Paramollugo elliotii Sukhor, 2016

Sukhorukov, Alexander P. & Kushunina, Maria, 2016, Taxonomic revision and distribution of herbaceous Paramollugo (Molluginaceae) in the Eastern Hemisphere, PhytoKeys 73, pp. 93-116 : 101-102

Paramollugo elliotii Sukhor sp. nov.

Diagnosis.

Paramollugo elliotii is morphologically similar to both Paramollugo nudicaulis and Paramollugo simulans , but differs by perennial life form, narrow (linear to oblanceolate), (sub)sessile leaves, larger anthers (0.55-0.70 mm), and larger outer perianth segments (2.6-3 mm) at the fruiting stage ( Paramollugo nudicaulis and Paramollugo simulans are annuals, with broader, usually petiolate leaves, anthers of 0.25-0.30 mm and smaller perianth to 2.4 mm long).

Holotype.

MADAGASCAR, province du Mailake [Melaky region], sable des dunes [sand dunes], Fevrier [February] 1890, M. Douillot s.n. (P04582888!). (Fig. 6 ).

Description.

Perennial herb to 35-40 cm; leaves 25-50, rosulate, thick, linear to oblanceolate, (10)20-60 × 0.5-5.0 mm, sessile or not clearly divided into petiole and lamina, glabrous; stems several, stout, branched in the middle part and forming loose semi-spherical inflorescence with numerous lateral branches, sterile (up to 30 mm) branches always present; peduncles to 15 mm long, basally with white or brownish bract 0.7-1.2 mm long; opened flowers 3.5-4.5 mm in diameter; perianth segments ovoid, green on the abaxial side, white or pink inside, 1.5-2.0 mm in flowering, unequally enlarging at fruiting stage (three outer segments 2.6-3.0 mm long, two inner 2.3-2.6 mm long); stamens 5, anthers elliptic, 0.55-0.7 mm long; capsule 3-valved, ovoid, ca. 2 mm long, with (9-14)15-21 seeds; seeds reniform, black, 0.55-0.7 × 0.5 × 0.3 mm, with colliculate surface.

Ecology.

All examined specimens were collected on the sand dunes near the sea at lower elevations 0-300 m. We assume that Paramollugo elliotii is a psammophilous species.

Flowering and fruiting.

All examined specimens (collected in January, February, July, September or December) bear both flowers and fruits. However, the exact phenology has to be investigated more precisely, since it can depend on the geographical latitude and other conditions.

Additional specimens examined.

MADAGASCAR: Atsimo - Atsinanana region: Ambongo , 14 February 1841, M. Pervillé 643 (K, P04582808; P04582809; P04582810) ; Melaky region: province de Mailake, Namela, dunes, February 1892, M. Douillot s.n. (P04582869, P04582886); Baie de Baly, January 1905, H. Perrier de la Bathie 9211 (P04582813; P04582814); along Manambolo river , 19°09'S, 44°49'E, 50 m, 2 December 1996, C.C.H. Jongkind 3342 (BR0000000555871) ; Boeny region: Majunga, 27 April 1912, Afzelius s.n. (K); Majunga, dunes, 24 December 1920, H. Poisson 44 (P04582831); Environs de Majunga , dunes, December 1924, H. Humbert & H. Perrier de la Bathie 4020 (K, P04582873) & 2020 (P04582874; P04582877) ;

General distribution.

Endemic to Madagascar (Fig. 5 ).

Conservation status.

All except one specimen are nearly a hundred years old or even older, and no information is available on the current extent of the wild populations of this species. Therefore Paramollugo elliotii is given a Data Deficient (DD) status ( IUCN 2016).

Etymology.

The specific epithet is given after after George Francis Scott Elliot (1862-1934), a British botanist who provided significant contributions to the flora of Madagascar.

Figures

Figure 5. Distribution of Paramollugo simulans (triangles) and Paramollugo elliotii (dots).

Figure 6. Holotype of Paramollugo elliotii sp. nov. (P 04582888!).