferous, many-flowered subdichasial cyme, with minute bracts; flowers small, with white petals approximately equalling sepals in length, stamens 7–8, and styles free from base; capsule small, with seeds dimorphic, unwinged to broadly winged, with testa always densely tuberculate. Molecular analyses of plastid (trnL-trnF region) and nuclear ribosomal (5.8S-ITS2 region) DNA sequence data support morphological differentiation of the Karoo plants, for which the name S. hanoverensis is here effectively published. A full morphological description and data on ecology, habitat, distribution, and taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships of S. hanoverensis are compared to other members of the “South African group”, namely S. glandulosa, S. namaquensis, and S. quartzicola, from which the new species considerably differs. The adaptative significance of dimorphic seeds of S. hanoverensis is briefl

Tamarix is native to Eurasia plus the northern and southern territories of Africa, with some species being introduced into America and Oceania. They are usually found in arid, desertic, or subdesertic areas, often on saline or subsaline soils, in Mediterranean, temperate, or subtropical climates. The genus is renowned for its complex taxonomy, which is usually based on rather variable or unstable characters, which leads to contrasting taxonomic treatments. As part of the taxonomic revision of Tamarix undertaken by the authors, ten names (i.e., T. africana, T. bounopoea, T. brachystylis var. fluminensis, T. malenconiana, T. muluyana, T. tenuifolia, T. tingitana, T. trabutii, T. valdesquamigera, and T. weyleri) published from material collected in the southwestern parts of the Mediterranean basin are taxonomically and nomenclaturally discussed after analysing their original material. Eight intended holotypes are corrected here to lectotypes; one epitype is designated for T. africana to warrant current use of the name; and one isotype, 30 isolectotypes, and 11 syntypes are also identified for the studied names. Further, the taxonomic identity of all names and their eventual synonymic placement are accordingly discussed.

The study of wild and cultivated material of Trimelopter from the Northern Cape province of South Africa revealed an undescribed species that shows a unique syndrome of morphological characters. We here describe Trimelopter cordifolium based on plants approaching T. psammophorum but differing in its small, cordate, psammophorous leaf, shorter inflorescence and pedicels, smaller flowers and bracts, and more prominently sculptured ovary. We provide a complete morphological description as well as data on ecology and distribution. We also report new data and illustrations of T. psammophorum, which complement its scarce description in the protologue.

Helianthemum bilyanense (Cistaceae) es un endemismo local del noroeste de la provincia de Alicante que habita exclusivamente sobre substratos yesíferos, bajo un bioclima mesomediterráneo-inferior seco-inferior. Actualmente se conoce una única población en los alrededores de Villena, con un área de ocupación de 1037 m2 donde se han censado tan sólo 432 individuos, la cual está sometida a una fuerte presión por parte no sólo de la ganadería, sino por el hecho de que existe un proyecto de instalación de una planta fotovoltaica en ese terreno. Estos datos la convierten en una población extremadamente frágil, con un riesgo de extinción muy alto, por lo que se propone que se catalogue a H. bilyanense en la categoría de amenaza “en peligro crítico” (categoría CR), siguiendo los criterios objetivos para la clasificación de especies según su riesgo de extinción propuestos por la UICN. En consecuencia, se sugiere la urgente inclusión de esta especie en los catálogos de flora protegida de la Comunidad Valenciana y de España., Helianthemum bilyanense is a local endemism from the northwestern part of Alicante province (E of Spain), which occurs exclusively on gypsum substrates, under lower-mesomediterranean lower-dry bioclimate. A sole population is currently known in the surroundings of Villena, with an Area of Occupancy of 1037 m2 and only 432 individuals recorded, this site suffering a severe anthropic pressure not only from livestock overgrazing, but also from a project to develop a photovoltaic plant on that area. In consequence, this population has become extremely fragile and shows a very high risk of extinction, which suggests H. bilyanense to be labelled as “critically endangered" (CR), according to the IUCN categories and criteria. Consequently, the species should be urgently included in the lists of protected flora of the Valencian Community, and also Spain.

Las sapiencias vernáculas son expresiones de las culturas y tradiciones de los pueblos, pero estos saberes son frágiles generacionalmente. Por ello, la presente investigación busca sustentar la importancia de la Etnobotánica en la academia. Inicialmente se llevó a cabo un estudio de campo en el cual participaron 10 informantes calificados (curanderas, hierbateros y comadrona). Las voces y perspectivas de los indígenas y campesinos son visibilizadas en este estudio, el mismo que fue desarrollado en las comunidades de Mulaló, José Guango Bajo, José Guango Alto, Chinchil de Robayo, Barrancas, Ashingua y el norte de Alaquez pertenecientes a la provincia de Cotopaxi del Ecuador. Los informantes identificaron 152 plantas diferentes: medicinales, alimenticias, ritualísticas, alucinógenas, tóxicas, ornamentales, forrajeras, maderables, artesanales, combustibles y cercas vivas que son utilizadas en su vida cotidiana. En segundo lugar, se llevó a cabo un estudio pedagógico y didáctico que involucró a docentes y estudiantes de la Carrera de Pedagogía de las Ciencias Experimentales, Química y Biología de la Universidad Central del Ecuador. Los participantes argumentaron la importancia de la integración de la asignatura de Etnobotánica en el plan de estudios de dicha carrera. Esta investigación es un aporte a esta ciencia y a la formación profesional de los futuros docentes, pues destaca la posología de las especies vegetales y el pensamiento de los guardianes de estos conocimientos. Asimismo, el enfoque formativo busca fomentar el reconocimiento y valoración de los saberes atávicos y particularmente de las plantas útiles, destacando las experiencias vivenciales de las comunidades tradicionales, con el fin de preservarlos y transmitirlos a las generaciones futuras a través de la Educación Superior.

Spain), which occurs exclusively on gypsum substrates, under lower-mesomediterranean lower-dry bioclimate. A sole population is currently known in the surroundings of Villena, with an Area of Occupancy of 1037 m2 and only 432 individuals recorded, this site suffering a severe anthropic pressure not only from livestock overgrazing, but also from a project to develop a photovoltaic plant on that area. In consequence, this population has become extremely fragile and shows a very high risk of extinction, which suggests H. bilyanense to be labelled as “critically endangered" (CR), according to the IUCN categories and criteria. Consequently, the species should be urgently included in the lists of protected flora of the Valencian Community, and also Spain, Helianthemum bilyanense (Cistaceae) es un endemismo local del noroeste de la provincia de Alicante que habita exclusivamente sobre substratos yesíferos, bajo un bioclima mesomediterráneoinferior seco-inferior. Actualmente se conoce una única población en los alrededores de Villena, con un área de ocupación de 1037 m2 donde se han censado tan sólo 432 individuos, la cual está sometida a una fuerte presión por parte no sólo de la ganadería, sino por el hecho de que existe un proyecto de instalación de una planta fotovoltaica en ese terreno. Estos datos la convierten en una población extremadamente frágil, con un riesgo de extinción muy alto, por lo que se propone que se catalogue a H. bilyanense en la categoría de amenaza “en peligro crítico” (categoría CR), siguiendo los criterios objetivos para la clasificación de especies según su riesgo de extinción propuestos por la UICN. En consecuencia, se sugiere la urgente inclusión de esta especie en los catálogos de flora protegida de la Comunidad Valenciana y de España.

A new species, Cathissa villasina, endemic to the Sierra de Las Villas (Jaén province, Eastern Andalusia, Spain), is described, illustrated and compared to its closest relative (C. reverchonii), with which it was initially confused in this area. A comparative morphometric study (quantitative and qualitative) of both species including a statistical analysis of 39 macroscopic characters and the detailed microscopic observation of stigma, seminal testa and pollen was performed. In terms of its ecology and phytogeography, C. villasina grows in pockets of clayey soils on limestone pavements on terrain with little or no incline. Humidity levels in these soils are high and they can become temporarily waterlogged. This species is a narrow endemic to the Cazorlense biogeographical district. By comparison, C. reverchonii is clearly a rupicolous species that grows in the shade of vertical or steeply sloping limestone rocks, and is found in numerous scattered localities in the biogeographical Rondense district.

Our field work in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa revealed an undescribed species of Austronea, which approaches A. marginata and related species, but differs in distinct morphological characters and distribution. We here describe Austronea oblongifolia to include plants showing bulbs with compact scales; a single, oblong, apiculate leaf that is appressed to the ground, and is minutely scabridulous on the upper surface with undifferentiated leaf margin; inflorescence subcapitate with a short peduncle; lowermost bracts with a broad spur; and reddish flowers with smooth filaments. We provide a complete morphological description, as well as data on ecology and distribution.

A new nothospecies, Teucrium × murcigerum, is described which comes from the hybridisation between two species of section Polium: Teucrium murcicum (subsect. Polium) and Teucrium lanigerum (subsect. Simplicipilosa), both endemic to SE Iberian Peninsula. This appears to be the first report of natural intersubsectional hybridisation between T. subsect. Polium and subsect. Simplicipilosa. A morphological description is reported, emphasizing the main diagnostic characters which allow separation from its parental taxa. Additionally, data on its biology, ecology and distribution are also presented, as well as relationships to other related nothospecies produced by its parentals.

Squilla Steinh. was considered to be an orthographic variant of Scilla L., and therefore the new genus Charybdis Speta was created to include Scilla maritima L. and related taxa occurring in the Mediterranean. Molecular phylogenetic studies recovered Charybdis as distant from Urginea; this finding was also supported by morphology and phytochemistry data. However, after typification of Scilla using S. maritima by Rafinesque, Charybdis became illegitimate under Art. 52 of the Shenzhen Code as its name became superfluous when published. A binding decision was requested from the Nomenclature Committee for Vascular Plants (NCVP) on whether Scilla L. and Squilla Steinh. are sufficiently alike to be considered orthographic variants and, hence, to be confused. Most members of the committee favour treating Squilla as not confusable with Scilla, which leaves the former name available for the current concept of Charybdis. In this context, we reevaluate the taxonomy of the genus, accepting 12 species of which eight are accommodated in Squilla as new combinations. Conversely, one of the species of Charybdis is transferred here to Urginavia. Nomenclatural types (including designation of 13 lectotypes, one neotype and one epitype) and the most relevant synonyms are given for each accepted taxon. An identification key is also presented for Squilla to assist future taxonomic studies in this group. We also include a revision of the taxonomic circumscription of the taxa related to S. undulata.

Squilla Steinh. was considered to be an orthographic variant of Scilla L., and therefore the new genus Charybdis Speta was created to include Scilla maritima L. and related taxa occurring in the Mediterranean. Molecular phylogenetic studies recovered Charybdis as distant from Urginea; this finding was also supported by morphology and phytochemistry data. However, after typification of Scilla using S. maritima by Rafinesque, Charybdis became illegitimate under Art. 52 of the Shenzhen Code as its name became superfluous when published. A binding decision was requested from the Nomenclature Committee for Vascular Plants (NCVP) on whether Scilla L. and Squilla Steinh. are sufficiently alike to be considered orthographic variants and, hence, to be confused. Most members of the committee favour treating Squilla as not confusable with Scilla, which leaves the former name available for the current concept of Charybdis. In this context, we reevaluate the taxonomy of the genus, accepting 12 species of which eight are accommodated in Squilla as new combinations. Conversely, one of the species of Charybdis is transferred here to Urginavia. Nomenclatural types (including designation of 13 lectotypes, one neotype and one epitype) and the most relevant synonyms are given for each accepted taxon. An identification key is also presented for Squilla to assist future taxonomic studies in this group. We also include a revision of the taxonomic circumscription of the taxa related to S. undulata.

The taxonomy and systematics of Urgineoideae (Hyacinthaceae) have been controversial in recent decades, with contrasting taxonomic treatments proposed based on preliminary and partial studies that have focused on morphology and/or solely plastid DNA sequence data. Some authors have recognized only two genera, with a very broadly conceived Drimia, while others have accepted several genera that, although better defined morphologically, were doubtfully monophyletic. Here, we present phylogenetic analyses involving four plastid DNA regions (trnL intron, trnL-F spacer, matK, and the trnCGCA-ycf6 intergenic region), a nuclear region (Agt1), and a selection of 40 morphological characters. Our study covers 293 samples and ca. 160 species of Urgineoideae (ca. 80% of its global diversity). Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and maximum parsimony analyses were performed to derive the phylogenetic patterns. The combination of data yielded phylogenetic trees with 31 well-defined clades or lineages, most corresponding to previously described genera, although some have required description or revised circumscription. As with other monocot families, a considerable degree of homoplasy was observed in morphological characters, especially in those groups with unspecialized flowers; nonetheless, consistent syndromes of traditional and novel characters are shown to support clade recognition at genus rank. The forthcoming revised classification of Urgineoideae is outlined here.

Squilla Steinh. was considered to be an orthographic variant of Scilla L., and therefore the new genus Charybdis Speta was created to include Scilla maritima L. and related taxa occurring in the Mediterranean. Molecular phylogenetic studies recovered Charybdis as distant from Urginea; this finding was also supported by morphology and phytochemistry data. However, after typification of Scilla using S. maritima by Rafinesque, Charybdis became illegitimate under Art. 52 of the Shenzhen Code as its name became superfluous when published. A binding decision was requested from the Nomenclature Committee for Vascular Plants (NCVP) on whether Scilla L. and Squilla Steinh. are sufficiently alike to be considered orthographic variants and, hence, to be confused. Most members of the committee favour treating Squilla as not confusable with Scilla, which leaves the former name available for the current concept of Charybdis. In this context, we reevaluate the taxonomy of the genus, accepting 12 species of which eight are accommodated in Squilla as new combinations. Conversely, one of the species of Charybdis is transferred here to Urginavia. Nomenclatural types (including designation of 13 lectotypes, one neotype and one epitype) and the most relevant synonyms are given for each accepted taxon. An identification key is also presented for Squilla to assist future taxonomic studies in this group. We also include a revision of the taxonomic circumscription of the taxa related to S. undulata.

Squilla Steinh. was considered to be an orthographic variant of Scilla L., and therefore the new genus Charybdis Speta was created to include Scilla maritima L. and related taxa occurring in the Mediterranean. Molecular phylogenetic studies recovered Charybdis as distant from Urginea; this finding was also supported by morphology and phytochemistry data. However, after typification of Scilla using S. maritima by Rafinesque, Charybdis became illegitimate under Art. 52 of the Shenzhen Code as its name became superfluous when published. A binding decision was requested from the Nomenclature Committee for Vascular Plants (NCVP) on whether Scilla L. and Squilla Steinh. are sufficiently alike to be considered orthographic variants and, hence, to be confused. Most members of the committee favour treating Squilla as not confusable with Scilla, which leaves the former name available for the current concept of Charybdis. In this context, we reevaluate the taxonomy of the genus, accepting 12 species of which eight are accommodated in Squilla as new combinations. Conversely, one of the species of Charybdis is transferred here to Urginavia. Nomenclatural types (including designation of 13 lectotypes, one neotype and one epitype) and the most relevant synonyms are given for each accepted taxon. An identification key is also presented for Squilla to assist future taxonomic studies in this group. We also include a revision of the taxonomic circumscription of the taxa related to S. undulata.

La situación actual debida a la covid-19, nos ha forzado a la adaptación de la docencia al modo on line o, en el mejor de los casos, híbrido. Sin embargo, para la formación práctica en el grado de Biología este tipo de docencia presenta dificultades añadidas. Con el fin de ofrecer al alumnado de la asignatura de Biología (1er curso de grado en Biología, Universidad de Alicante) una adecuada formación cuando no sea posible su presencia en el laboratorio o deba minimizarse el contacto personal, se ha diseñado la experiencia educativa “laboratorio virtual de Botánica”, con material gráfico, imágenes de muestras y vídeos de procedimientos, incluidos en un guion explicativo. Esta herramienta fue publicada en el Moodle de la asignatura, y su visualización fue combinada con las prácticas presenciales bajo normas covid-19. La experiencia fue posteriormente evaluada mediante cuestionarios cumplimentados por el alumnado, comprobándose que ha resultado no sólo útil como sustitutivo de prácticas presenciales, sino también como apoyo para situaciones de docencia con medidas de distanciamiento. Además, el estudiantado considera que es más útil visionar el “laboratorio virtual” previamente a las prácticas presenciales, y valoran las imágenes fotográficas como la parte más útil para su formación.

A new species of Vera-duthiea (Hyacinthaceae) is described from the southern parts of the Dhofar province of Oman. The species is fully described and illustrated, including information on its taxonomic relationships, biology, habitat and distribution. An assessment of its conservation status is also provided.

Within the framework of a taxonomic revision of Hyacinthaceae subfamily Ornithogaloideae, we present two new combinations in Eliokarmos for South African species, and five new combinations in Loncomelos for taxa occurring in Iran and Iraq. Details on the concerned types are given, and a new lectotype is designated.

Se presentan nuevos datos sobre las comunidades rupícolas de la alianza Pinguiculion longifoliae en la Península Ibérica. Estos tipos de vegetación crecen en roquedos calcáreos y dolomíticos, particularmente en paredones y abrigos umbrosos, sobre suelos apenas desarrollados donde se forman tobas que permanecen húmedas y rezumantes durante gran parte del año, debido al afloramiento continuo de agua. Aunque hasta el momento se venía aceptando la existencia de cinco asociaciones en la Península Ibérica, estudios recientes sobre la taxonomía de las especies rupícolas de Pinguicula en el este y sur peninsulares permite una nueva interpretación de estos frágiles hábitats. En la presente aportación se reconocen ocho asociaciones en la alianza, de las que una se describe como nueva (Eucladio verticillati-Pinguiculetum casperianae ass. nov.); se realiza una nueva combinación nomenclatural en el rango de asociación (Adianto capilli-veneris-Pinguiculetum dertosensis comb. nov.); y se corrige el nombre de otra asociación (Southbyo tophaceae-Pinguiculetum tejedensis nom. corr.). Para todas ellas se ofrecen datos sobre su sinonimia, composición florística habitual, ecología y corología, y se indica también su tipo nomenclatural (incluyendo la designación de un lectótipo para la Adianto-Pinguiculetum dertosensis)., New data are presented on the rupicolous communities of Pinguiculion longifoliae, which occur in the Iberian Peninsula. They grow mostly on vertical, limestone or dolomitic cliffs, namely in shady rock crevices with scarcely developed soil, where tufa deposits are formed that remain sodden and dripping during most of the year due to water emergence. Although up to now the existence of five Iberian associations had been widely accepted, recent studies on the taxonomy of the rupicolous species of Pinguicula in the eastern and southern Iberian Peninsula allows a new interpretation of these fragile habitats. In this contribution, eight associations are recognised in the alliance, one of which is described as new (Eucladio verticillati-Pinguiculetum casperianae ass. nov.); a new nomenclatural combination is made at the association rank (Adianto capilli-veneris-Pinguiculetum dertosensis comb. nov.); and a nomenclatural correction is made for another one (Southbyo tophaceae-Pinguiculetum tejedensis nom. corr.). For each accepted syntaxon, data on their synonymy, usual floristic composition, ecology and chorology are provided, and their nomenclatural type is indicated (including the designation of a lectotype for Adianto-Pinguiculetum dertosensis).

A new species, Spergularia quartzicola, is described from the quartz outcrops of Knersvlakte (Namaqualand, South Africa). It was sometimes confused with S. media because of perennial habit and white flowers, but the new species differs by the subshrubby, strongly woody at base, habit (vs. herbaceous, suffruticose at the base); the leaves with a long mucro and stipules narrowly triangular and acuminate (vs. leaves with minute or absent mucro, and stipules broadly triangular and not acuminate); the flowers with styles fused in a long column (vs. styles entirely free), and the seeds with deeply and irregularly lacerate wing (vs. wing entire or slightly eroded). This combination of characters is unique among the known South African relatives. Our trnL-trnF and 5.8-ITS2 phylogenetic trees place S. quartzicola together with the South African S. glandulosa and S. namaquensis in an unresolved clade, which is far from the group of S. media. Furthermore, the outstanding morphological, ecological and chorological divergence exhibited by S. quartzicola support its recognition at species rank. According to the data presented here, S. quartzicola should be considered an edaphic specialist, which might have arisen following ecological diversification on Knersvlakte quartz outcrops, as it occurred in other taxa endemic to that territory.

The taxonomic identity and phylogenetic relationships of several South African perennial taxa often synonymised to the European Spergularia media are discussed. In particular, the case of Arenaria glandulosa Jacq., a species described as native to the Cape region of South Africa, was revisited. We found this taxon to be a Spergularia, endemic to salt-laden coastal (and rarely also saline inland) habitats of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. This taxon is a prostrate to procumbent caespitose herb, densely glandulous all over, with small flowers solitary at the base of each leaf-like bract or in congested dichasial cymes, producing petals about equalling the sepals and free styles, among other characters. Further, we describe a morphologically similar species (often mistaken for S. media and S. bocconei) occurring in succulent Karoo scrub of Namaqualand, as a new species, named S. namaquensis. Both are glandulous dwarf subshrubs considerably differing from the recently discovered S. quartzicola, a soil-specialist endemic from Namaqualand quartzitic outcrops, by many notable vegetative and reproductive features. Molecular analyses of plastid (trnL–trnF region) and nuclear ribosomal (5.8S-ITS2 region) DNA sequence data support the morphological differentiation between the South African species S. glandulosa, S. namaquensis and S. quartzicola, representing an independent lineage when compared with the Northern Hemisphere members of the S. maritima group. Synonymy, new complete descriptions and ecological and distributional data are provided to facilitate further identification of species within the putative S. media group.

Within the framework of a taxonomic revision of subfamily Urgineoideae based on morphological, genetic and phytogeographic data covering numerous samples from its whole range of distribution, we here describe a new genus and species from Pella se Berge in northwestern South Africa. Triandra gen. nov. is easily characterized by the absence of stamens associated with the outer tepal whorl, therefore having only three stamens per flower, a character previously unknown in Hyacinthaceae. Triandra pellabergensis sp. nov. produces hypogeal bulbs with filiform proteranthous leaves, spurred bracts, lax racemes with few, nodding, nocturnal flowers and erect capsules with the withered tepals persisting atop. The new species resembles Urginea revoluta in general morphology, although this latter species has six stamens per flower, a different seed morphology, a distinct phytogeographic pattern, and a distant phylogenetic relationship. A complete morphological description is presented for the new genus and species, including data on its biology, ecology and distribution.

Taxonomic revisions using newly available molecular data can have profound consequences for identifying areas of high endemism and, therefore, high conservation priority. A good example of the connection between taxonomy, biodiversity ecology, and conservation issues is genus Phaeiris (Iris subsect. Hexagonae), an endemic taxon of the southeastern United States and in particular P. hexagona (I. hexagona) (Blue Flag), perhaps the best‐known species of this genus. Some authors recently provided evidence for the need to revise the taxonomy of the Blue Flag, which has usually been considered to consist of a single species, P. hexagona. Using molecular and bioclimatic analyses of Blue Flags from Florida and Louisiana, collected at their loci classici, we challenge the notion that P. hexagona is a single species, referring to the almost forgotten taxonomic context of Phaeiris as established by John K. Small and Edward J. Alexander nearly 90 yr ago. Our vision of the P. hexagona complex reinforces the current treatment of Southern Coastal Plain as a biodiversity hotspot. Our results also argue for the complex nature of endemism on the Florida Peninsula, and elsewhere on the Southern Coastal Plain, including a new interpretation of the well‐studied Louisiana irises. We also propose that the valleys of Florida rivers and lakes are likely to harbor additional hidden biodiversity. Accurate taxonomy proved to be a heuristic tool to characterize better the actual level of biodiversity within Southern Coastal Plain as well as to describe the different areas endemism. The newly re‐documented taxonomic diversity in broadly defined P. hexagona should also be considered in future conservation efforts.

La situación actual debida a la covid-19, nos ha forzado a la adaptación de la docencia al modo on line o, en el mejor de los casos, híbrido. Sin embargo, para la formación práctica en el grado de Biología este tipo de docencia presenta dificultades añadidas. Con el fin de ofrecer al alumnado de la asignatura de Biología (1er curso de grado en Biología, Universidad de Alicante) una adecuada formación cuando no sea posible su presencia en el laboratorio o deba minimizarse el contacto personal, se ha diseñado la experiencia educativa “laboratorio virtual de Botánica”, con material gráfico, imágenes de muestras y vídeos de procedimientos, incluidos en un guion explicativo. Esta herramienta fue publicada en el Moodle de la asignatura, y su visualización fue combinada con las prácticas presenciales bajo normas covid-19. La experiencia fue posteriormente evaluada mediante cuestionarios cumplimentados por el alumnado, comprobándose que ha resultado no sólo útil como sustitutivo de prácticas presenciales, sino también como apoyo para situaciones de docencia con medidas de distanciamiento. Además, el estudiantado considera que es más útil visionar el “laboratorio virtual” previamente a las prácticas presenciales, y valoran las imágenes fotográficas como la parte más útil para su formación.

A new species of Vera-duthiea (Hyacinthaceae) is described from the southern parts of the Dhofar province of Oman. The species is fully described and illustrated, including information on its taxonomic relationships, biology, habitat and distribution. An assessment of its conservation status is also provided.

Within the framework of a taxonomic revision of Hyacinthaceae subfamily Ornithogaloideae, we present two new combinations in Eliokarmos for South African species, and five new combinations in Loncomelos for taxa occurring in Iran and Iraq. Details on the concerned types are given, and a new lectotype is designated.

A new species, Spergularia quartzicola, is described from the quartz outcrops of Knersvlakte (Namaqualand, South Africa). It was sometimes confused with S. media because of perennial habit and white flowers, but the new species differs by the subshrubby, strongly woody at base, habit (vs. herbaceous, suffruticose at the base); the leaves with a long mucro and stipules narrowly triangular and acuminate (vs. leaves with minute or absent mucro, and stipules broadly triangular and not acuminate); the flowers with styles fused in a long column (vs. styles entirely free), and the seeds with deeply and irregularly lacerate wing (vs. wing entire or slightly eroded). This combination of characters is unique among the known South African relatives. Our trnL-trnF and 5.8-ITS2 phylogenetic trees place S. quartzicola together with the South African S. glandulosa and S. namaquensis in an unresolved clade, which is far from the group of S. media. Furthermore, the outstanding morphological, ecological and chorological divergence exhibited by S. quartzicola support its recognition at species rank. According to the data presented here, S. quartzicola should be considered an edaphic specialist, which might have arisen following ecological diversification on Knersvlakte quartz outcrops, as it occurred in other taxa endemic to that territory.

Se presentan nuevos datos sobre las comunidades rupícolas de la alianza Pinguiculion longifoliae en la Península Ibérica. Estos tipos de vegetación crecen en roquedos calcáreos y dolomíticos, particularmente en paredones y abrigos umbrosos, sobre suelos apenas desarrollados donde se forman tobas que permanecen húmedas y rezumantes durante gran parte del año, debido al afloramiento continuo de agua. Aunque hasta el momento se venía aceptando la existencia de cinco asociaciones en la Península Ibérica, estudios recientes sobre la taxonomía de las especies rupícolas de Pinguicula en el este y sur peninsulares permite una nueva interpretación de estos frágiles hábitats. En la presente aportación se reconocen ocho asociaciones en la alianza, de las que una se describe como nueva (Eucladio verticillati-Pinguiculetum casperianae ass. nov.); se realiza una nueva combinación nomenclatural en el rango de asociación (Adianto capilli-veneris-Pinguiculetum dertosensis comb. nov.); y se corrige el nombre de otra asociación (Southbyo tophaceae-Pinguiculetum tejedensis nom. corr.). Para todas ellas se ofrecen datos sobre su sinonimia, composición florística habitual, ecología y corología, y se indica también su tipo nomenclatural (incluyendo la designación de un lectótipo para la Adianto-Pinguiculetum dertosensis)., New data are presented on the rupicolous communities of Pinguiculion longifoliae, which occur in the Iberian Peninsula. They grow mostly on vertical, limestone or dolomitic cliffs, namely in shady rock crevices with scarcely developed soil, where tufa deposits are formed that remain sodden and dripping during most of the year due to water emergence. Although up to now the existence of five Iberian associations had been widely accepted, recent studies on the taxonomy of the rupicolous species of Pinguicula in the eastern and southern Iberian Peninsula allows a new interpretation of these fragile habitats. In this contribution, eight associations are recognised in the alliance, one of which is described as new (Eucladio verticillati-Pinguiculetum casperianae ass. nov.); a new nomenclatural combination is made at the association rank (Adianto capilli-veneris-Pinguiculetum dertosensis comb. nov.); and a nomenclatural correction is made for another one (Southbyo tophaceae-Pinguiculetum tejedensis nom. corr.). For each accepted syntaxon, data on their synonymy, usual floristic composition, ecology and chorology are provided, and their nomenclatural type is indicated (including the designation of a lectotype for Adianto-Pinguiculetum dertosensis).

Within the framework of a taxonomic revision of subfamily Urgineoideae based on morphological, genetic and phytogeographic data covering numerous samples from its whole range of distribution, we here describe a new genus and species from Pella se Berge in northwestern South Africa. Triandra gen. nov. is easily characterized by the absence of stamens associated with the outer tepal whorl, therefore having only three stamens per flower, a character previously unknown in Hyacinthaceae. Triandra pellabergensis sp. nov. produces hypogeal bulbs with filiform proteranthous leaves, spurred bracts, lax racemes with few, nodding, nocturnal flowers and erect capsules with the withered tepals persisting atop. The new species resembles Urginea revoluta in general morphology, although this latter species has six stamens per flower, a different seed morphology, a distinct phytogeographic pattern, and a distant phylogenetic relationship. A complete morphological description is presented for the new genus and species, including data on its biology, ecology and distribution.

The taxonomic identity and phylogenetic relationships of several South African perennial taxa often synonymised to the European Spergularia media are discussed. In particular, the case of Arenaria glandulosa Jacq., a species described as native to the Cape region of South Africa, was revisited. We found this taxon to be a Spergularia, endemic to salt-laden coastal (and rarely also saline inland) habitats of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. This taxon is a prostrate to procumbent caespitose herb, densely glandulous all over, with small flowers solitary at the base of each leaf-like bract or in congested dichasial cymes, producing petals about equalling the sepals and free styles, among other characters. Further, we describe a morphologically similar species (often mistaken for S. media and S. bocconei) occurring in succulent Karoo scrub of Namaqualand, as a new species, named S. namaquensis. Both are glandulous dwarf subshrubs considerably differing from the recently discovered S. quartzicola, a soil-specialist endemic from Namaqualand quartzitic outcrops, by many notable vegetative and reproductive features. Molecular analyses of plastid (trnL–trnF region) and nuclear ribosomal (5.8S-ITS2 region) DNA sequence data support the morphological differentiation between the South African species S. glandulosa, S. namaquensis and S. quartzicola, representing an independent lineage when compared with the Northern Hemisphere members of the S. maritima group. Synonymy, new complete descriptions and ecological and distributional data are provided to facilitate further identification of species within the putative S. media group.

Taxonomic revisions using newly available molecular data can have profound consequences for identifying areas of high endemism and, therefore, high conservation priority. A good example of the connection between taxonomy, biodiversity ecology, and conservation issues is genus Phaeiris (Iris subsect. Hexagonae), an endemic taxon of the southeastern United States and in particular P. hexagona (I. hexagona) (Blue Flag), perhaps the best‐known species of this genus. Some authors recently provided evidence for the need to revise the taxonomy of the Blue Flag, which has usually been considered to consist of a single species, P. hexagona. Using molecular and bioclimatic analyses of Blue Flags from Florida and Louisiana, collected at their loci classici, we challenge the notion that P. hexagona is a single species, referring to the almost forgotten taxonomic context of Phaeiris as established by John K. Small and Edward J. Alexander nearly 90 yr ago. Our vision of the P. hexagona complex reinforces the current treatment of Southern Coastal Plain as a biodiversity hotspot. Our results also argue for the complex nature of endemism on the Florida Peninsula, and elsewhere on the Southern Coastal Plain, including a new interpretation of the well‐studied Louisiana irises. We also propose that the valleys of Florida rivers and lakes are likely to harbor additional hidden biodiversity. Accurate taxonomy proved to be a heuristic tool to characterize better the actual level of biodiversity within Southern Coastal Plain as well as to describe the different areas endemism. The newly re‐documented taxonomic diversity in broadly defined P. hexagona should also be considered in future conservation efforts.

New data are presented on the rupicolous communities of Pinguiculion longifoliae, which occur in the Iberian Peninsula. They grow mostly on vertical, limestone or dolomitic cliffs, namely in shady rock crevices with scarcely developed soil, where tufa deposits are formed that remain sodden and dripping during most of the year due to water emergence. Although up to now the existence of five Iberian associations had been widely accepted, recent studies on the taxonomy of the rupicolous species of Pinguicula in the eastern and southern Iberian Peninsula allows a new interpretation of these fragile habitats. In this contribution, eight associations are recognised in the alliance, one of which is described as new (Eucladio verticillati-Pinguiculetum casperianae ass. nov.); a new nomenclatural combination is made at the association rank (Adianto capilli-veneris-Pinguiculetum dertosensis comb. nov.); and a nomenclatural correction is made for another one (Southbyo tophaceae-Pinguiculetum tejedensis nom. corr.). For each accepted syntaxon, data on their synonymy, usual floristic composition, ecology and chorology are provided, and their nomenclatural type is indicated (including the designation of a lectotype for Adianto-Pinguiculetum dertosensis)., Se presentan nuevos datos sobre las comunidades rupícolas de la alianza Pinguiculion longifoliae en la Península Ibérica. Estos tipos de vegetación crecen en roquedos calcáreos y dolomíticos, particularmente en paredones y abrigos umbrosos, sobre suelos apenas desarrollados donde se forman tobas que permanecen húmedas y rezumantes durante gran parte del año, debido al afloramiento continuo de agua. Aunque hasta el momento se venía aceptando la existencia de cinco asociaciones en la Península Ibérica, estudios recientes sobre la taxonomía de las especies rupícolas de Pinguicula en el este y sur peninsulares permite una nueva interpretación de estos frágiles hábitats. En la presente aportación se reconocen ocho asociaciones en la alianza, de las que una se describe como nueva (Eucladio verticillati-Pinguiculetum casperianae ass. nov.); se realiza una nueva combinación nomenclatural en el rango de asociación (Adianto capilli-veneris-Pinguiculetum dertosensis comb. nov.); y se corrige el nombre de otra asociación (Southbyo tophaceae-Pinguiculetum tejedensis nom. corr.). Para todas ellas se ofrecen datos sobre su sinonimia, composición florística habitual, ecología y corología, y se indica también su tipo nomenclatural (incluyendo la designación de un lectótipo para la Adianto-Pinguiculetum dertosensis).

Hyacinthaceae subfam. Ornithogaloideae (= tribe Ornithogaleae of Aparagaceae sensu APG 2009, 2016, Chase et al. 2009) includes about 300 species of bulbous plants mainly distributed throughout Europe, Africa and south-west Asia. The latest comprehensive study in Ornithogaloideae (Martínez-Azorín et al. 2011) demonstrates the existence of 19 monophyletic genera which are characterised by a clear syndrome of morphological characters related to biogeographic patterns.

Among the recently described genera in Hyacinthaceae subfamily Urgineoideae (= Asparagaceae subfam. Scilloideae tribe Urgineeae), Austronea Mart.-Azorín, M.B.Crespo, M.Pinter & Wetschnig in Martínez-Azorín et al. (2018: 105) includes 20 species restricted to southern Africa (Martínez-Azorín et al. 2018, 2019a, 2019b). Some such species were traditionally included in Urginea Steinheil (1834: 321) or Drimia Jacq. ex Willdenow (1799: 165) sensu lato and resemble those of Fusifilum Rafinesque (1837: 27), a phylogenetic relationship supported by molecular data (Martínez-Azorín et al. in prep.). However, species of Austronea are easily identified by a unique syndrome of morphological characters, the most characteristic being the subcorymbose or congested raceme that commonly nods during early developmental stages, the green to yellowish ovary (in contrast to the white gynoecium of Fusifilum) and the tetrahedrally folded seeds with narrowly winged angles (see Martínez-Azorín et al. 2018).

Within the framework 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 Tenicroa. Species of Tenicroa have a very intricate history and therefore, unlike many others, they have been placed by time in eight different genera. Tenicroa is characterized by having (mostly) synanthous leaves and sheathing cataphylls with raised darker transversal ridges, diurnal stellate flowers with white tepals having a distinct narrow, reddish-brown or greenish band, subbasifixed anthers, and the ovary elliptic-oblong to oblong, with an elongate, deflexed and often sigmoid style, and a papillate stigma. In this context, we here describe four new species (T. applanata, T. fibrosa, T. namibensis, T. polyantha) and present two new combinations (T. flexuosa, T. unifolia) in this genus. An identification key is provided for the 12 accepted species in the genus.

A new species of the southern Africa endemic genus Eliokarmos, that includes the well-known chincherinchees, is described from the vicinity of Kotzesrus, Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Eliokarmos humanii sp. nov. is unique in the genus based on its single, slightly fleshy, suborbicular, convex leaf with ciliate margin, and the short subspiciform inflorescence with almost sessile flowers. A complete description is presented for this species, and data on morphology, ecology, and distribution are reported. In addition, Ornithogalum richtersveldensis, recently described from northwestern South Africa, is transferred to Eliokarmos based on its morphology and biogeography, and a new combination is presented for this species in the latter genus.

Nomenclatural types of eleven names of Paniceae described from the Old World are indicated and discussed. This includes designation of ten new types (i.e. four lectotypes, one second-step lectotype, three epitypes and two neotypes) for names currently accepted at different ranks in Cenchrus, Digitaria, Echinochloa, Oplismenus and Setaria. Furthermore, seven new combinations of infrageneric groups are also validated in Cenchrus (namely C. sect. Beckeropsis, C. sect. Brevivalvula, C. sect. Dactylophora, C. sect. Gymnotrix, C. sect. Kikuyuochloa, C. sect. Penicillaria, and C. sect. Pleurostigma) to accommodate the representatives of that genus occurring in the Iberian Peninsula and the Old World.

Urginea zambesiaca Baker (1873: 223) (Hyacinthaceae, Urgineoideae) was originally described from Mozambique and has been erroneously taxonomically interpreted in recent decades (e.g. Polhill 1962, Kativu & Drummond 1994, Manning & Goldblatt 2018, Manning 2019). Among those interpretations, the recently described Zingela pooleyorum Crouch et al. (2018: 36) has been reduced to its synonymy (Manning 2019); the inappropriateness of that step requires clarification.

Two new rupicolous species of Pinguicula are described from the limestone and dolomitic mountain ranges of central and southern Iberian Peninsula, which were previously identified as P. submediterranea, P. mundi or P. dertosensis. First, the name P. tejedensis sp. nov. is applied to populations concealed to the high elevation areas of Sierra de Tejeda and Sierra de Almijara, in Granada Province (Andalusia, southern Iberian Peninsula). They resemble P. submediterranea, a name here revived for the Subbetic populations of Jaen Province, but its floral features, fruits and seeds allow easy differentiation. Second, P. casperiana is proposed to name populations occurring in the medium to high elevation areas of Serranía de Cuenca, between Cuenca and Guadalajara Provinces (Castilla-La Mancha, central-eastern Iberian Peninsula). Members of the Castillian species are closer to P. dertosensis and also akin to P. mundi, but again their floral features, fruits and seeds allow safe recognition. Both species are significantly different to each other and with regard to their morphologically close relatives, and they also show molecular divergences that support recognition at species rank. Data on morphological traits, ecology, distribution, biogeography and phylogenetic relationships are also presented.

The identity of Drimia purpurascens, a name usually synonymised to the African D. elata, is clarified. Morphological data in the protologue allow identification of the former with the Mediterranean D. undata (Urginea undulata), which is usually treated as belonging to Charybdis, a genus morphologically and molecularly separated from both Drimia s.str. and Urginea. However, Charybdis is considered to be illegitimate and hence unavailable for use, and when treated as different from Drimia and Urginea, the name Squilla might be applied. A binding decision was requested from the Nomenclature Committee for Vascular Plants on whether Scilla and Squilla are sufficiently alike to be confused. In the meantime, Drimia is here accepted to include, among others, two morphologically distinct aggregates: the “D. undata group” and the “D. maritima group”. The present contribution focusses on the former, in which three species are recognised that show clear morphological and biogeographical differences. Two specific names are revived: D. purpurascens (for D. undata) and D. serotina (for D. tazensis), the latter established as a new combination. Furthermore, a new species (D. palaestina sp. nov.) is described for the easternmost Mediterranean populations referred to D. undata. Similarly, one additional combination, D. secundiflora, is effected in the “Drimia maritima group”. Nomenclatural types (including 3 new lectotypes, 2 new neotypes and 1 new epitype) are indicated, and synonyms are shown for each accepted taxon. The taxonomic treatment for the “D. undata group” including chromosome numbers, phenology, habitats, distribution, and conservation status is presented. An identification key is also reported.

Se cita por primera vez la presencia de Calicotome villosa en los territorios iberolevantinos. Es ésta una especie ampliamente repartida por la Cuenca Mediterránea, que en la Península Ibérica presenta una distribución Bética y Luso-Extremadurense, con preferencia por suelos ácidos, en el piso de vegetación termomediterráneo subhúmedo-húmedo. En esta ocasión se ha recolectado en la partida de las Albarizas, en el término municipal de Villena (Alicante), dentro del piso mesomediterráneo seco, y sobre suelos arcillosos básicos. Esta nueva localidad, que es la primera referencia de C. villosa en la flora de la Comunidad Valenciana, permite ampliar considerablemente tanto el área corológica como el comportamiento ecológico de esta especie en la Península Ibérica., The presence of Calicotome villosa is cited for the first time in the Ibero-Levantine territories of the Iberian Peninsula. This is a species widely distributed through the Mediterranean Basin, which is found in the Betic and Luso-Extremadurensian territories of southern Iberian Peninsula, where it mostly occurs in acid soils within the thermomediterranean subhumid-humid bioclimatic stage. The species was recently gathered in Las Albarizas area, in the municipality of Villena (Alicante Province), growing on basic clayish soils within the mesomediterranean dry stage. The new location, which is the first record of C. villosa for the Valencian flora, allows to considerably expand both the chorological area and the ecological behaviour of this species in the Iberian Peninsula.

In the framework of a revision of the Iberian Paniceae Brown (1814: 582) for the Flora iberica project, we came across the aggregate of the “Natal grass”, Melinis repens (Willdenow 1797: 322) Zizka (1988: 55), a group of annual to short-lived perennial grasses being native and widely distributed in Tropical Africa, Arabian Peninsula, India, Cape Verde, and the Canary Islands. Only M. repens s.str. is currently naturalised in the Mediterranean basin, America, Australia, southeastern Asia and the Pacific Islands, where it was mostly introduced for ornamental use, forage or stabilization and cover on disturbed sites, and has become an invasive alien species (Kaufman 2012).

Hyacinthaceae subfam. Ornithogaloideae (= tribe Ornithogaleae of Aparagaceae sensu APG 2009, 2016, Chase et al. 2009) includes about 300 species of bulbous plants mainly distributed throughout Europe, Africa and south-west Asia. The latest comprehensive study in Ornithogaloideae (Martínez-Azorín et al. 2011) demonstrates the existence of 19 monophyletic genera which are characterised by a clear syndrome of morphological characters related to biogeographic patterns.

Among the recently described genera in Hyacinthaceae subfamily Urgineoideae (= Asparagaceae subfam. Scilloideae tribe Urgineeae), Austronea Mart.-Azorín, M.B.Crespo, M.Pinter & Wetschnig in Martínez-Azorín et al. (2018: 105) includes 20 species restricted to southern Africa (Martínez-Azorín et al. 2018, 2019a, 2019b). Some such species were traditionally included in Urginea Steinheil (1834: 321) or Drimia Jacq. ex Willdenow (1799: 165) sensu lato and resemble those of Fusifilum Rafinesque (1837: 27), a phylogenetic relationship supported by molecular data (Martínez-Azorín et al. in prep.). However, species of Austronea are easily identified by a unique syndrome of morphological characters, the most characteristic being the subcorymbose or congested raceme that commonly nods during early developmental stages, the green to yellowish ovary (in contrast to the white gynoecium of Fusifilum) and the tetrahedrally folded seeds with narrowly winged angles (see Martínez-Azorín et al. 2018).

Within the framework 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 Tenicroa. Species of Tenicroa have a very intricate history and therefore, unlike many others, they have been placed by time in eight different genera. Tenicroa is characterized by having (mostly) synanthous leaves and sheathing cataphylls with raised darker transversal ridges, diurnal stellate flowers with white tepals having a distinct narrow, reddish-brown or greenish band, subbasifixed anthers, and the ovary elliptic-oblong to oblong, with an elongate, deflexed and often sigmoid style, and a papillate stigma. In this context, we here describe four new species (T. applanata, T. fibrosa, T. namibensis, T. polyantha) and present two new combinations (T. flexuosa, T. unifolia) in this genus. An identification key is provided for the 12 accepted species in the genus.

Urginea zambesiaca Baker (1873: 223) (Hyacinthaceae, Urgineoideae) was originally described from Mozambique and has been erroneously taxonomically interpreted in recent decades (e.g. Polhill 1962, Kativu & Drummond 1994, Manning & Goldblatt 2018, Manning 2019). Among those interpretations, the recently described Zingela pooleyorum Crouch et al. (2018: 36) has been reduced to its synonymy (Manning 2019); the inappropriateness of that step requires clarification.