Discovery of substantial Oxalis (Oxalidaceae) diversity and endemism in an arid biodiversity hotspot

Contrary to long-held assumptions, the arid Richtersveld region of South Africa is not depauperate in Oxalis diversity but instead harbors substantial endemism and species richness. Recent exploration revealed at least ten undescribed Oxalis species, nine of which are endemic to the Richtersveld, with seven exhibiting extremely limited distributions. This discovery challenges previous perceptions and suggests that the region may serve as a center of endemism for the genus in southern Africa, surpassing even the relatively well-studied central Namaqualand Oxalis flora. The study provides morphological descriptions, diagnostic characters, and an identification key for 20 confirmed species, including new taxa, while emphasizing the need for further systematic attention to this understudied lineage.

Oberlander, K. C., Roets, F., & Dreyer, L. L. (2014). Discovery of substantial Oxalis (Oxalidaceae) diversity and endemism in an arid biodiversity hotspot. Phytotaxa, 181(2). https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.181.2.2