Lithospermum sylvestre (Boraginaceae): A new species from the Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Background Recent field work in the Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape, resulted in several collections of an unknown species of Lithospermum (Boraginaceae), a genus that is taxonomically relatively poorly understood in southern Africa. Objectives To describe the Baviaanskloof collections and characterise them against currently known species of Lithospermum. Method Relevant literature was surveyed and herbarium and fresh material was examined. Results Recent collections of Lithospermum from the Baviaanskloof Mountains in Eastern Cape represent an undescribed species. Conclusion Lithospermum sylvestre J.Cohen & J.C.Manning is a new species recognised by its well-branched stems with adpressed-scabrid pubescence, and relatively long-tubed flowers with long styles that are ± as long as the corolla tube and only shortly included within it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]