Two new species of Ruschieae from north-western South Africa and south-western Namibia

Abstract

Here we describe two new species of the Ruschieae from the arid Gariep region of north-western South Africa and south-western Namibia. Ruschia gariepensis Klak & P.C. van Wyk forms large spreading, floriferous shrubs and is easily distinguished from similar-looking species in Ruschia subg. Tumidulae (Haw.) Dehn by its 5- to 7-locular fruits on the same plant. Mitrophyllum minutum Klak & P.C. van Wyk, from the Richtersveld of South Africa belongs to Mitrophyllum subg. Mitrophyllum and differs from all other Mitrophyllum by its dwarf habit and small flowers.