Bulbine striata (Asphodelaceae): A new species from the north-western Cape

Abstract

Bulbine striata Baijnath & Van Jaarsveld, a new species endemic to the mountains north of Pella in the northwestern Cape is described. It appears to belong to a group of species confined to the winter rainfall region of South Africa, especially western and north-western Cape. Taxa belonging to this group include succulent geophytes with tubers which are dormant during the dry summer months. B. striata is easily distinguished by its aloe-like rosette of striated ovate-lanceolate leaves which are adaxially translucent. Also, the arrangement of 2 – 5 roots in adpressed bundles surrounded by a corky sheath is apparently unique in the genus. Illustrations and a map showing the geographical distribution of this new species are provided. Bulbine striata Baijnath & Van Jaarsveld, ’n nuwe spesie endemies aan die berge noord van Pella in die Noordwes-Kaap word beskryf. Dit behoort aan ’n groep spesies wat beperk is tot die winterreënval-streek van Suid-Afrika veral Wes en Noordwes Kaap. Taxa behorende tot hierdie groep is sukkulentagtige geofiete met knolle wat rustend gedurende die droë somermaande is. Bulbine striata word maklik onderskei deur sy aloe-agtige roset met gestrieerde eiervormig-gelansioeleerde blare wat deurskynend aan die adaksiale vlak is. Ook, die rangskikking van 2 – 5 wortels in aangedrukte bondels, omring deur ’n kurkagtige skede, is blykbaar uniek aan hierdie genus. Illustrasies en ’n kaart wat die verspreiding van hierdie nuwe spesie aandui word verskaf.