Arctotis gazanioides (Asteraceae: Arctotideae), a new species from the Bokkeveld Plateau, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: A taxonomic revision of Arctotis L. (Asteraceae) is ongoing. A previous botanical survey of the Avontuur Nature Reserve on the Bokkeveld Plateau, Northern Cape, located a potentially unnamed Arctotis taxon associated with seasonally wet sites.Objectives: To compare the morphology of the Arctotis from the Avontuur Nature Reserve with morphologically comparable species of Arctotis and to determine its taxonomic status.Method: The morphology of fresh collections, herbarium specimens, and relevant type material was examined. All relevant literature was consulted.Results: The Avontuur Arctotis is morphologically distinct from A. acaulis L. var. acaulis, A. acaulis var. undulata DC. and A. verbascifolia Harv.Conclusion: Arctotis gazanioides R.J.McKenzie & Helme is described as a new species distinguished by its branching rhizomatous root system with abundant fibrous adventitious roots, and discolorous leaves that are simple lanceolate, lanceolate-ovate to lanceolate-elliptic, or pinnatisect with a lanceolate to lanceolate-elliptic terminal lobe.