Aristea rufobracteata (Iridaceae: Aristeoideae), a new species from the southern Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Collections of a tall species of Aristea from the southern coastal mountains of South Africa, with hairless, reddish brown bracts, have been variously identified as Aristea bakeri Klatt or Aristea capitata (L.) Ker Gawl., but do not accord with either of these two or any other known species.

Objectives: To describe a new species in Aristea to accommodate material from the southern coastal mountains that cannot be included in any known species.

Method: Existing herbarium collections were studied and the relevant published literature consulted.

Results: The new species Aristea rufobracteata is described for collections of tall plants from the Langeberg, Outeniqua, Tsitsikamma and Baviaanskloof mountains. It has a mostly condensed inflorescence, reddish brown bracts and small capsules.

Conclusion: The new species increases our understanding of the diversity in Aristea in southern Africa.