Orobancheandryalae (Orobanchaceae): a new species from the Canary Islands.

Abstract

A new species of Orobanche is described from the Canary Islands. The plant belongs to the complicated Subsection Minores and has a distinct combination of morphological features, ecology, and host specificity. The markedly cernuous corolla, high filament insertion and colouration distinguishes Orobancheandryalae from closely related species with which it has been previously confused, and which do not occur in the Canary Islands, including O.amethysteasubsp.castellana and O.calendulae; these features remain stable in cultivation. Orobancheandryalae appears to be parasitic almost exclusively on Andryala spp., and occurs on thermophilus volcanic substrates in northern Lanzarote, northwest Tenerife and Jandía in Fuerteventura. An updated key to the Orobanche of the Canary Islands is presented, including the new taxon we describe here.