Alchemilla (Rosaceae) in the Massif Central (France). Introduction and one new Species Alchemilla reflexa sp. nov

Abstract

A new species of Alchemilla L. (Rosaceae), A. reflexa Frost‐Ols., is described and illustrated. A. reflexa is characterized by deflexed indumentum on petioles and stems, orbicular leaves with imbricate basal lobes and crimson‐magenta coloured basal stipules. It is distributed in the Massif Central, France, where it is widespread, and in northeastern Pyrenees (déps. Ariège and Aude). A. reflexa is compared with two species previously recorded from the Massif Central with doubt, A. exigua Buser and A. strigosula Buser and with A. filicaulis Buser that can be misidentified as A. reflexa in the field. An introduction to past treatments of Alchemilla in the Massif Central is provided as well as a discussion of some morphological elements used for delimiting Alchemilla taxa.