Gladiolus virgineus, a new species from Zambia and notes on G. ferrugineus in South Africa (Iridaceae: Crocoideae)

Abstract

A collection of Gladiolus made in northern Zambia in February 2018 is described as the new G. virgineus Goldblatt & J.C.Manning. It is evidently allied to G. atropurpureus Baker but with the stem bearing four well developed foliage leaves, and flowering in late summer (February). The white flowers are ±28 mm long, with a short style dividing opposite the base of the anthers. We also discuss a series of small plants, currently included in G. ferrugineus Goldblatt & J.C.Manning, that have smaller flowers and capsules than are typical for the species and also bloom earlier in the season.