Massonia obermeyerae (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae), a new species from South Africa

Abstract

As part of a taxonomic revision of the genus Massonia, a new species, M. obermeyerae is here described from South Africa. This species is at first sight similar to M. depressa, but it differs in the inflorescence and flower morphology, as well as its distribution. A complete morphological description of the new species and data on biology, habitat, and distribution are presented. Comments on typification of Massonia grandiflora, a name that has been misapplied to M. obermeyerae, are also presented, including the identification of a previously designated lectotype and a newly selected epitype.