Litanthus deserticola (Hyacinthaceae subfam. Urgineoideae), a new species from southern Namibia

Our field exploration in southern Namibia in August 2016 revealed an undescribed species of Litanthus, sharing diagnostic characters of the genus, including 1(–2)-flowered inflorescence, two subopposite spurred bracts, nodding flowers with tepals connate into a long tube, included stamens with an elongation of the anther connective into a small, translucent, membranous flap and stigma with six minute, erect teeth. However, the new species clearly differs from the two currently known species in the genus by distinct morphological characters, habitat, and biogeography.

Recent phylogenetic study also confirms its placement in the genus and its independence from other related species. Here we describe Litanthus deserticola, a new species of the genus Litanthus, representing the first record of this genus in Namibia. This species description is based on plants occurring in desertic regions showing a single, nodding, urceolate flower with very short, reflexed lobes, stamens adnate to tepals and arising from their lower fourth, with ovate tapering filaments which are longer than anthers.

A complete morphological description of the new species as well as data on ecology, distribution and differences with related taxa is provided, including a comprehensive identification key to facilitate future taxonomic work in the genus.