A new species ofLolium (Gramineae)from Fuerteventura and Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain)

Abstract

Scholz, S. & Scholz, H.: A new species of Lolium (Gramineae) from Fuerteventura and Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain). – Willdenowia 35: 281-286. – ISSN 0511-9618; © 2005 BGBM BerlinDahlem. doi:10.3372/wi.35.35208 (available via http://dx.doi.org/) Lolium saxatile is described as a species new to science and illustrated. It is related to L. multiflorum, but has a perennial habit and other distinguishing morphological features. It forms part of the last remnants of an evergreen vegetation in the humid upper mountain zones of the Jandia massif of Fuerteventura and the Famara massif of Lanzarote. During our studies of the flora and vegetation of the Jandia massif in Fuerteventura, the first author examined a perennial Lolium species, coming to the conclusion that it hardly could be assigned to any of the known species of the genus. Specimens were sent to the second author, who confirmed it as a new species, which is described here. The plant itself was not a new discovery, being known since 1946, when a specimen was collected by the late E. R. Sventenius, one of the great explorers of the Canarian flora, but its status was not recognized. In some herbaria exist specimens under various names; the sheets examined by us are listed below.