Solenopsis sphaciotica (Campanulaceae) a new species from Crete

A new species of Solenopsis (Campanulaceae), S. sphaciotica, is described and illustrated from Crete, Greece. Morphologically, it shows close affinities with S. gutermannii by having a small size, annual habit and rosulate leaves. Although it was previously confused with S. minuta due to similarities in habit and some flower traits, several relevant morphological features clearly distinguish it from the latter.

Furthermore, while it shares the annual life form, rosulate leaves and corolla shape with S. antiphonitis, it is also well differentiated from that species. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the species’ morphology, seed coat and pollen micro-sculpturing, ecology, distribution, conservation status and taxonomic relationships.