Studies of diagnostic features in the genus Hypoxis L. (Hypoxidaceae R. Br.) on the Witwatersrand

Abstract

In an attempt to clarify specific concepts in the genus Hypoxis L. on the Witwatersrand it was found that diagnosis depends mostly on vegetative characters, particularly the habit, leaf vesture and venation, and the structure of the inflorescences.

The relevant criteria are discussed in relationship to the Witwatersrand species, where eleven species and seven varieties are recognized:  H. rigidula Bak. (a) var.  rigidula, (b) var.  pilosissima Bak.; H. acuminata Bak.;  H. filiformis Bak.; H. obtusa Burch.; H. neliana Schinz; //.  latifolia Hook. f.; H. galpinii Bak.; H. multiceps Buch. ex Bak.; H. interjecta Nel; H. rooperi Moore; H. argentea Harv. ex Bak. (a) var. argentea, (b) var. sericea Bak.; and two varieties which constitute  comb, et stat. novs, unpublished as yet.