The identity of Albuca caudata Jacq. (Hyacinthaceae) and a description of a new related species: A. bakeri

Abstract

The name Albuca caudata Jacq. has been widely misunderstood or even ignored since its description in 1791. After studying herbarium specimens and living populations in South Africa, plants fitting Jacquin´s concept of that species are found to be widely distributed in the Eastern Cape, mainly in the Albany centre of Endemism. Furthermore, some divergent specimens matching Baker´s concept of A. caudata are described as a new related species: A. bakeri. Data on typification, morphology, ecology, and distribution are reported for both taxa. Affinities and divergences with other close allies are also discussed.

Keywords

• <i>Albuca bakeri</i> sp. nov.
• <i>Albuca caudata</i>
• distribution
• taxonomy
• typification.