Taxonomy of the Moraea saxicola complex (Iridaceae: Iridoideae) of arid, western southern Africa, with the new species, M. acocksii, M. geminifolia, M. quartzicola and M. teretifolia

A taxonomic revision of the Moraea saxicola complex (Iridaceae) in arid western southern Africa identifies four previously undescribed species: Moraea acocksii, M. geminifolia, M. teretifolia, and M. quartzicola. These discoveries expand the known diversity of the complex, which now comprises eight species, with adjusted circumscriptions for existing taxa like M. bolusii and M. namibensis. The study, based on field observations and herbarium analysis, also extends the range of M. saxicola to include southern Namaqualand and the Richtersveld in South Africa. Distribution maps and illustrations of three new species are provided, offering a comprehensive revision of this botanically significant group within UNESCO-listed landscapes.

Goldblatt, P., & Manning, J. C. (2014). Taxonomy of the Moraea saxicola complex (Iridaceae: Iridoideae) of arid, western southern Africa, with the new species, M. acocksii, M. geminifolia, M. quartzicola and M. teretifolia. South African Journal of Botany, 91, 75–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2013.12.006