Five new species of Rhodocodon (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae) from Madagascar

Abstract

As part of a taxonomic revision of Rhodocodon, five new species are here described based on distinct syndromes of morphological characters and biogeographical patterns. Rhodocodon petrae resembles R. calcicola but differs in flower morphology and leaf size. Rhodocodon viridans is related to R. intermedius but differs in its proliferous bulb, synanthous leaves, green flowers and long style. Rhodocodon rubescens shows affinities to R. rotundus and R. campanulatus in general appearance but the former shows a different vegetative habit, thicker peduncle, shorter pedicels and larger flowers. Rhodocodon perrieri and R. siederi are related to R. mascarenensis but the two new species differ by the number and morphology of leaves, and flower morphology. A complete morphological description for all new species is provided, including data on biology, ecology and distribution. Furthermore, an identification key for all currently known Rhodocodon species is presented to facilitate future taxonomic work in this genus.