Two New Species of Xyris L. (Xyridaceae) Endemic to Madagascar with a Key to the Malagasy Species

Abstract

Abstract Rakotonirina, N., M. W. Callmander, P. B. Phillipson & J. M. Lock (2014). Two new species of Xyris L. (Xyridaceae) endemic to Madagascar with a key to the Malagasy species. Candollea 69: 171–178. In English, English and French abstracts. A review of the available herbarium material and of the currently recorded species of the genus Xyris L. (Xyridaceae) from Madagascar in the context of the “Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar” project has led us to identify two new species which are described here as: Xyris labatii Rakoton., Callm. & Phillipson and Xyris marojejyensis Lock, Rakoton., Callm. & Phillipson. This brings the total number of species that we recognize on the island to seven. A key to the Malagasy species of Xyris, illustrations of the new species and a discussion of their morphological affinities are provided, together with preliminary conservation status assessments following IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.