# The genus Chlorophytum Ker Gawl. (Asparagales, Asparagaceae) in Madagascar, with the description of 12 new species, 4 new subspecies and 1 new variety

Marc Pignal, Peter Phillipson, Martine Bardot-Vaucoulon

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Marc Pignal, Peter Phillipson, Martine Bardot-Vaucoulon. The genus Chlorophytum Ker Gawl. (Asparagales, Asparagaceae) in Madagascar, with the description of 12 new species, 4 new subspecies and 1 new variety. European Journal of Taxonomy, 2026, 1033, pp.1-132. 10.5852/ejt.2026.1033.3139. hal-05448873

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# The genus *Chlorophytum* Ker Gawl. (Asparagales, Asparagaceae) in Madagascar, with the description of 12 new species, 4 new subspecies and 1 new variety

Marc PIGNAL<fnref n="1" />*, Peter B. PHILLIPSON<fnref n="2" /> & Martine BARDOT-VAUCOULON<fnref n="3" />

**Abstract.** The genus *Chlorophytum* Ker Gawl. (Asparagaceae) is revised taxonomically for Madagascar. It is a palaeotropical genus of more than 200 species, all of which are geophytes that are distributed throughout Africa, the Arabian Peninsula (Oman), Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, China and Australia. We recognise 39 endemic taxa for Madagascar (30 species, 4 subspecies, 3 varieties and 2 potential species not formally named due to incomplete material). Descriptions and geographical data are provided for all taxa, of which 17 are newly described in this revision: 12 species (*C. albociliatum* sp. nov., *C. aspidistrifolium* sp. nov., *C. basivaginatum* sp. nov., *C. candelabrum* sp. nov., *C. darainense* sp. nov., *C. helvillae* sp. nov., *C. meridionale* sp. nov., *C. nigrogranulosum* sp. nov., *C. nusbaumeri* sp. nov., *C. ranirisonii* sp. nov., *C. ratovosonii* sp. nov., *C. tolyanum* sp. nov.); 4 subspecies (*C. sofense* subsp. *gautieri* subsp. nov., *C. graniticum* subsp. *ambrense* subsp. nov., *C. meridionale* subsp. *ihosyense* subsp. nov., *C. meridionale* subsp. *tulearense* subsp. nov.); and 1 variety (*C. madagascariense* var. *boinense* var. nov.). *Chlorophytum gramineum* (Baker) H.Perrier, is based on an illegitimate name (*Anthericum gramineum* Baker), and is replaced by the later legitimate name, *C. madagascariense* Baker, that we consider to be a taxonomic synonym. We retain the varieties described by Perrier de la Bâthie within this species, transferring them to *C. madagascariense*, and we give a new name – *C. madagascariense* var. *pervillei* nom. nov. Furthermore, we lectotypify eight species: *C. decaryanum*, *C. decipiens*, *C. dianellifolium*, *C. geayanum*, *C. graniticum*, *C. namorokense* H.Perrier, *C. sofense*, *C. subligulatum*, and two varieties: *C. dianellifolium* var. *transiens* and *C. madagascariense* var. *sciophilum* comb. nov.). An identification key and preliminary conservation status assessments following IUCN Red List criteria are provided for all species.

**Keywords.** *Anthericum*, Anthericaceae, Asparagaceae, *Chlorophytum*, Madagascar.

Pignal M., Phillipson P.B. & Bardot-Vaucoulon M. 2026. The genus *Chlorophytum* Ker Gawl. (Asparagales, Asparagaceae) in Madagascar, with the description of 12 new species, 4 new subspecies and 1 new variety.
*European Journal of Taxonomy* 1033: 1–132. https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1033.3139

<footnote n="1">¹,²,³ Institut de Systématique, Évolution et Biodiversité (UMR 7205 – CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE), Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Université, case postale 39, 57 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris cedex 05, France.</footnote>

<footnote n="2">² Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166, USA.</footnote>

<footnote>* Corresponding author: marc.pignal@mnhn.fr</footnote>

<footnote n="2">² Email: Peter.Phillipson@mobot.org</footnote>

<footnote n="3">³ Email: martine.bardot-vaucoulon@mnhn.fr</footnote>
**Introduction**

*Chlorophytum* Ker Gawl. is a palaeotropical genus of more than 200 species. The first species from Madagascar assigned to this genus were described by John Baker (1887, 1890) on the basis of material collected by Richard Baron, who explored the ‘Grande Ile’ from 1872 to 1907, and by George Vatke in 1885. The latest revision of the genus for Madagascar was undertaken by Perrier de la Bâthie (1935) in his treatment of the Liliaceae (s. lat.), work that was taken-up for the *Flore de Madagascar* a few years later (Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]), subsequent volumes of which were published as the *Flore de Madagascar et des Comores*. In these works 13 species of *Chlorophytum* were recognised, all endemic. The two taxonomic treatments differ only in minor respects and lead essentially to the same taxonomic conclusions. In the latter work, Perrier de la Bâthie (1937 [1938]) also recognised five species in the related genus *Anthericum* L. from Madagascar, all endemic. Four of these species were later transferred to *Chlorophytum* by Wessel Marais and Jacqueline Reilly (1978), as *C. geayanum* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly, *C. hypoxiforme* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly, *C. parkeri* (Baker) Marais & Reilly, and *C. sofense* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly, while a fifth species was transferred to *Trachyandra* Kunth as *T. mandrarensis* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly, bringing the total number of species recognised across these three genera in Madagascar to 17. No further changes to the taxonomy of this group have been made in the past 46 years.

The genus *Chlorophytum* was included in the Liliaceae Juss. in Cronquist's classification (Cronquist & Takhtadjan 1981), but was subsequently placed in the Anthericaceae J.Agardh (Asparagales Link) by Dahlgren *et al*. (1985), while this family was recently incorporated into the Asparagaceae Juss. by The Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (2009).

The island of Madagascar is located approximately 400 km from the nearest point on the African coastline, situated almost entirely between latitudes 12°00′ and 25°30′ south. It occupies an area of 587 000 km² and displays a great diversity of physical relief. Extensive highlands occur at over 1000 m altitude, with mountain peaks reaching or exceeding 2000 m, there are also extensive coastal lowlands, especially in the west. Its geology is dominated by granitic and metamorphic rocks, sandstones and limestones, but also includes derived sands. Due to its considerable latitudinal and altitudinal gradients, Madagascar has a very varied climate. These characteristics, combined with a long period of geographical isolation – Madagascar separated from the African continent some 165 million years ago (Coffin & Rabinowitz 1987) –, have led to the development of exceptional biological diversity, with a high level of species endemism, estimated at 87% with respect to the flora (Humbert 1959; White 1983; Morat & Lowry 1997; Callmander *et al.* 2011; Phillipson *et al.* 2017). However, knowledge of the flora is still incomplete (Lowry *et al.* 2018), although it continues to progress steadily. Nevertheless, habitats and populations of individual species are threatened by environmental degradation, mainly due to anthropogenic activities (Rakotoary 2021). Within the Malagasy flora, the genus *Chlorophytum*, which also occurs in Africa, Asia and Australia, is a good example of this high level of local endemism, since 100% of the species of *Chlorophytum* known from Madagascar exist nowhere else in the world.

When Perrier de la Bâthie prepared his treatment of the Liliaceae for the *Flore de Madagascar* in 1937–1938, he only had 60 collections of *Chlorophytum* and *Anthericum* available, of which he had personally collected 22. Nevertheless, the study of this material allowed him to describe 12 new species and three new varieties, most of which we retain. We note that seven of these taxa are not known to have ever been re-collected subsequently in the field: i.e., *A. hypoxiforme* H.Perrier, *A. mandrarense* H.Perrier, *A. sofense* H.Perrier, *C. distichum* H.Perrier, *C. madagascariense* var. *sciaphilum* (H.Perrier) Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal comb. nov., *C. namorokense* H.Perrier and *C. subligulatum* H.Perrier, and they were all collected by Perrier de la Bâthie himself. Since that time, the available material reached a total of more than 300 known collections (Fig. 1). The situation of a limited amount of material that faced Perrier de la Bâthie is still with us today, since among the new taxa described in the taxonomic treatments presented here, 11 are taxa known only from the type material. It should be noted that two other probable new species have
been identified (that we refer to as *Chlorophytum* sp. 1 and sp. 2) and for which the material currently
available is incomplete, and allows us to provide only summary descriptions, and is inadequate for these
taxa to be formally described. *Chlorophytum* is morphologically close to certain other genera, notably
*Anthericum* and *Trachyandra*. With respect to seed characteristics, according to Obermeyer (1962),
based only on South African taxa, it appears that seeds of the *Anthericum* species are small, angular and
wrinkled, while those of the genus *Chlorophytum* are round and flattened. Subsequently, Marais & Reilly
(1978) revised the delimitation of several genera of Asparagaceae (at that time included in Liliaceae),
in particular *Anthericum* and *Chlorophytum*. Based on the characteristics of the fruit, and specifically
the seeds, their conclusion was that all of the Malagasy species of *Anthericum* should be placed in
*Chlorophytum*, with the exception of *A. mandrarense*, which they transferred to the genus *Trachyandra*.
Seeds of *Trachyandra* are surrounded by an aril that gives them a brown colour and dull aspect, while
those of *Chlorophytum* lack an aril and are black and shiny (Nordal & Bjorå 2016).

*Chlorophytum* has been revised for several regions in Africa, as follows in chronological order:

- South Africa (Obermeyer 1962),

- The Horn of Africa – Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya (Nordal & Thulin 1993),

- The Flora Zambesiaca region – Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia (Kativu 1994),

- Tropical East Africa – Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania (Nordal *et al.* 1997),

- Gabon (Bjorå & Nordal 2010),

- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi (Meerts & Bjorå 2012),

- Namibia (Kativu *et al.* 2012),

- Cameroun (Bjorå & Nordal 2014).

Partial molecular phylogenetic analyses have been published by Bjorå (2008) and Bjorå *et al.* (2017) for Ethiopia, by Meerts & Bjorå (2012) for Central Africa, and by Sævareid *et al.* (2023) for the *Chlorophytum andongense* Baker complex (continental Africa from Mozambique to Guinea).

The work carried out by Bjorå (2008) and Bjorå *et al.* (2017), based on nrDNA ITS and plastid rps16 and trnL-F sequences, concluded that the current delimitation of the *Chlorophytum* and *Anthericum* as distinct genera results in paraphyly. The authors distinguished seven clades that were supported by chromosomal, molecular, morphological and phytogeographic characters. Five of these clades belong to *Chlorophytum* (as currently circumscribed), i.e., “the former african *Anthericum*”, “the distichous leaves group”, “*Dasystachys* sensu Baker”, “Paniculate spongy-rooted group” and “*Euchlorophytum*”. However, the only species included in the analysis from Madagascar, namely *C. tripedale* (Baker) H.Perrier, belongs to Bjorå’s “former african *Anthericum* group”, that shares the diagnostic characters or character combinations cited by Bjorå (2008) and Bjorå *et al.* (2017): i.e., “thickened roots and white flowers”; “fine roots with distal tubers” or “white flowers with pink spots”, depending on the sub-clade. We consider that the following Malagasy species possess similar character combinations and could be included in this group: *C. decipiens* Baker, *C. dianellifolium* (Baker) H.Perrier and *C. subligulatum*, while we consider it likely that *Chlorophytum distichum* should be included in Bjorå’s “distichum leaves group”. Nevertheless, these are simply hypotheses extrapolated from morphological knowledge and environmental data that should be tested by phylogenetic analysis that does not yet exist for this group in Madagascar.

In this article we have lectotypified eight species: *Chlorophytum decaryanum* H.Perrier, *C. decipiens* Baker, *C. dianellifolium* (Baker) H.Perrier, *C. geayanum* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly, *C. graniticum* (Baker) H.Perrier, *C. namorokense* H.Perrier, *C. sofense* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly, *C. subligulatum* H.Perrier, and two varieties: *C. dianellifolium* var. *transiens* H.Perrier and *C. madagascariense* var. *sciophilum* comb. nov.
<figure><img src="image_2.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 1.** Map of Madagascar showing the boundaries of the administrative regions, the five bioclimatic zones (coloured areas), protected areas (green hashed areas and lines) and material of *Chlorophytum Ker Gawl. seen by Perrier de la Bâthie (1937 [1938]) (red dots) and additional material added during the present study (black dots).</figcaption></figure>
# Material and methods

## Plant material

Our study is based on the examination of more than 300 collections, for which specimens are deposited at BR, CLF, G, MO, P, TAN and TEF, and from scanned images from BM, BRNU, K, L and WAG. Acronyms of herbaria follow Index Herbariorum (Thiers continuously updated). In addition, we used several virtual herbaria: the Global Plant Initiative (Global Plants 2024) and the RECOLNAT infrastructure (Anonymous 2024b).

## Illustrations and Madagascar flora citations

Illustrations in the *Flore de Madagascar* (Perrier de la Bâthie 1937–1938) signed “M.J.V.” are the works of Marthe Vesque (1879–1962) and Juliette Vesque (1881–1949), artists at MNHN (Florence Tessier, librarian at MNHN, pers. com.). As these are frequently the only illustrations available for the described species, we have included their citations in the species treatments under the heading ‘Illustrations’. The protologues of the species published in Perrier’s earlier work (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935) do not include illustrations. It should also be noted that *C. ankarense* H.Perrier, *C. chloranthum* Baker, *C. decipiens* Baker and *C. graniticum* H.Perrier are the only species that were not illustrated in the flora treatment.

## Citizen science

The authors made use of the citizen science platform ‘Les herbonautes’ to obtain post-facto georeferences based on geographical data on specimen labels through the project: “Les *Chlorophytum* et ses genres alliés” [*Chlorophytum* and allied genera] (http://lesherbonautes.mnhn.fr/missions/3388690) these were subsequently assessed by the authors and accepted when plausible, or rejected (Herbonautes Development Team 2024).

Furthermore, photos from the iNaturalist (2024) have added a potential additional source to complete species descriptions and to discover additional localities, but should be used with caution. Observations based on the images are cited for each species concerned in the dedicated iNaturalist observation section, and specify the name of the observer followed in parentheses by their iNaturalist pseudonym.

## Software tools

Herbarium images were measured using the Annotate-on tool (ver. 1.9.56) made available by the RECOLNAT infrastructure (Anonymous 2024a) downloadable at https://www.recolnat.org/fr/ annotate (Pignal *et al.* 2024). Geographical coordinates presented in square brackets were estimated post facto for material based on available locality information.

Identification keys were produced using XPER3 software (XPER3 Development Team 2024) and dkeys ver. 2.0.0 software, downloadable from https://drawwing.org/dkey (Tofilski 2018).

## IUCN

Provisional IUCN Red List assessments follow the recommendations of IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee (2022).

## Geographical tools

The maps were produced with QGIS software ver. 3.22 (QGIS Development Team 2024), bioclimatic regions of the base maps are derived from Schatz (2001a, 2001b). Localities are cited verbatim from original specimen labels to avoid ambiguity, and post facto geo-locations are indicated in square brackets. In the new treatment for *Chlorophytum* presented here, all specimens currently available have been examined, and maps are provided to illustrate their known areas of occurrence. The base-map shows outlines of Madagascar’s 22 administrative regions, the five principal bioclimatic regions (coloured polygons), and protected areas (green outlined and hashed polygons).
## State of the collections and recommendations for botanists

*Chlorophytum* species from Madagascar flower and fruit mainly during the rainy season when access routes are frequently in a poor, or impassable condition, causing many targeted sites to be inaccessible or very difficult to access, and this partially explains the low number of collections available. Furthermore, many areas in Madagascar have never been explored adequately. Another collecting bias lies in the fact that certain localities have been targeted for botanical inventory within the context of certain research projects. For example, the programs in northern Madagascar, which have made it possible to recognise nine new species of *Chlorophytum* in this previously poorly explored region.

The specimens of *Chlorophytum* are often incomplete and some of the oldest collections are in poor condition, and for this reason the descriptions of certain species often lack details of their flowers or their fruits. The root system is rarely adequately collected, even though it has important diagnostic value. As a result, two of the new taxa included in this article lack material necessary to make adequate descriptions, *Chlorophytum* sp. 1 and *C*. sp. 2, and therefore they are not formally published.

We wish to reinforce the importance of observation of living populations in situ. This always serves to compliment the study of herbarium material, in particular with respect to delicate or fleshy organs such as flowers or tubers, as well as the arrangement and coloration of the leaves, and the extent of root penetration into the soil. Of course, this does not only apply to *Chlorophytum*, but to many geophytes such as *Drimia* Jacq. ex Willd. and herbaceous species such as *Impatiens* L. (Balsaminaceae A.Rich.), terrestrial orchids in the genera *Cynorkis* Thouars or *Disperis* Sw. For all these plants, the development period is three to five months.

## Abbreviations

ANGAP = Association Nationale pour la Gestion pour la Gestion des aires Protégées [National Association for the Management of Protected Areas]

fl bud = flower bud

CJBG = Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève

DS = dorsal side

fl = flower

fr = fruit

MNP = Madagascar National Parks

MBV = Martine Bardot Vaucoulon

se = seed

st = sterile

sta = stamen

P = profile

PA = Protected areas

PBP = Peter B. Phillipson

VS = ventral side

A version in french is available here: https://hal.science/hal-05433587

## Results

### Morphology

#### Underground parts

The underground parts consist of a rhizome surrounded by fasciculate roots. The latter are sometimes few in number, as in *C. basivaginatum* sp. nov., or conversely, the rhizomes may develop a very dense hair-
like covering of fine roots, as in *C. chloranthum* Baker (Fig. 3D). Several other root types may occur: for example a mixture of fibrous and somewhat thickened roots (e.g., *C. decipiens*, *C. meridionale* sp. nov. and *C. tripedale*), strongly thickened roots (diam. 1.5–3 mm) (e.g., *C. appendiculatum* H.Perrier and *C. albociliatum* sp. nov.), or sometimes more or less tuberous and fusiform roots (e.g., *C. basivaginatum*). The root system may spread superficially (e.g., *C. sylvestre* Bard.-Vauc. and *C. parkeri*) or it may penetrate the substrate, up to ca 20 cm in depth (e.g., *C. humbertianum* H.Perrier and *C. chloranthum*).

The root system often also features tubers. Their abundance varies – for example, they are scarce in *C. decipiens* but numerous in *C. madagascariense* Baker. The tubers may also have various shapes: ovoid (e.g., *C. humbertianum*), fusiform (e.g., *C. tolyanum* sp. nov.), oblong (e.g., *C. dianellifolium*) or pyriform (e.g., *C. graniticum*, Fig. 2C). For most species, the tubers occur in a sub-terminal position on the primary roots, or more rarely, in a lateral position, but they are arranged in clusters in the case of *C. humbertianum*. In certain species, such as *C. aspidistrifolium* sp. nov., *C. candelabrum* sp. nov., *C. ratovosonii* sp. nov. and *C. sylvestre*, the tubers dominate the rootstock and form a bundle at the base of the plant.

It is important to mention that herbarium specimens rarely contain the complete root system; it may be absent or severely truncated. Therefore, the absence or abundance of the tubers in herbarium specimens should be taken into consideration with caution. It is recommended that collectors be vigilant and systematically collect the entire root system. For instance, in the case of *C. humbertianum*, the tubers are present on roots at a depth of about 10 cm and are often broken-off during the collection process.

The rhizome, when present, is at times very short, and is not easy to observe.

## Leaves

The number of leaves typically produced by mature individuals varies among the species: from just two in *C. aspidistrifolium* sp. nov. (Fig. 2A) and *C. sylvestre* (Fig. 2J), to over fifteen in *C. chloranthum* (Fig. 3A). The leaves are of various shapes and sizes, for example: short and cordate in *C. sylvestre*, long and broad in *C. tolyanum* sp. nov., narrow and filamentous in *C. geayanum*. In some species, they are grass-like and folded, as observed in *C. appendiculatum*, *C. dianellifolium* and *C. tripedale*, or rolled-up in *C. albociliatum* sp. nov. and *C. meridionale* subsp. *ihosyense* subsp. nov. Generally, the leaves are elliptical to lanceolate with a sheathing base, and are often surrounded at the base by 1–2 short sheaths of a straw-yellow colour. The zone of transition from the sheathing base to the leaf-blade is sometimes marked by a fold, for example in *C. dianellifolium*, *C. meridionale* sp. nov. and *C. subligulatum*, or it can form a distinct angle in *C. basivaginatum* sp. nov.

The leaf blade margins are also diverse: entirely scabrous (e.g., *C. dianellifolium*, *C. madagascariense*, *C. meridionale* sp. nov., *C. tolyanum* sp. nov., *C. subligulatum* and *C. tripedale*), or smooth (e.g., *C. basivaginatum* sp. nov., *C. decipiens*, *C. helvillae* sp. nov. and *C. humbertianum*), however, in *C. appendiculatum* the margins are partially scabrous. The leaf blade surfaces are mostly glabrous, but in *C. candelabrum* sp. nov. and *C. tripedale* the veins are covered with trichomes on both surfaces, while some other species may have rugosities on the abaxial surface only (e.g., *C. madagascariense* var. *boinense* var. nov. [on the main veins only] and *C. meridionale* sp. nov. [on the entire leaf]).

## Pseudo-petioles and venation

The leaves may have a pseudo-petiole ranging from a fifth to more than a half of their total length, as seen in *C. aspidistrifolium* sp. nov. The blade has a pseudo-midrib, marking the central fold of the leaf, often of a lighter colour on the adaxial surface, and the veins are visible, at least on the lower surface. The number of veins is not always proportional to the width of the leaf blade, for example: 16–20 veins for a width of 3–4 mm in *C. albociliatum* sp. nov. (average spacing ca 0.20 mm), 19–23 veins for a width of 3–7 mm in *C. tripedale* (average spacing 0.15–0.30 mm), 16–32 veins for a width of 18–50 mm in *C. sylvestre* (average spacing 1.01–2.02 mm) and 10 veins for a width of 1–2 mm in *C. geayanum* (average spacing 0.10–0.20 mm).
## Inflorescences

*Chlorophytum* inflorescences can be simple or branched. However, in certain taxa, such as *C. decipiens* and *C. tripedale*, for which the majority of specimens have only simple inflorescences, some individuals have inflorescences with 1 or 2 short additional basal branches. Inflorescences are sometimes robust and erect (e.g., *C. dianellifolium*, *C. humbertianum* and *C. tripedale*), or slender and rather spreading at ground level (e.g., *C. namorokense* and *C. parkeri*). An intermediate case exists for taxa with an erect central axis and flexible, decumbent lateral branches (e.g., *C. chloranthum*). The peduncle may be very short, such as for *C. namorokense* (often <4 cm long), or very long, such as for *C. candelabrum* sp. nov., where the infructescence attains the length of the pseudopetiole (ca 20 cm long). The flowering portion of the rachis is a more-or-less contracted cluster, with the flowers grouped in small fascicles along the axis.

In *C. hypoxiforme* and in *C. sofense*, the inflorescences are very short and compact, and do not exceed the leaves in length. In contrast, most other species have inflorescences that surpass the foliage in length (as observed in *C. chloranthum*, *C. decaryanum*, *C. sylvestre*, *C. humbertianum* and *C. basivaginatum* sp. nov., among others).

## Inflorescence bracts

Depending on the species, the peduncle bears from 1 to 5 bracts, with their size decreasing from the base to the apex, or sometimes bracts are absent. When present, they are triangular in shape, usually with the base embracing the peduncle, and sometimes forming a pseudo-petiole; they may be foliaceous, in which case they are veined, and the margins are entire or sparsely to densely scabrous. Like the well-known widely cultivated South African species, *C. comosum* (Thunb.) Jacques, two Malagasy taxa also produce adventitious plantlets at the nodes of the inflorescence (*C. chloranthum* and *C. meridionale* sp. nov. subsp. *meridionale*).

## Peduncles and rachises

The floral axes can either be smooth or covered with triangular, hyaline scale-like outgrowths, with more or less rounded apices (for example in *C. darainense* sp. nov. and in *C. graniticum*). In certain species, the inflorescence exhibits only hair-like trichomes (*C. humbertianum*), other species have a combination of scales and hairs (*C. ankarense*); certain other species have glandular trichomes (*C. ranirisonii* sp. nov.).

## Flowers

The flowers are predominantly white or green, solitary or grouped in fascicles of 2–7, along the inflorescence axes; the fascicles undoubtedly correspond to highly reduced axes, each of which represents a contracted thyrse. The flowers are borne on an articulated pedicel, the joint is often marked by a bulge and may be located at different levels depending on the species, and is most often at an inframedial position. In certain species the joint is located almost at the base of the pedicel (*C. helvillae* sp. nov., *C. basivaginatum* sp. nov., *C. subligulatum* and *C. parkeri*). It has been observed that the pedicel continues to grow after anthesis, which should be taken into account when identifying fruiting or post-fruiting specimens. The floral bracts are shortly triangular (*C. tripedale*) or subulate (e.g., *C. sofense* subsp.

**Fig. 2** (on next page). **A. Chlorophytum aspidistrifolium** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., habit. **B–C. C. graniticum** H.Perrier. **B.** Habit, flower detail (left). **C.** Habit showing roots. **D–E. C. ranirisonii** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. **D.** Habit. **E.** Flowers. **F. C. sofense** subsp. *gautieri* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov., habit. **G–H. C. nusbaumeri** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. **G.** Habit. **H.** Fruits and rachis. **I. C. darainense** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., flowers and fruit. **J–K. C. sylvestre** Bard.-Vauc. **J.** Habit. **K.** Part of inflorescence. Image credits: A, D–H = L. Nusbaumer; B = R.F. Bolliger; C, I = L. Gautier; J = iNaturalist 61286825; K = iNaturalist 52799171.
<figure><img src="image_3.png" /></figure>

A

<figure><img src="image_4.png" /></figure>

B

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /></figure>

C

<figure><img src="image_6.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_7.png" /></figure>

D

<figure><img src="image_8.png" /></figure>

E

<figure><img src="image_9.png" /></figure>

F

<figure><img src="image_10.png" /></figure>

H

<figure><img src="image_11.png" /></figure>

I

<figure><img src="image_12.png" /></figure>

K

<figure><img src="image_13.png" /></figure>

G

<figure><img src="image_14.png" /></figure>

J
*gautieri* subsp. nov.). The flowers follow the typical trimerous pattern of most monocotyledons, with an outer whorl of three tepals and an inner whorl of three similar tepals.

Flowers of three species are currently unknown: *C. aspidistrifolium* sp. nov., *C. sofense* and *C. ratovosonii* sp. nov., while for *C. candelabrum* sp. nov., floral data are incomplete.

Figs 4–6 show the flowers, stamens and fruits (with seeds in the case of Group 1) of all species, when these parts are known.

## Tepals

Tepals are elliptic to obovate, sometimes slightly fleshy, and organised in two cycles of 3 pieces, the outer cycle often longer and narrower than the inner cycle. They sometimes have a brown tip (on all tepals in *C. decipiens* and only on inner tepals in *C. dianellifolium*, Fig. 3O), often visible when dry. In species descriptions, the term ‘tepal’ will be used when the parts are identical, and ‘outer tepal/inner tepal’ when they are different. Tepals may be recurved at anthesis (*C. darainense* sp. nov., Fig. 2I, *C. meridionale* sp. nov. subsp. *meridionale* subsp. nov., Fig. 3J and *C. ranirisonii* sp. nov., Fig. 5A).

The tepal venation is always visible on dried specimens, and sometimes visible when held to the light in fresh material, each tepal has 3–7 veins. Some species have a constant number of veins, while others are much more variable, even on the same inflorescence. The veins may be regularly spaced (e.g., in *C. dianellifolium* and *C. namorokense*), but sometimes form a tight bundle of 3 veins in the centre (e.g., in *C. appendiculatum*, *C. decipiens*, *C. humbertianum* and *C. meridionale* sp. nov.). Some species typically have 5 veins, such as *C. sp. 1*, *C. albociliatum* sp. nov., *C. dianellifolium* (rarely 6–7) and *C. helvillae* sp. nov. (rarely 4 veins). Several species regularly have more than 5 veins, such as *C. basivaginatum* sp. nov. (7 veins for outer tepals and 5 for inner tepals), *C. subligulatum* (6 veins, sometimes as few as 3 for inner tepals) and *C. tripedale* (5–7 veins for outer tepals, 3 for inner tepals). The ends of the central veins often anastomose to form a network.

## Stamens

The stamens have many diagnostic characters. They are about as long as the tepals in *Chlorophytum dianellifolium*, *C. subligulatum* or *C. darainense* sp. nov., but in other species they are shorter. For some species, they are often arranged in two equal whorls, but sometimes also independently of the verticels in two equal groups (3 up–3 down), e.g., in *Chlorophytum ankarense* or *C. basivaginatum* sp. nov.,

**Fig. 3** (on next page). **A–D.** *Chlorophytum chloranthum* Baker. **A.** Habit. **B.** Flower. **C.** Flower and fruit. **D.** Root system. **E–F.** *C. decipiens* Baker. **E.** Habit. **F.** Flower detail. **G–H.** *C. tripedale* (Baker) H.Perrier. **G.** Inflorescence. **H.** Flower. **I.** *C. meridionale* subsp. *tulearense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov., habit. **J–K.** *C. meridionale* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. subsp. *meridionale*. **J.** Flower. **K.** Anther detail (abaxial side) showing a small basal heel. **L–M.** *C. humbertianum* H.Perrier. **L.** Habit. **M.** Inflorescence. **N–O.** *C. dianellifolium* (Baker) H.Perrier. **N.** Habit. **O.** Flower. Image credits: **A–B** = N. Ravololomanana (*N. Ravololomanana* 378; MO, P) (ex Tropicos); **C** = L. Nusbaumer (*L. Nusbaumer* 1062; G, K, MO, P); **D** = L. Nusbaumer (*L. Nusbaumer* 5237, G); **E** = M. Rabarimanarivo (*M. Rabarimanarivo* 466, MO, P, TAN) (ex Tropicos); **F** = M. Rabarimanarivo (*M. Rabarimanarivo* 449, MO, P, TAN) (ex Tropicos); **G–H** = G. Schatz (*G. Schatz* 4052, BR, G, P, WAG) (ex Tropicos); **I** = N.H. Rakotoarivelo (*N.H. Rakotoarivelo* 985, G, MO, P, TAN) (ex Tropicos); **J–K** = L. Ramon (*M. Bardot Vaucoulon* 2052, P, TAN); **L–M** = P.B. Phillipson (*P.B. Phillipson* 5718, G, MO, P, TAN) (ex Tropicos); **N** = N.H. Rakotoarivelo (*N.H. Rakotoarivelo* 234, MO, P, TAN) (ex Tropicos); **O** = H. Razafindraibe (*H. Razafindraibe* 257, MO, P, TAN) (ex Tropicos).
<figure><img src="image_15.png" /></figure>

B

<figure><img src="image_16.png" /></figure>

A

<figure><img src="image_17.png" /></figure>

C

<figure><img src="image_18.png" /></figure>

D

<figure><img src="image_19.png" /></figure>

E

<figure><img src="image_20.png" /></figure>

G

<figure><img src="image_21.png" /></figure>

I

<figure><img src="image_22.png" /></figure>

K

<figure><img src="image_23.png" /></figure>

J

<figure><img src="image_24.png" /></figure>

L

<figure><img src="image_25.png" /></figure>

O

<figure><img src="image_26.png" /></figure>

M

<figure><img src="image_27.png" /></figure>

N
or unequal (4–2, in many *C. chloranthum* or more rarely 5–1, e.g., in *C. meridionale* sp. nov. subsp. *meridionale*). This character is stable for most species, but in others the groups of stamens appear to be variable, including on the same inflorescence (*C. decipiens*). The insertion point of the stamen is at the base of each tepal, but in *C. geayanum* the stamens of one of the whorls are partially fused to the tepals for ca 1–2 mm.

There are two types of filament, the first type is flattened, broad at the base and narrowed towards the apex (e.g., *C. appendiculatum*, *C. dianellifolium*, *C. madagascariense* and *C. subligulatum*), the second is fusiform (*C. chloranthum*, *C. darainense* sp. nov., *C. distichum*, *C. ranirisonii* sp. nov. and *C. tolyanum* sp. nov.). An intermediate situation with a flattened base which gradually changes to a spindle shape has also been observed, in this case the filaments possess papillae of varying densities (*C. ankarense*). The characters ‘fusiform and papillose filaments’ versus ‘flattened and glabrous filaments’ roughly correspond to the two groups defined by Perrier de la Bâthie for the flora of Madagascar (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935, 1937–1938). While the species formerly placed in *Anthericum* by Marais & Reilly (1978) have flat, non-papillose filaments (we note that the stamens of *C. sofense* are still not known).

The anthers are generally more or less narrowly hastate, but in some cases they have almost parallel sides and are therefore (almost) narrowly oblong (*C. distichum*, *C. nigrogranulosum* sp. nov. and *C. tripedale*). In *C. namorokense*, an interesting mechanism has been observed – the anthers are folded over the filaments before anthesis and then become erect. In *C. humbertianum*, longitudinal dehiscence of the anthers from above has been observed, and initially has a poricidal appearance (this can be seen in an iNaturalist photo: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/191241917).

The anther colour is generally yellow or pale yellow, but some species, such as *C. parkeri* and *C. graniticum*, have green anthers (the colours are retained on dried material). They are generally shorter than the filaments but sometimes more-or-less equal in length (in *C. appendiculatum* and *C. meridionale* sp. nov.) or even longer (in *C. helvillae* sp. nov., *C. subligulatum*, *C. tripedale* and *C. sp*. 1).

Anthers may be basifixed (see Fig. 7), dorsifixed or medifixed (Figs 4A, C–D, G, I, 5B, J). The anther connectives of Group 1 species are not enlarged at their base and do not have a prolongation, which is

**Fig. 4** (on next page; continued in Fig. 5). Flowers, stamens and fruits of Group 1 species of *Chlorophytum* Ker Gawl. following Perrier de la Bâthie (1935). Seeds are shown as they were arranged in the capsule. Abbreviations: fl = flower; sta = stamen; fr = fruit; se = seed; P = profile; VS = ventral side. A. *C. ankarense* H.Perrier; a-b from *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 10948*, P [P01046141]; c-d from *RN7115*, P [P02157232] (a = fl; b = sta P; c = fr; d = se both sides). B. *C. chloranthum* Baker, from *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 16852*, P [P02071720] (a = fl; b = sta VS; c = fr; d = se both sides). C. *C. decaryanum* H.Perrier; a-b from *R. Decary 10315*, P [P02071710]; c-d from *R.Decary 10321*, P [P02071712] (a = fl; b = st VS and P; c = fr; d = se both sides). D. *C. graniticum* H.Perrier subsp. *graniticum*, from *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 460*, P [P01046135] (a = fl; b = sta VS and P; c = fr; d = se both sides). E. *C. nigrogranulosum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., from *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon et al. 1662*, P [P00643195] (a = fl; b = sta P; c = fr; d = se, both sides). F. *C. nusbaumeri* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., from *L. Nusbaumer & P. Ranirison 1469*, P [P04186576] (a = fl; b = sta VS; c = fr; d = se). G. *C. namorokense* H.Perrier, from *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 1700*, P [P01046130] (a = fl; b = sta P (on the left), VS before anthesis (on the right); c = immature fr; d = immature se). H. *C. distichum* H.Perrier, from *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 10979*, P [P01142919] (a = fl; b = sta P (on the left), VS (on the right); c = immature fr; d = immature se). I. *C. sylvestre* Bard.-Vauc., from *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon 383*, P [P00078336] (a = fl; b = sta P; c = fr; d = se both sides). J. *C. darainense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., from *L. Gautier & C. Chatelain 5005*, G [G00019617] (a = fl; b = sta VS). Drawings by Laurence Ramon and Martine Bardot-Vaucoulon.
A- C. ankarense

<figure><img src="image_28.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_29.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_30.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_31.png" /></figure>

d 2 mm

C- C. decaryanum

<figure><img src="image_32.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_33.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_34.png" /></figure>

c

<figure><img src="image_35.png" /></figure>

2 mm

d

b

E- C. nigrogranulosum

<figure><img src="image_36.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_37.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_38.png" /></figure>

2 mm

c

<figure><img src="image_39.png" /></figure>

2 mm

d

b

G- C. namorokense

<figure><img src="image_40.png" /></figure>

a

d

c

<figure><img src="image_41.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_42.png" /></figure>

b

I- C. sylvestre

<figure><img src="image_43.png" /></figure>

a

<figure><img src="image_44.png" /></figure>

c

<figure><img src="image_45.png" /></figure>

1 mm

d

B- C. chloranthum

<figure><img src="image_46.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_47.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_48.png" /></figure>

2 mm

<figure><img src="image_49.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_50.png" /></figure>

1 mm

a

b

c

d

D- C. graniticum

<figure><img src="image_51.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_52.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_53.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_54.png" /></figure>

2 mm

a

b

c

d

F- C. nusbaumeri

<figure><img src="image_55.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_56.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_57.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_58.png" /></figure>

d

1 mm

b

H- C. distichum

<figure><img src="image_59.png" /></figure>

a

<figure><img src="image_60.png" /></figure>

c

d

<figure><img src="image_61.png" /></figure>

b

J- C. darainense

<figure><img src="image_62.png" /></figure>

a

<figure><img src="image_63.png" /></figure>

b

Flowers: 2 mm

Stamens: 1 mm
characteristic of Group 2 species. Group 2 species are characterised by a significant basal development of the anther connective. This character is important from a diagnostic point of view, even if it presents some variability between individuals. It can be simply enlarged (in *C. decipiens* and *C. tripedale*), while in other species, it presents a more or less developed heel. It is reduced to a simple rim in *C. albociliatum* sp. nov., *C. basivaginatum* sp. nov., *C. helvillae* sp. nov. and *C. humbertianum*, while it just reaches the base of the anthers in *C. dianellifolium*, *C. subligulatum* and in some individuals of *C. meridionale* sp. nov. While it forms a short triangular extension in *C. madagascariense* var. *sciaphilum* comb. nov. and var. *boinense* sp. nov. and some individuals of *C. meridionale* (Fig. 3K), it can also form a distinct apicule (in *C. appendiculatum*, *C. madagascariense* var. *boinense* and *Chlorophytum* sp. 1). The different forms are shown in Fig. 7. In species of Group 1, such modifications are not observed and the connective is not enlarged.

The more or less pronounced development of a heel or an appendix in the genus led H. Perrier de la Bâthie (1937 [1938]) to postulate the establishment of a new genus, close to those genera having anthers with basal appendages, such as *Arthropodium* R.Br. However, it should be emphasized that this character is specific to the Malagasy species mentioned; it does not seem to occur in Africa or elsewhere among related species.

## Pistil

In most species, the pistil is as long as, or longer than the perianth segments. It is significantly shorter only in three species: *C. geayanum*, *C. hypoxiforme* and *C. parkeri*, and in *C. tripedale*, it is a little shorter than the perianth lobes. The style is most of the time curved except for the shorter ones, in an offset position, with an obtuse terminal stigma.

## Gynoecium

### Ovary

The ovary is generally green (as observed on living material and photographs), with the exception of *C. darainense* sp. nov. (Fig. 2I), for which it is white. Three ovary forms have been observed: wider than long (e.g., in *C. ankarense*, *C. decaryanum* and *C. nigrogranulosum* sp. nov.), narrower than long (e.g., in *C. dianellifolium*, *C. humbertianum* and *C. tripedale*), and sub-globular (in *C. hypoxiforme*, *C. madagascariense*, *C. parkeri* and *C. tolyanum* sp. nov.).

**Fig. 5** (on next page; continued from Fig. 4). Flowers, stamens and fruits of Group 1 species of *Chlorophytum* Ker Gawl. following Perrier de la Bâthie (1935). Seeds are shown as they were arranged in the capsule. Abbreviations: fl = flower; sta = stamen; fr = fruit; se = seed; P = profile; VS = ventral side. A. *C. ranirisonii* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., from *L. Nusbaumer & P. Ranirison 1715*, P [P02091352] (a = fl; b = sta VS). B. *C. tolyanum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., from *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon, O. Andrianantoanina, A. Toly & T. Manesy 1193*, P [P00455486] (a = fl; b = sta P). C. *C. parkeri* (Baker) Marais & Reilly, from *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 17322*, P [P02071717] (a = fl; b = sta VS; c = fr; d = se both sides). D. *C. geayanum* H.Perrier, from F. *Geay 8111*, P [P01046127] (a = fl; b = sta VS; c = fr; d = se both sides). E. *C. sp.* 2, from *L. Boivin 2338*, P [P06169866] (a = fl; b = fr with pedicel). F. *C. hypoxiforme* H.Perrier, from *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 10978*, P [P01046123] (a = fl; b = sta VS). G. *C. sofiane* subsp. *gautieri* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov., from *L. Gautier 4625*, P [P04186579] (a = fr; b = se both sides). H. *C. candelabrum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., *P. Ranirison & L. Nusbaumer 875*, G [G00019617] (a = sta VS; b = fr; c = se both sides). I. *C. aspidistrifolium* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., from *L. Nusbaumer & P. Ranirison 2033*, G [G00090381] (a = fr; b = se both sides). J. *C. ratovosonii* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., from *F. Ratovoson 1134*, P [P06169905] (a = st P, b = fr; c = se). Drawings by Laurence Ramon and Martine Bardot-Vaucoulon.
A- C. ranirisonii

<figure><img src="image_64.png" /><figcaption>b</figcaption></figure>

B- C. tolyanum

<figure><img src="image_65.png" /><figcaption>b</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_66.png" /></figure>

C- C. parkeri

<figure><img src="image_67.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_68.png" /><figcaption>c 2 mm</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_69.png" /><figcaption>b</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_70.png" /><figcaption>d 1 mm</figcaption></figure>

D- C. geayanum

<figure><img src="image_71.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_72.png" /><figcaption>c 1 mm</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_73.png" /><figcaption>b</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_74.png" /><figcaption>d 1 mm</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_75.png" /><figcaption>2 mm</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_76.png" /><figcaption>b</figcaption></figure>

E- C. sp2

F- C. hypoxiforme

<figure><img src="image_77.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_78.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<caption>b</caption>

I- C. aspidistrifolium

<figure><img src="image_79.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_80.png" /><figcaption>1 mm</figcaption></figure>

<caption>b</caption>

Flowers: 2 mm

Stamens: 1 mm

G- C. sofense subsp. gautieri

<figure><img src="image_81.png" /><figcaption>a 2 mm</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_82.png" /><figcaption>b 1 mm</figcaption></figure>

H- C. candelabrum

<figure><img src="image_83.png" /><figcaption>1 mm</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_84.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_85.png" /><figcaption>c 1 mm</figcaption></figure>

J- C. ratovosonii

<figure><img src="image_86.png" /><figcaption>2 mm</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_87.png" /><figcaption>1 mm</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_88.png" /><figcaption>c</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_89.png" /><figcaption>1 mm</figcaption></figure>

<caption>b</caption>

<caption>a</caption>
## Ovules

The number of ovules per locule varies from 1 to 20 between the different species: for 16 of the species, only one or two ovules are known, and in the cases of *C. hypoxiforme*, *C. tolyanum* sp. nov. and *C. sylvestre* only single ovules have been observed; among the other species, 6–8 ovules have been observed in *C. humbertianum* and *C. madagascariense*, 10–12 ovules in *C. appendiculatum*, *C. basivaginatum* sp. nov., *C. decipiens* and *C. helvillae* sp. nov., 12–16 ovules in *C. dianellifolium* and *C. subligulatum*, and 14–20 ovules in *C. tripedale*.

## Fruit

The fruiting capsule is similar to the ovary, it is erect for most species (Fig. 3C, N), but it is pendulous in *C. ankarense*, *C. darainense* sp. nov. (Fig. 2I), *C. graniticum*, *C. nusbaumeri* sp. nov., *C. softiense* and *C. sylvestre* (Fig. 2J). However, fruits of *C. helvillae* sp. nov., *C. hypoxiforme*, *C. ranirisonii* sp. nov., *C. tolyanum* sp. nov., *C. subligulatum* and *C. sp. 1* are not known.

Among the species for which capsules are known, they are all brown in colour when ripe, with the exception of *C. nigrogranulosum* sp. nov. which has black capsules. Furthermore, this species is the only one known to have a smooth surface with a grainy appearance, that lacks both wrinkles and ribs. In other species for which capsules are known, the capsule walls are of two types: either thin, with only a few veins visible (in *C. candelabrum* sp. nov., *C. chloranthum*, *C. decaryanum* and *C. humbertianum*), or they have thickened walls, decorated with wrinkles or ribs, and carpel sutures that are most often thick, with a distinct rim. Among the latter group of species, diagnostic characters include the thickness and ornamentation patterns of the walls, the appearance of the sutures of the capsule locules, and the persistence of the base of the style in the form of a hard beak (in *C. tripedale* and *C. graniticum*), however, this is not clearly observable other than on fully ripe fruits. Generally speaking, to identify a specimen, the fruits must be mature, and for *C. basivaginatum* sp. nov., *C. darainense* sp. nov., *C. distichum*, *C. albociliatum* sp. nov. and *C. namorokense* mature fruits are unknown.

**Fig. 6** (on next page). Flowers, stamens and fruits of Group 2 species of *Chlorophytum* Ker Gawl. following Perrier de la Bâthie 1935. Seeds are presented, when available, in the same orientation as in the capsule. Abbreviations: fl = flower; sta = stamen; fr = fruit; se = seed; P = profile; VS = ventral side. **A. Chlorophytum** sp. 1, from *J. Botanique* 5668, P [P06169906] (a = fl; b = sta DS). **B. C. appendiculatum** H.Perrier, from *R. Alluaud* 84, P [P01046114] (a = fl; b = sta DS; c = se). **C. C. decipiens** Baker, from *R. Baron* 2070, P [P01046113] (a = fl; b = sta, DS on the left, VS on the right). **D. C. humbertianum** H.Perrier, from *H. Humbert* 6754, P [P02071370] (a = fl; b = sta, DS on the left, VS on the right). **E. C. meridionale** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.; a–c from *H. Humbert* 28824, P [P06169895]; d–e from *J. Bosser* 19916, P [P06169882] (a = fl; b = short sta DS; c = large sta DS; d = fruit, e = seed both sides). **F. C. madagascariense** Baker var. *madagascariense*, from *R. Decary* 2419, P [P02071707] (a = fl; b = sta DS). **G. C. dianellifolium** (Baker) H.Perrier; a–b from *H. Perrier de la Bâthie* 12443, P [P01046109]; c from *RN* 5547, P [P01046109] (a = fl; b = sta DS; c = anther base (variation)). **H. C. subligulatum** H.Perrier, from *H. Perrier de la Bâthie* 10976, P [P01046107] (a = fl; b = sta DS). **I. C. helvillae** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., from *C. d'Alleizette* 46, P [P06169865] (a = fl; b = sta, VS on the left, ventral side DS on the right). **J. C. tripedale** (Baker) H.Perrier; a–b from *H. Perrier de la Bâthie* 1098, P [P02071361] and picture of living plant from *G. Schatz* 4052, P [P06169842]; c from *H. Humbert* 28381, P [P02158251] (a = fl; b = sta DS; c = anther base (variation)). **K. C. basivaginatum** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.; a–b from *T. Andriamihajarivo et al.* 417, MO [MO-3020298]; c from iNaturalist 9931965 (a = fl; b = sta, DS; c = young fruit). **L. C. albociliatum** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., from *H. Humbert* 28077, P [P06169851] (a = immature fl; b = sta (immature on the left, mature on the right)). Drawings by Laurence Ramon and Martine Bardot-Vaucoulon.
A- *Chlorophytum* sp1

<figure><img src="image_90.png" /><figcaption>b</figcaption></figure>

C- *C. decipiens*

<figure><img src="image_91.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_92.png" /></figure>

E- *C. meridionale*

<figure><img src="image_93.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_94.png" /></figure>

G- *C. dianellifolium*

<figure><img src="image_95.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_96.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_97.png" /></figure>

I- *C. helvillae*

<figure><img src="image_98.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_99.png" /></figure>

K- *C. basivaginatum*

<figure><img src="image_100.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_101.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_102.png" /></figure>

B- *C. appendiculatum*

<figure><img src="image_103.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_104.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_105.png" /></figure>

D- *C. humbertianum*

<figure><img src="image_106.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_107.png" /><figcaption>b</figcaption></figure>

F- *C. madagascariense*

<figure><img src="image_108.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_109.png" /></figure>

H- *C. subligulatum*

<figure><img src="image_110.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_111.png" /></figure>

J- *C. tripedale*

<figure><img src="image_112.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_113.png" /></figure>

L- *C. albociliatum*

<figure><img src="image_114.png" /><figcaption>a</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_115.png" /><figcaption>b</figcaption></figure>

Flowers: 5 mm
Stamens: 2 mm
## Seeds

Species that have many ovules per locule have flat seeds, while they have a rounded or hollow face when there are few ovules per locule. The seeds may be rounded or semi-orbicular (in which case they are higher than wide), black in colour, shiny and slightly grainy. The seed has a central or off-centered notch, in the middle of which the radicle is visible under the integuments.

### *Natural groupings of Chlorophytum species as defined by Perrier de la Bâthie for Madagascar*

In Perrier de la Bâthie's treatment of *Chlorophytum* for the *Flore de Madagascar et des Comores* (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935, 1937 [1938]), two groups of species were established on the basis of floral morphology, that the author referred to as Group 1 (Figs 2, 4–5, Tables 1–2) and Group 2 (Figs 3, 6–7, Tables 1–2). Since that time, several species of the genus *Anthericum* were transferred to the genus *Chlorophytum* (Marais & Reilly 1978) and collections of hitherto unknown species have become available. While the morphological characters now available generally support Perrier de la Bâthie's concept of two groups within *Chlorophytum*, there are nevertheless a few exceptions, notably with respect to those species formerly placed in *Anthericum*. The latter group of species displays most of the characters of Group 1, but with the exception of the stamens, which have flattened filaments without papillae, which aligns them also as intermediate to Group 2. The characters that differentiate the two groups are given in Table 1, with Perrier de la Bâthie's placements indicated in bold type. We present a full list of the known species, and their placement by group in Table 2. Figure 8 shows the geographical distribution of the two groups in Madagascar.

<figure><img src="image_116.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 7.** Different anther types showing connective development in Group 2 of the genus *Chlorophytum* Ker Gawl. in Madagascar. **A–B.** Connective lacking a heel. **A. C. decipiens** Baker (*R. Baron 2070*, P [P01046113]). **B. C. tripedale** (Baker) H.Perrier (*H. Perrier de la Bâthie 10988*, P [P02071361]). **C–D.** Heel connective reduced to a simple flange. **C. C. humbertianum** H.Perrier (*H. Humbert 6754*, P [P02071370]). **D. C. dianellifolium** (Baker) H.Perrier (*H. Perrier de la Bâthie 12443*, P [P01046109]). **E–G.** Heel connective triangular. **E. C. meridionale** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. (*H. Humbert 28824*, P [P06169895]). **F. C. madagascariense** var. *sciophilum* (H.Perrier) Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal comb. nov. (*Perrier de la Bâthie 10950*, P [P01046105]). **G. C. madagascariense** var. *boinense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal var. nov. (*Perrier de la Bâthie 1441*, P [P02071702]). **H–I.** Heel connective with evident appendix. **H. C. madagascariense** Baker var. *madagascariense* (*R. Decary 2419*, P [P02071707]). **I. C. appendiculatum** H.Perrier (*C. Alluaud 84*, P [P01046114]). Drawings by L. Longou. Scale bars = 2 mm.</figcaption></figure>
<table><caption>**Table 1.** Comparison of *Chlorophytum* Ker Gawl. Groups 1 and 2. The differential characters defined initially by H. Perrier de la Bâthie (1935, 1937 [1938]) are shown in bold font.</caption><thead><tr><th>Character or distribution</th><th>Group 1</th><th>Group 2</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Inflorescences</strong></td><td>simple or branched, lateral branches recumbent</td><td>erect, mostly simple</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Size of the flowers</strong></td><td>small, perianth less than 8 mm long, often ca 5 mm</td><td>perianth 10 mm long, or more</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tepals</strong></td><td>always 3-veined</td><td>5-7-veined</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Stamens</strong></td><td>- anthers always shorter than the filaments<br>- filaments swollen and +/- papillate, or only flattened<br>- anthers dorsifixed<br>- anther connective without heel extension</td><td>- anthers shorter, equal or longer than the filaments<br>- filaments flat, wide, narrowed at apex, always without papillae<br>- anthers basifixed<br>- anther connective frequently with a more-or-less elongated heel</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Ovary</strong></td><td>locules with 1-5(-6) ovules</td><td>locules with 6-16(-20) ovules</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Fruits</strong></td><td>capsules erect or recumbents (like the flowers); as broad as high, at most 5 mm high, except for <i>C. namorokense</i>, which measure 8-9 mm high</td><td>capsules always erect, longer or equal than wide, large: 6 mm long or more</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Geographical distribution</strong><br>see Fig. 8</td><td>throughout Madagascar except the SW and extreme S, most species from the North</td><td>from the South, South-east, Centre, South-west, many species from the central zone of the high plateaus. Absent from the centre-west and the East coastal band (ecoregion East), and the North.</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><caption>**Table 2.** Updated list of species of *Chlorophytum* Ker Gawl. in Groups 1 and 2 as initially defined by Perrier de la Bâthie (1935, 1937 [1938]), with the addition of newly described species, and the species formerly placed in the genus *Anthericum*. The latter have morphological characters that bring them close to Group 1, and are indicated by an asterisk (note that the flowers of *C. sofiense* are unknown).</caption><thead><tr><th><i>Chlorophytum</i> Group 1</th><th><i>Chlorophytum</i> Group 2</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i>C. ankarense</i> H.Perrier</td><td><i>C. albociliatum</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. aspidistrifolium</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</td><td><i>C. appendiculatum</i> H.Perrier</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. candelabrum</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</td><td><i>C. basivaginatum</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. chloranthum</i> Baker</td><td><i>C. decipiens</i> Baker</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. darainense</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</td><td><i>C. dianellifolium</i> (Baker) H.Perrier</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. decaryanum</i> H.Perrier</td><td><i>C. helvillae</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. distichum</i> H.Perrier</td><td><i>C. humbertianum</i> H.Perrier</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. geayanum</i> (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly*</td><td><i>C. madagascariense</i> Baker var. <i>madagascariense</i></td></tr><tr><td><i>C. graniticum</i> H.Perrier</td><td><i>C. madagascariense</i> var. <i>pervillei</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal nom. nov.</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. graniticum</i> subsp. <i>ambrense</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov.</td><td><i>C. madagascariense</i> var. <i>sciaphilum</i> (H.Perrier) Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal comb. nov.</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. hypoxiforme</i> (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly*</td><td><i>C. madagascariense</i> var. <i>boinense</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal var. nov.</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. namorokense</i> H.Perrier</td><td><i>C. meridionale</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M. Pignal sp. nov. subsp. meridionale</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. nigrogranulosum</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</td><td><i>C. meridionale</i> subsp. <i>ihosyhense</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov.</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. nusbaumeri</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</td><td><i>C. meridionale</i> subsp. <i>tulearense</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov.</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. parkeri</i> (Baker) Marais & Reilly*</td><td><i>C. subligulatum</i> H.Perrier</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. ranirisonii</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</td><td><i>C. tripedale</i> (Baker) H.Perrier</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. ratovosonii</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</td><td><i>C. tripedale</i> (Baker) H.Perrier</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. sofiense</i> (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly*</td><td><i>C. subligulatum</i> H.Perrier</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. sofiense</i> subsp. <i>gautieri</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov.</td><td><i>C. subligulatum</i> H.Perrier</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. sylvestre</i> Bard.-Vauc.</td><td><i>C. tripedale</i> (Baker) H.Perrier</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. tolyanum</i> Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</td><td><i>C. subligulatum</i> H.Perrier</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. sp. 2</i></td><td><i>C. subligulatum</i> H.Perrier</td></tr></tbody></table>
<figure><img src="image_117.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 8.** Geographic distribution of the 2 groups defined by Perrier de la Bâthie (1937 [1938]), Group 1 = orange dots; Group 2 = blue dots.</figcaption></figure>
Dividing *Chlorophytum* into two informal groups of species on the basis of the characters mentioned above is easy and provides a practical approach to the identification of the Malagasy species. However, we note that this arrangement does not correspond to taxonomic entities established globally within the genus at infrageneric levels.

## Habitats and ecology

In Madagascar, the genus *Chlorophytum* occupies diverse habitats: including the undergrowth of dense humid forest (e.g., *C. chloranthum*), dry 'tropophilous' forest, open grassland, rocky areas, and also somewhat degraded areas, including those that are subjected to annual burns and more rarely border of wetlands, including stream banks. The distribution of the genus extends from near the coast (e.g., *C. decaryanum*) to altitudes of 1600-1800 m, in the case of *C. tripedale*. The latter appear to be the only species of the genus in Madagascar that is restricted to metamorphic substrates, including soils derived from quartzite and cipolin. The other species occur on diverse substrates, such as those derived from limestone, metamorphic rocks and granite or occur on volcanic soils. Certain species are nevertheless associated with rocky outcrops, but sufficient soil and humus is always necessary between the rocks to allow for adequate root development.

Flowering is generally simultaneous with leaf development and usually extends throughout the rainy season from November or December to March or April (depending on the region). Exceptions to this include *C. humbertianum*, which flowers in November and December but this is before the leaves develop fully in this species, *C. parkeri*, for which flowers and fruits have been observed mainly in the dry season, and *C. decaryanum*, which occurs in the southeast, and flowers mainly during the autumn and winter, a time when the rainfall is lower, but nevertheless persistent. However, the ecology and the phenology are far from being fully understood for all species, and in particular, the newly described species, that are mostly known only from a single or just a few individuals. The maps presenting the distributions of the taxa treated in this article display the terrestrial ecoregions of Madagascar (Schatz 2001a, 2001b), as a base-map, with an overlay of the outlines of the current 23 administrative regions, and with green cross-hatched areas showing the extent of the formally protected area network.

After fruiting, the aerial parts of most species dehydrate and die, and only their underground parts persist. The ombrophilous species, *C. chloranthum* is however an exception, being the only known Malagasy species that persists above ground all year round. Its main reproductive period is between October and April, although flowering has also been observed outside this period. It is the most-collected species of the genus in Madagascar, known from about 60 collections, and has the widest distribution range.

The short duration of development, as well as this seasonality which causes these species to be invisible for part of the year, explains the paucity of herbarium collections from certain regions that are difficult to access during the rainy season. Among recent contributions, there is a significant number of collections made near the larger towns and along main communication routes, as well as in areas where botanical inventory projects with in-depth surveys have been carried out over extended periods – for example at Beanka, Daraina and Itremo. The genus is also under-collected due to a lack of general inventories in many parts of Madagascar.

Three areas in particular have very few collections of *Chlorophytum* – the eastern coastal strip, that extends from Sambava to Tolagnaro, but with the exceptions of the Andohahela National Park in the southeast, the southern part of the Tsaratanana massif that corresponds to the Northern Highlands ecoregion as defined by the National Protected Areas Network (Anonymous 2001), and the Menabe Region, in the west.

Different geographical distribution ranges can be observed for the two groups defined by Perrier de la Bâthie (Fig. 8). Group 1 species are present throughout Madagascar, except for the southwest and the
6. Blade width uniform (except the basal pseudopetiole) .................................................................................. 7

– Blade width not uniform, narrowly elliptic .................................................................................................................. 9

7. Blade filiform, enrolled, 0.3 to 0.5 cm wide .................................................................................................................. 8

– Blade graminoid, 0.3–2.5 cm wide ................................................................................................................................. 14

8. Blade margin with fine white hairs, not scabrous ..................................................................................................................

– .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. *C. albociliatum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

– Blade margin lacking fine white hairs, partially scabrous ..................................................................................................................

– .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. *C. meridionale* subsp. *ihosyense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov.

9. Blade elliptical or lanceolate .................................................................................................................................................. 19

– Blade ovate .................................................................................................................................................................................. *C. sylvestre* Bard.-Vauc.

10. Blade of uneven width, broader in the middle, and tapering at both ends .................................................. 11

– Blade of uniform width, excluding the pseudo-petiole .................................................................................................................. 21

11. Blade ovate .................................................................................................................................................................................. *C. sylvestre* Bard.-Vauc.

– Blade elliptical or very narrowly lanceolate, and with a graminoid appearance when folded (e.g., for *C. parkeri*) .................................................................................................................................................................................. 22

12. Leaf with at least a portion of the blade with a rough margin .................................................................................. 13

– Leaf with a smooth margin .................................................................................................................................................................................. 23

13. Leaf with a partially scabrous margin, at least the apical portion .................................................................................. 25

– Leaf with an entirely scabrous margin .................................................................................................................................................................................. 26

14. Leaf with an entirely scabrous margin .................................................................................................................................................. 15

– Leaves with a smooth margin .................................................................................................................................................................................. 18

15. Leaf lacking a distinct fold at the zone of transition from the sheath to the blade ........................................ 16

– Leaf with a pronounced fold at the zone of transition from the sheath to the blade ........................................ 17

16. Perianth with equal-sized tepals; leaf-blade 0.4–0.5 cm wide ..................................................................................

– .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. *C. meridionale* subsp. *ihosyense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov.

– Perianth with unequal tepals; leaf-blade 0.8–2.5 cm wide ..................................................................................................................

– .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. *C. meridionale* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. subsp. *meridionale*

17. Leaves 3–7 mm wide, with 12–23 veins; tepals with the veins uniformly spaced; anther connective with a small triangular projection ..................................................................................................................................................................................

– .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. *C. dianellifolium* (Baker) H.Perrier

– Leaves, 5–10 mm wide, with 29–32 veins; tepals with the veins closely-spaced in the centre; anther connective reduced to a simple ridge .................................................................................................................. *C. subligulatum* H.Perrier

18. Sepals with 3 veins .................................................................................................................................................................................. *C. decipiens* Baker

– Sepals with more than 3 veins .................................................................................................................................................................................. *C. basivaginatum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

19. Peduncle not glabrous .................................................................................................................................................................................. 20

– Peduncle glabrous .................................................................................................................................................................................. 28

20. Peduncle rough or papillose .................................................................................................................................................................................. 30

– Peduncle pilose .................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
21. Blade with a glabrous surface .................................................................................................................. 32
- Blade with a scabrous surface .................................................................................................................. C. meridionale sp. nov. Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. meridionale

22. Floral bract shorter than the pedicel ........................................................................................................ 34
- Floral bract equal to or longer than the pedicel ................................................................................................ 35

23. Floral bract equal to or longer than the pedicel ................................................................................................ 24
- Floral bract shorter than the pedicel .................................................................................................................. 50

24. Leaves 12–18 mm wide, with 17–18 veins; pseudopetiole comprising 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaf length .
- Leaves 15–50 mm wide, with 15–25 veins; pseudopetiole comprising 1/4 to 1/5 of the leaf length .
C. graniticum subsp. ambrense Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov.
C. nusbaumeri Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

25. Pedicel glabrous ................................................................................................................................. 36
- Pedicel with an indument .................................................................................................................. C. ranirisonii Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

26. Peduncle with an indument .................................................................................................................. 27
- Peduncle glabrous ................................................................................................................................. 37

27. Peduncle tomentose ................................................................................................................................. C. ankarense H.Perrier
- Peduncle rough or papillose .................................................................................................................. 39

28. Leaf with a scabrous margin .................................................................................................................. 29
- Leaf with a smooth margin .......................................................................................................................... 40

29. Blade margin partially scabrous (visible on young leaves for 1 cm from the tip, sometimes visible along the margin) ................................................................................................................ C. parkeri (Baker) Marais & Reilly
- Blade margin entirely scabrous ................................................................................................................ C. aspidistrifolium Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

30. Inflorescence equal to or shorter than the leaves .................................................................................. 41
- Inflorescence longer than the leaves ........................................................................................................ 43

31. Sepals with 3 veins ................................................................................................................................. C. graniticum H.Perrier subsp. graniticum
- Sepals with 5 veins ................................................................................................................................. C. helvillae Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

32. Leaves with a scabrous margin .................................................................................................................. 33
- Leaves with a smooth margin .......................................................................................................................... 44

33. Leaves with a partially scabrous margin (only at the tips of the blades) ................................................
- Leaf with an entirely scabrous margin ........................................................................................................ 45

34. Peduncle rough or papillose ................................................................. C. nigrogranulosum Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.
- Peduncle glabrous ................................................................................................................................. 47

35. Fruit with a beaked apex formed by the hardened remnant of the style ................................................
- Fruit with a rounded apex .......................................................................................................................... 49
36. Blade filiform and curled .................................................... *C. geayanum* (Baker) Marais & Reilly
- Blade elliptical or lanceolate .................................................... *C. chloranthum* Baker

37. Blade surface glabrous .................................................................................... 52
- Blade surface not-glabrous, either asperous or with an indument .................................................... 38

38. Blade denticulate on the margins, and with long, translucent hairs on the veins ....................................................
- Blade with scabrous margins and a scabrous surface .................................................... 55

39. Pedicel with indumentum .................................................... *C. tolyanum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.
- Pedicel glabrous .................................................................................... *C. aff. chloranthum* Baker

40. Inflorescence shorter than or equal in length to the leaves ....................................................
- Inflorescence longer than the leaves .................................................... *C. decaryanum* H.Perrier

41. Blade with a scabrous surface ....................................................................................
- Blade with a glabrous surface .................................................................................... 42

42. Raceme lax .................................................................................... *C. helvillae* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.
- Raceme congested .................................................................................... *C. sofense* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly **subsp. sofense**

43. Fruit with a beaked apex formed by the hardened remnant of the style ....................................................
- Fruit with a rounded apex .................................................................................... 56

44. Inflorescence equal to or shorter than the leaves .................................................... *C. distichum* H.Perrier
- Inflorescence longer than the leaves .................................................... *C. decipiens* Baker

45. Sepals with more than 4 veins .................................................................................... 46
- Sepals with 3 veins .................................................................................... 57

46. Undulating fold at the junction of the sheath and the blade ....................................................
- No fold at the junction of the sheath and the blade ....................................................
- No fold at the junction of the sheath and the blade .................................................... *C. madagascariense* Baker var. madagascariense

47. Leaf with a smooth margin .................................................... *C. hypoxiforme* (Baker) Marais & Reilly
- Leaf with a partially scabrous margin (visible on young leaves for 1 cm from the tip, sometimes visible along the edge) .................................................................................... 48

48. Loose inflorescence; stamens in a single whorl ............................ *C. parkeri* (Baker) Marais & Reilly
- Constricted inflorescence; stamens in two whorls ............................ *C. aff. parkeri* (Baker) Marais & Reilly

49. Pedicel with indument .................................................................................... *C. humbertianum* H.Perrier
- Pedicel glabrous .................................................................................... *C. sofense* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly **subsp. sofense**

50. Leaves spreading on the ground, with 25-28 veins .................................................... *C. namor本基金* H.Perrier
- Leaves upright, or initially upright then arching, with up to 25 veins .................................................... 51
51. Leaves (5-)8–15(–21) × 0.3–1.2 cm in size, with 5–12 veins; filaments with scattered papillae ......
.................................................................................................................................................. *C. decaryanum* H.Perrier

– Leaves 13–40(46) × 0.8–2.5–3 cm, with 15–20(–25) veins; filaments with abundant papillae ........
.................................................................................................................................................. *C. chloranthum* Baker

52. Blade graminoid .................................................................................................................. 53

– Blade elliptical or lanceolate .................................................. *C. ratovosonii* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

53. Blade more than 1 cm in width ..................................................................................
.................................. *C. madagascariense var. sciophilum* (H.Perrier) Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal comb. nov.

– Blade less than 1 cm in width .................................................................................................................. 54

54. Pseudo-petiole present; anthers with short appendages; fruit as tall as it is wide ..................................................
.................................................................................. *C. madagascariense var. pervillei* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal nom. nov.

– No pseudo-petiole present; anthers with a developed appendage; fruit taller than it is wide ........
.................................................................................................................................................. *C. appendiculatum* H.Perrier

55. Tuberous areas on the roots, true tubers very rare; 1–3 inflorescence bracts; petals with 3 veins .....
.................................................. *C. meridionale subsp. tulearens* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov.

– No tuberous areas on the roots, numerous true tubers; a single inflorescence bract; petals with more
than 3 veins .................................... *C. madagascariense var. boinense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal var. nov.

56. Pedicel with a short indument .................................................................................. *C. humbertianum* H.Perrier

– Pedicel glabrous .................................................................................. *C. darainense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

57. Connective of the anther reduced to a simple heel; pseudo-petiole present ..................................................
.................................................................................. *C. madagascariense* Baker var. *madagascariense*

– Connective of the anther appendiculate; no pseudo-petiole present ..................................................
.................................................................................................................................................. *C. appendiculatum* H.Perrier

1. *Chlorophytum albociliatum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324185-1

Figs 6L, 9–10

Diagnosis

A *C. madagascariense* affinis est, sed inflorescentia simplici (*vs* ramosam), laminae foliorum bractearumque margine pilis albis erectisque (*vs* scabram), foliorum margine revoluta (*vs* planam), tepalis quinque-nervosis (*vs* tri-nervosa).

Etymology

The specific epithet refers to the thick, white and rough hairs present on the margin of the leaves and bracts.

Type material

MADAGASCAR – Amoron'i Mania [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • Betsileo, West of Ambatofinandrahana;
[20°33' S, 46°48' E]; 16 Jan. 1955; fl bud, fr; *H. Humbert* 28077; holotype: P [P06169851]!; isotype: P
[P06169856]!.
<figure><img src="image_118.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 9.** *Chlorophytum albociliatum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. holotype; *H. Humbert 28077*, P [P06169851]. **A.** Habit. **B.** Leaf detail. **C.** Young inflorescence. **D.** Immature flower. **E.** Young anther. **F.** Mature stamen. **G.** Young fruit. **H.** Seed. Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 20–30 cm tall; *rhizome* short, *roots* numerous, clustered, thickened, 1.2–1.5 mm in diam., some becoming tuberous, 2.5–3 mm thick; the remnants of old leaves in the form of fibres at the base; *leaves* filiform, 7–10, erect, thick, curled, 11–26 × 0.3–0.4 cm, outer leaves shorter than the inner ones on the shoot, the margins bordered by fine white hairs 0.1–0.4 (–1.2) mm long, perpendicular to the margin, veins 16–20, thick, closely spaced, raised on the lower surface, not visible on the upper surface; *inflorescence* barely longer than the leaves, 20–33 cm tall, unbranched, sparsely flowered, with a naked peduncle, 15–28 cm long; *rachis* short, 2.5–3.5 cm, with a single flower per node; floral bracts at the base, triangular, long-acuminate, 13 × 2.5 mm, much longer than the pedicel, veins 5, margin carrying hairs similar to those on the leaf margin; bracts transitioning gradually towards the apex to deltoid-based bracts, with a short pedicel, 2–2.5 mm long, articulated at 0.5 mm from the base; *immature flowers* with elliptical *tepals*, 8 × 4 mm, slightly lacinate at the upper margin, veins 5, the 3 central ones fused at the top; *stamens* shorter than the perianth; filaments 2.5 mm long; anthers 5 mm long, with a short triangular heel; *gynoecium*: ovary 1.3 mm long, ovules 12 per locule, style 5.5 mm long, stigma with a slightly spatulate tip; *floral parts* (observed on a young fruit): tepals ca 14 mm long; *stamens* shorter than the perianth, filaments flattened, 5.5–6 mm long, anthers 7 × 1 mm long, conical, with a short triangular margin that does not reach the base of the anther, and a filiform style 9 mm long; *capsule* higher than wide, 7 × 6 mm, with thickened sutures; *young seed* brown, ovate, 2.5 × 2 mm, with a granulate surface, not notched, and with a prominent radicle.

**Phenology**

The only known specimens, collected in January, bear immature inflorescences and young fruits, suggesting that the plant flowers as early as December and bears fruit in January and likely also in February.

<figure><img src="image_119.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 10.** Type (and only known) locality of *Chlorophytum albociliatum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. within the Amoroni'i Mania Region (N.B. the plotted point for the species to the east of the Itremo protected area is approximate, see relevant text).</figcaption></figure>
**Distribution and ecology**

*Chlorophytum albociliatum* sp. nov. is endemic to Madagascar, and known only from the Amoron'i Mania Region near the town of Ambatofinandrahana in central Madagascar (approximate post facto georeference, 20°33' S, 46°48' E). The precise location for this single known occurrence of the species is not known, but it was described as occurring on western slopes in woodland on gneiss, at an altitude of 1400–1500 m. However, the eastern edge of the Itremo Massif protected area (status: Harmonious Protected Landscape, designated in April 2015) lies only 23 km to the west of Ambatofinandrahana and it is likely that the species was collected in this area. Nevertheless, a moderate level of botanical exploration has been undertaken in this vicinity, and the species is not known to have been collected again – it is clearly rare, or possibly even extinct.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum albociliatum* sp. nov. is endemic to Madagascar. It is known from a single collection made in January 1955 and is therefore known from a single occurrence at a single location. The area in which it was recorded is not well-explored, and a targeted search for the species is recommended to determine whether the species is extant, and if so, to obtain data to re-evaluate its conservation status and update this assessment. The species is therefore assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

**Remark**

A young fruit surrounded by the remains of a flower enabled us to obtain measurements of the tepals, anthers and style.

**2. *Chlorophytum ankarense* H.Perrier**
Figs 4A, 11

*Chlorophytum ankarense* H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 47).

**Etymology**

The epithet refers to the Ankara Plateau (NW Madagascar).

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – *Boeny* [*Mahajanga Prov.*] • Rochers (calcaires) boisés de Kamakama, causses d'Ankara; [16°55' S, 46°28' E]; Mar. 1901; fl; *H. Perrier de La Bâthie 10948*; holotype: P [P01046141]!.

**Other material examined**

MADAGASCAR – *Androy* [*Toliara Prov.*] • Ampandrandava; 1943; fl; *Jardin botanique 5989*; TAN! • Crête des Pisopiso, Nord d'Ampandrandava; [24°04' S, 45°42' E]; 900 m; Jan. 1943; fl; *A. Seyrig 521*; P [P02071689]! • same data as for preceding; 1943 (en culture); fl, fr; *A. Seyrig 521B*; P [P02071695]!. – *Atsimo-Andrefana* [*Toliara Prov.*] • Sud-ouest Manombo; [22°57'44" S, 43°29'58" E]; 26 Jan. 1947; fr; *H. Humbert 1997*; P [P02158247]!, MO [MO-3020335, MO-3020336] image!. – *Boeny* [*Mahajanga Prov.*] • Massif de l'Ankarafantsika; [16°19' S, 46°48' E]; 19 Jan 1938; fr; *R. Decary 12828*; P [P02157231]!, TAN! • RN 8, Soalala, Andranomava; [16°28' S, 45°20' E]; 27 Mar. 1954; fr; *RN 6144* (*Rakotovao*); P [P02157237]! • same data as for preceding; [16°34' S, 45°34' E]; 10 Mar. 1955; fl, fr; *RN 7115* (*H. Randriamiera*); P [P02157232, P02157224]!.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 13–38 cm tall; *roots fasciculated, fibrous, slightly thickened, 0.5–0.7 mm, bearing infrequent fusiform tubers, 8–10 × 1–2 mm; *leaves 4–13, lanceolate, 13–38 × 1.5–3 cm, base attenuated*
<figure><img src="image_120.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 11.** Distribution of *Chlorophytum ankarense* H.Perrier in Boeny, Atsimo-Andrefana and Androy Regions.</figcaption></figure>
into a pseudo-petiole of 4.5–10 cm long, approximately 1/3 to 1/4 of the total length of the leaf blade, leaf-base sheathing, surrounded by a fibrous sleeve composed of the remains of old leaves, leaf margins hyaline, mostly scabrous (except for *RN 6144* where the leaf margin is smooth), leaf apex tapered, with a pseudo-midrib, comprising 24–34 evenly-spaced, conspicuous veins and with a network of transverse veinlets; *inflorescence* 1(–2) per plant, erect, branched, robust, 32–60 cm in height; central axis and lateral branches covered with hyaline, more or less papillose hairs up to 0.1 mm long, mixed with short excrescences of variable density differing between the specimens, peduncle 18–32 cm long, with 1–3(–4), triangular, often long-tapered bracts, 7–40 × 2.5–5 mm at the base, veins 8–16, *rachis* 16–30 cm long; flowers 2–5(–7) per node, floral bracts triangular, very slender, reddish, 2.5–6(–10) × 1.5–3 mm, veins 3–5, shorter than the pedicel, the latter (3–)4–8 mm long, generally articulated below the middle, or occasionally ca 1.5 mm from the base (e.g., *Seyrig 521* and *521B*), pedicel glabrous; *perianth* white or very pale green; *tepals* narrowly elliptical, equal or subequal, 4.5–5.7 × 0.5–0.8 mm; veins 3, discreet; *stamens* unequal, shorter than the tepals, in two groups – 3 long (2.5–4 mm) and 3 short (1.8–3 mm), filaments flattened at the base, spindle-shaped, thickened, papillose above, anthers with a triangular base, sometimes curved at anthesis, 0.5–1 × 0.2–0.3 mm, divergent at the base, anthers dorsifixed, inserted on the filament at the lower 1/3; *gynoecium*: ovary, 0.5–0.8 × 0.6–1 mm; ovules 1(–2) per locule, style filiform, 4.2–6 mm long, exserted; stigma with thickened tip; *capsules* pendulous at maturity, distinctly wider than tall, 3–5 × 5–7 mm, often with one or two aborted locules, with 4–6 thick transverse ribs; *seeds* 1 per locule, black, somewhat discoid, 2–2.8 mm, with a convex surface and a small depression on the flat side behind the hilum, shiny, granulate, with a narrow notch, where the radicle is visible, but not protruding.

## Phenology

Flowering has been recorded from December to March, and fruiting from January, and continues beyond the month of March.

## Distribution and ecology

*Chlorophytum ankarense* has a highly disjunct known distribution. It has been recorded in the western parts of Madagascar in Boeny and Atsimo-Andrefana Regions, as well as in the Androy Region in the south-central part of the country, near Ampandrandava. It occurs at elevations ranging from 100 to 900 m above sea level, on both sandy and limestone substrates, but always in dry forest, and generally in well-shaded areas. The disjunct and climatically heterogeneous distribution of the species does raise questions, and furthermore the available material is limited, and no recent collections of *C. ankarense* are known. Close to half of the available collections consist of separate elements, including just a few leaves, inflorescences, or a single infructescence. Observing similarities in the hairiness of the floral axes, the size and arrangement of the floral parts, the appearance of the fruit and seeds, we group together the cited elements as a single species without absolute certainty, as not all these characteristics are consistently present together, and new material is needed to confirm the species delimitation.

## Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

*Chlorophytum ankarense* is endemic to Madagascar. The species is known from a total of 9 collections that represent 5 occurrences. These show a highly disjunct distribution with one group of records from the south of the country, and a second group from the northeast. The species is not known to have been collected or observed since 1955. Furthermore, the known collection sites are mostly not considered to be badly degraded, and there are records of the species from the following three formally protected areas: the Parc National d'Ankarafantsika and Parc National de Namoroka in the west, and the Aire Protégée de Ranobe PK32 in the southwest. The two other known records are from areas lacking formal protection, the Causse d'Ankara in the west – which nevertheless has relatively intact vegetation, and Ampandrandava in the south, where, in contrast, the vegetation is badly degraded. We therefore consider the 5 known
subpopulations to represent 5 locations due to differing management levels of the corresponding sites, due to there diverse conditions and wide separation. With an AOO of only 20 km², but an EOO of over 150 000 km², *Chlorophytum ankarense* could be assessed as Endangered [EN B2ab(i,iii,iv,v)], however, given the lack of any recent material of the species, we propose an assessment of Data Deficient [DD]. Nevertheless, we suspect that this rather inconspicuous plant is likely to be more frequent across its broad range than the limited number of available collections would suggest, and we recommend a targeted search for the species in the vicinities of the known localities.

### 3. *Chlorophytum appendiculatum* H.Perrier

Figs 6B, 7I, 12

*Chlorophytum appendiculatum* H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935:58).

### Etymology

The specific epithet refers to the appendix of the connective of the anthers, which is particularly well-developed.

### Type material

MADAGASCAR • Sud; Sep. 1900; fl, fr; *C. Alluaud* 84; holotype: P [P01046114]!; isotype: P [P01046115]!.

### Other material examined

MADAGASCAR – Androy [Toliara Prov.] • Kokomba; [25°2′ S, 44°51′ E]; Dec. 1917; fl; *R. Decary, s.n.* (334?); P [P02157241]! • Ankobo, district d'Ambovombe; [24°55′ S, 45°23′ E]; 6 May 1924; fl; *R. Decary* 2713; P [P02157243]! • Ambovombe [25°10′ S, 46°5′ E]; 3 Feb. 1931; fl; *R. Decary* 8494; P [P02157244]!. – Anosy [Toliara Prov.] • Andrahomana, Fort Dauphin; [25°10′ S, 46°39′ E]; 21 Jun. 1926; fl; *R. Decary* 4155; P [P02157240]! • Vallée du Mandrare moyen; [24°57′ S, 46°17′ E]; 4 Aug. 1926; fl; *R. Decary* 4598; P [P02157242]! • Andrahomana, cap Andavaka, Fort Dauphin; [25°12′ S, 46°38′ E]; 25–26 Feb. 1955; fl; *H. Humbert* 29086; P [P06169833]! • W of Tolanaro, NE of Amboasary sud, Hazofotsy Madagascar, Toliara, Anosy, Fort Dauphin (Tôlanaro) region, W of town and NE of Amboasary Sud, near village of Hazofotsy; [24°50′ S, 46°32′ E]; 80–120 m; 28 Jan. 1990; fl; *G. McPherson et al.* 14928; MO [MO-3020343] image!, TAN! • Ranopiso, Fort Dauphin; [25°03′S, 46°40′E]; 23 Nov. 1959; fl; *J. Peltier & M. Peltier* 1476; P [P02157239]!. – Atsimo-Andrefana [Toliara Prov.] • Toliara, Vallée de l'Onilahy, Route de Toliara à Ambohivahavelona; 23°25′43.1″ S, 43°49′39.7″ E; 88 m; 5 May 2024; *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon & J.-D. Randrianandrasana* 2025; végétation xérophyte, forêt sèche clairsemée, arbres et arbustes souvent épineux et ou à feuilles réduites; vallon calcaire bordé de zones escarpées; en bordure de petite falaise de 2.5 m, en sous-bois, dans un sol peu profond argilo calcaire, petite population d'une vingtaine de pieds dispersée sur plusieurs mètres; MO!, P [P02275952, P02275953]!, TAN! • same data as for preceding; 23°25′38.6″ S, 43°49′45″ E; 98 m; 11 May 2024; *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon & J.-D. Randrianandrasana* 2054; végétation xérophyte, fourré constitué d'arbres et arbustes souvent épineux et ou à feuilles réduites; vallon calcaire bordé de zones escarpées; en bordure de petite falaise de 2.5 m, en sous-bois, dans un sol peu profond argilo calcaire, petite population répartie en haut de la falaise et dans les rochers 1 m en contrebas; MO!, P [P02275951]!, TAN! • Colline de la Table, Tuléar; [23°24′ S, 43°47′ E]; Mar. 1960; *J. Bosser* 14206; TAN! • La Table, Tuléar; [23°24′ S, 43°46′ E]; 1952–1955; fl; *J. Dequaire* 27578; P [P06169847, P06169855]! • La Table, près de Tuléar; [23°24′ S, 43°47′ E]; 4 Feb. 1957; fl; *B. Descoings* 2260; MO [MO-3020331]!, TAN! • Environs de Tuléar, La Table; [23°21′ S, 43°40′ E]; Mar. 1960; fl; *M. Keraudren* 594; P [P06169890]! • Entre Tuléar et Saint Augustin; [23°26′ S, 43°45′ E]; 31 Mar. 1966; fl; *J. Peltier et M. Peltier* 5834; P [P06169917]!. – locality unknown • s.loc.; 1898–1901; *G. Grandidier s.n.*; P [P02157245]!.
**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 20–55 cm in height; underground part with a *rhizome*, *roots* fleshy, shallow at a depth of 5–10 cm, 1–3 mm in diam., 13–30 cm in length, bearing one or more ovoid tubers 1–4 × 1–1.2 cm, some showing constrictions; *leaves* 4–8, glaucous green in living specimens, sometimes surrounded at their base by the remains of old leaves forming a fibrous sheath, narrow, grass-like, folded; leafblade, 12–56 × 0.4–0.6 cm, with finely scabrous margins, tip tapered, veins, 15–21, closely spaced and clearly visible; *inflorescence* robust, solitary, 24–50(–86) cm in height, simple or slightly branched, peduncle smooth, 16.5–32 (–56.5) cm long, bearing 1–2 triangular inflorescence bracts, 10–30 × 2.5–4 mm, with at least 8 veins, smooth margins and tapered tips; *rachis* (8–)11–32 cm long, bearing solitary or clustered flowers, up-to 4 per node; floral bracts with a triangular base and a tapered apex, 5.5–12.0 mm × 1.5–2.0 mm; pedicels 3–7 mm long (shorter than the bracts), with an infra-medial articulation; *perianth* white or pale pink, 8.5–11.5 mm long, elliptic, with 3 closely-spaced veins at the centre; outer tepals shorter and narrower, 7.8–10 × 1.5–2 mm; inner, 9–10 × 2–2.5 mm; *stamens* equal, shorter than the perianth, filament with a flattened base and tapered apex, 3.5–4.5 mm long, anthers triangular, 3.4–5 × 1–1.2 mm, basifixed, with a well-developed triangular appendage on the connective, 0.5–0.8 mm long; *gynoecium*: ovary longer than wide, 1.1–2 × 0.7–1.8 mm, ovules 6–10 per locule, style 7–10 mm long, weakly deflexed, with a slightly thickened stigma; *capsule* taller than wide, 10 × 7.5 mm, with distinct transverse veins; *seeds* black, flat, 2.3 × 3.2 mm, with a wide, shallow notch, and with the radicle protruding.

**Phenology**

Flowering can occur from September to June, and is well-represented by the available collections. Fruiting starts in September and can last until June, depending on the population.

**Distribution and ecology**

*Chlorophytum appendiculatum* is endemic to Madagascar, where it occurs primarily in the southern, subarid bioclimatic region, with its range just extending into the subhumid region to the east. It has a disjunct known distribution across its geographic range that comprises a subpopulation in the vicinity of the city of Toliara on the west coast that lies within the Tsinjoriake Protected Landscape and the Amoron'i Onilahy protected area, and a second subpopulation that is sparsly scattered across a large area of southern and southeastern Madagascar, including within the Behara-Tranomaro Protected area. It occurs on limestone and on acidic rocks, such as sand or gneiss, at altitudes below 500 m. It can form small populations in humus-rich clay-limestone undergrowth on cliff tops or under limestone boulders.

<figure><img src="image_121.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 12.** Distribution of *Chlorophytum appendiculatum* H.Perrier, in Atsimo-Andrefana, Androy and Anosy Regions.</figcaption></figure>
**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum appendiculatum* is endemic to Madagascar. The species is known from 15 collections from 5 occurrences across its range and has an AOO of 44 km² and an EOO of 21 270 km². It is known to occur in the protected areas of Amoron'i Onilahy and Behara-Tranomaro in the west of its range and in Tsinjoriake in the southeast, and at the six other locations that currently lack any formal protection, but where its habitat is undoubtedly threatened by overgrazing or by land clearance for agriculture locations. The species is assessed as Vulnerable [VU B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv)].

**Illustrations**

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig.VIII 1–4.

**Nomenclatural remarks**

1) The specimen, *C. Alluaud 84*; [P01046114], bears the word “type” on a determinavit written by H. Perrier de la Bâthie, and must therefore be considered to be the holotype, while another sheet [P01046115] contains dissected elements of the same collection.

2) We include *Decary 4598* in *C. appendiculatum*, although it was originally determined as *C. decipiens* by H. Perrier de la Bâthie, and only later reclassified by him as *C. appendiculatum* in order to maintain geographical consistency. The specimen currently consists of two separated leaves, a dry floral scape without flowers, and a damaged flower fragment, likely consumed by insects, that is impossible to identify with certainty. It is likely that the degradation of the specimen occurred after Perrier de la Bâthie's determination.

4. *Chlorophytum aspidistrifolium* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.
urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324056-1
Figs 2A, 5I, 13,19

**Diagnosis**

*Chlorophyto ratovosonii* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal *affinis*, *sed planta paucifoliata* (2 foliis vs 7), pseudo-petiolo gracili aequante vel longiore laminae (vs latiorem et 1/3 longitudine laminae), inflorescentia simplice (vs ramosam), pedunculo ebracteoso (vs 2-bracteatum), pedicello breviore articulatoque infra medium (vs longiorem supra medium articulatum), loculo fructi uniseminali (2-3 seminales), radicula seminis breviore paulo prominentique (vs latiorem clare prominentemque) praecipue differt.

**Etymology**

The specific epithet of this new species refers to the shape of its leaves, which resemble those of *Aspidistra elatior* Blume (Asparagaceae), the well-known houseplant.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – SAVA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Vohemar, Daraina, forêt de Solaniampilana-Maroadabo; 13°05'37" S, 49°34'31" E; 133 m; 7 Feb. 2006; fr; *L. Nusbaumer & F. Ranirison 2033*; holotype: G [G00090381]!; isotype: TEF n.v.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 20 cm tall; the base of the plant is surrounded by fibres formed from the remains of old leaves; *rootstock* clustered, a mixture of fibrous and tuberous roots, the tubers forming on fibrous roots at a distance of ca 1 cm from the crown; tubers fusiform, very slender, 12–20 × 1–2 mm, often extending into a distal fibrous-root portion; *leaves 2*(-3), inclined, 27.0–31.5 × 1.4–2.0 cm, lanceolate, tapering at
<figure><img src="image_122.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 13.** *Chlorophytum aspidistrifolium* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. holotype; *L. Nusbaumer & F. Ranirison 2033*, G [G00090381]. **A.** Habit. **B.** Young fruit with pedicel. **C.** Fruit. **D–E.** two sides of one seed. Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
both ends, the base transitioning to a slender, 14–16 cm long pseudo-petiole, equaling or surpassing the blade in length, leaf-bases nested, protected by two short congruent sheaths measuring 2.5 and 5 cm, the underside appearing blue-green when fresh, the margins finely scabrous, displaying 15–25 conspicuous, well-spaced veins, with a central pseudo-vein and visible transverse veins (at least on dried material) on the underside; *inflorescence* inadequately known (N.B. complete *flowers* unknown, but some data for the floral remains were observed and measured and presented here), *tepals* 5 mm long, with 3 veins; *stamens* with filaments papillose in their upper part; *infructescence* 24 cm in height, simple, erect, with a smooth peduncle lacking bracts, *rachis* 7 cm long in fruit, fruits few, usually 1–2(–3) per node, axillary floral bract, triangular, tapering to a point, 4 × 1.5 mm, with 5 veins, shorter than the fruiting pedicel; fruiting pedicel ca 8 mm long, with an medial articulation, and marked by a swelling, ca 2 mm from the base, the lower part tinged reddish-orange, upper part green (in vivo); *capsule* blue-green, becoming brown-purple, almost as long as wide, 4–5 × 5 mm; *seeds* 1 per locule, semi-circular, 2 × 1.5 mm, with a pronounced notch; radicle short, wide barely protruding.

**Phenology**

The only known collection of the species was made in early February and bears young fruit, suggesting that flowering took place in December or January.

**Distribution and ecology**

The sole population known for the species is in the Solaniampilana forest at approximately 130 m above sea level, in northeastern Madagascar within the Paysage Harmonieux de Loky Manambato (category 5 protected area, see Lowry *et al.* 2018) in the region known as Daraina (see Fig. 19). It occurs in the understory of a dense, medium-sized sclerophyllous forest, dominated by a few emergent trees, on ferric and humus-rich soil, between numerous granite slabs. This plateau forest is interlaced with areas of more humid riparian forest. For a map showing the only known locality of *C. aspidistrifolium* sp. nov. see Fig. 19.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum aspidistrifolium* sp. nov. is endemic to Madagascar, where it is known from a single collection made in 2006 from Loky Manambato in NE Madagascar within the Daraina forest. While little exploration of the forests of Loky Manambato had been undertaken prior to the expeditions carried out recently by staff of CJBG (Gautier *et al.* 2006; Nusbaumer *et al.* 2010), data from the site has shown the different forest patches to be rich in highly localised endemism. However, with only a single known fully documented occurrence, in an area that is not well explored, this species is assessed as DD (Data Deficient). While the species is probably highly localised, further information about its occurrence is needed in order to provide a realistic assessment of any treat to the species at its only known location. It is therefore recommended that targeted fieldwork be undertaken to provide adequate data for an assessment.

**Morphological remark**

The papillose upper part of the filament confirms that this taxon belongs to Group 1.

5. *Chlorophytum basivaginatum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.
urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324061-1
Figs 6K, 14–15

**Diagnosis**

*A Madagascariae omnibus aliis speciebus vagina foliorum brevi stramineaque ad basim caulis disposita, duobus foliis brevis complanatisque, apice antherae apiculato baseque paulo auriculata differt.*
<figure><img src="image_123.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 14.** *Chlorophytum basivaginatum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. **A.** Habit. **B.** Inflorescence. **C.** Flower. **D.** Stamen. **E.** Young fruit. A–D after *T. Andriamihajarivo*, *B. Rakotonirina* & *J.N. Rakotonirina* 417, holotype: MO [MO-3020298]; E after iNaturalist 9931965. Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
**Etymology**

The specific epithet refers to the basal sheath of the vegetative parts.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – *Amoron'i Mania* [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • Fianarantsoa, Amoron'i Mania, Ambatofinandrahana, Itremo, au Nord-ouest de Soatsihotapaka; 20°30'16" S, 46°34'23" E; 1652 m; 23 Nov. 2004; fl; *T. Andriamihajarivo, B. Rakotonirina & J.N. Rakotonirina* 417; holotype: MO [MO-3020298]!; isotypes: P n.v., TAN!, TEF n.v.

**iNaturalist observation**

MADAGASCAR – *Amoron'i mania* [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • (Itremo); 20°33'56.0" S, 46°34'32.3" E; 15 Feb. 2018; fr; *Ramaro* (*sederaramarom*); iNaturalist 9931965.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, slender, vegetatively with a grass-like appearance; *roots* few, clustered – less than 10 – thickened and fusiform, 40–100 × 1.5–3 mm in diam.; *leaves* ≤ 3, the outer consisting of a short, cuspidate, straw-yellow sheath, 7–9 × 0.5 cm, and the two others with sheathing bases 10–13 cm long, the blade rigid, narrow, grass-like, folded, distinctly diverging from the axis opposite the sheath, blades almost parallel glabrous, with a smooth margin, a tapered tip, and 15 prominent veins, 28–36 × 0.4–0.5 cm; *inflorescence* solitary, large, simple, spicate, 50 cm in length, surpassing the leaves, peduncle smooth, lacking bracts, reddish-tinged (observed in situ), with a short *rachis*, 6–7 cm long; *flowers* few, large, isolated, the floral bract 16 × 1.5 mm, triangular, with a tapered apex, much longer than the pedicel; pedicel 3–4.5 mm long, articulated at 1–2 mm from the base; *perianth* 14 mm long, *tepals* white, of uniform length with numerous veins, the 3 central veins forming a bundle that anastomoses at the apex;

<figure><img src="image_124.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 15.** Map showing the known range of *Chlorophytum basivaginatum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</figcaption></figure>
outer tepals 5 mm wide, with 7 veins, inner 4 mm wide with only 5 veins; *stamens* equal in length, shorter than the tepals, arranged in two groups of 3 on each side of the ovary, filaments flattened, 5 mm long, anthers ca 6 × 1 mm, the apex apiculate, sub-basifixed, attached ca 0.5 mm from the base, heel in the form of a rounded thickening or a short ridge; *gynoecium*: ovary 3 × 2.5 mm, with 10–12 ovules per locule; style 10 mm long, not surpassing the perianth, curved in its upper part; stigma flattened; *capsule* young erect (mature not seen), more-or-less pyriform, 10 × 8 mm, with slightly thickened sutures, surface not ornamented (based on iNaturalist 9931965).

## Phenology

The only known collection was in bloom at the end of November, young fruits were observed in February (iNaturalist 9931965).

## Distribution and ecology

The species is known only from the high plateau of the Itremo Massif, growing among metamorphic rocks such as quartzite or cipolin, at an altitude of 1600 metres. It occurs in open habitats, such as sparsely-wooded meadows, often in stony ground, where it has been noted as frequent.

## Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

*Chlorophytum basivaginatum* sp. nov. is only known from a single collection and an iNaturalist observation, both of which were made from locations in the Itremo Massif Protected Harmonious Landscape only ca 6 km apart from each other. While the species is undoubtedly highly localised, further information about its occurrence within the protected area will be needed to estimate the threats to species and to provide an adequate conservation assessment, and it is therefore assessed as DD (Data Deficient).

**6. Chlorophytum candelabrum** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324059-1

Figs 5H, 16, 19

## Diagnosis

*Chlorophyto aspidistrifolio* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal *affinis*, *sed foliis majoribus* (32–50 × 4–5.9 vs 27–31.5 × 1.4–2 cm), *pseudopetiolis longioribus* (18–23 vs 14–16 cm), *nervis laminae numerosioribus* (25–36 vs 19–25), *pseudopetiolo nervisque utrinque pubescentibus* (vs glabros), *inflorescentiis majoribus* (36.5 cm vs 24 cm), *candelabriformibus* (vs eramosam), *rhachidibus inflorescentiae flexuosis* (vs rectam), *capsula latiore quam alta* (vs altiorem quam latam), *laevi* (vs ornatam), *pariete tenui* (vs crassum), *praecipue differt*.

## Etymology

The specific epithet of this new species refers to the shape of its inflorescence, which is likened to a candelabra.

## Type material

MADAGASCAR – SAVA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Daraina, forêt de Bekaroaka, partie nord; 13°06'42.6" S, 49°42'18.0" E; 200 m; 12 Jan. 2005; fr; *P. Ranirison & L. Nusbaumer* 875; holotype: G [G00019617]!; isotypes: K!, MO!, P [P04186575]!, research herbarium of Daraina, TEF n.v.

## Description

*Plant herbaceous*, 30–50 cm tall; *roots* clustered, fibrous, each bearing a slender fusiform tuber, 10–13 × 2–3 mm, often extending into the system of fine, often branched, fibrous roots; base of the plant bearing
<figure><img src="image_125.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 16.** *Chlorophytum candelabrum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. holotype; *P. Ranirison* & *L. Nusbaumer* 875, G [G00019617]. **A.** Habit. **B.** leaf-base detail. **C.** Leaf, abaxial surface detail. **D.** Stamen. **E.** Fruit with flowering remains. **F–G.** two faces of one seed. Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
the remains of old leaves; *leaves* 2(–3), lanceolate, and tapering at both ends, with an acuminate apex, 32–50 × 4.5–9.0 cm, the leaf-base transitions into an elongated pseudo-petiole, 18–23 × 0.6 cm, ca half the length of the blade, the leaves somewhat variable, with the upper typically lanceolate, and the lower sub-elliptical; the margins rough with numerous small, tightly-packed, short, irregular teeth, the pseudo-petiole and leaf veins with translucent hairs, 0.5–1.0 mm long, which are more abundant on the lower leaf surface and towards the base; central pseudo-vein yellow when dry, veins 25–36, well-spaced, conspicuous, leaf-base surrounded by one or two sheaths, 3.0–4.5 cm and 6.0–9.5 cm, respectively, pedicels (1)2–4 per node; *flowers* known only from observations of floral remains on a fruit; *tepals* 4.5 × 0.8 mm, veins 3, well-spaced, brown; *stamens* shorter than the perianth, the filaments flattened, ca 3 mm long, widened in the upper 1/3 and slightly papillose on the upper 2/3, anthers 1.0 × 0.2 mm, dorsifixed (point of attachment towards the lower 1/3); *gynoecium*: ovary and style not observed; *infructescence* 1 per plant, upright, 22.0–36.5 cm in height, peduncle smooth, 16–20 cm long, bract translucent, situated at basal branch, 9 × 2 mm, with a triangular base and a very acute, long-tapered apex, veins 8, dark, with a scabrous margin near the tip, *rachis* (6–)13–15 cm long in fruit, branches of the ramifications curved, in candelabra shape; *capsules* 3–5 per node, wider than tall 2.5 × 3.5–4.0 mm, fruiting bract translucent with a triangular base, 3.5 × 1.0 mm, 3-veined, shorter than the pedicel; pedicel slender; 8–9 mm long in fruit, articulated below the middle at ca 3 mm from the base; walls thin, lacking ornamentation except for the veins; *seeds* 1(–2) per locule, shiny, black, finely granulate, suborbicular, 2.0 × 1.8 mm, with one side slightly convex and the other side with a tiny hollow behind the radicle, the radicle visible and protruding when the locule contains two compressed seeds.

## Phenology

The only known collection was in fruit in December, which suggests that it flowered just before that month.

## Distribution and ecology

The only known population of this species was found in the vicinity of Loky-Manambato in northeast Madagascar, within Bekaroaka forest, at an altitude of 200 metres. It grows in the understory of a dense dry forest, alongside tall emergent trees. It is present at the bottom of the slope on a poorly developed soil consisting of fine rubble derived from the underlying granite.

## Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

*Chlorophytum candelabrum* sp. nov. is endemic to Madagascar, where it is known from a single collection made in 2005 in Bekaroaka forest, within the Loky Manambato Harmonious Landscape in NE Madagascar, representing a single known occurence. While little exploration of the forests of Loky Manambato had been undertaken prior to the expeditions carried out recently by staff of CJBG (Gautier *et al.* 2006; Nusbaumer *et al.* 2010), data from the site has shown the different forest patches are often rich in highly localised endemism. Within Loky Manambato, extensive habitat degradation of many of the forest patches has been observed during recent expeditions, and this is undoubtedly the major threat to this species. Based on this information, we assess the species as CR B1B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v). For a map showing the only known locality of *C. candelabrum* sp. nov. see Fig. 19.

## Morphological remarks

1) One of the specimens whose leaves have been grazed by herbivores, has only the scabrous edge of the blade remaining, and the abundant hairiness of the blades and the pseudo-petioles is not apparent.

2) In two specimens, the axis forms a zig-zag pattern.
7. *Chlorophytum chloranthum* Baker
Figs 3A–D, 4B, 17

*Chlorophytum chloranthum* Baker (Baker 1887: 529).

*Chlorophytum gracile* Baker (Baker 1890: 348). – **Type:** MADAGASCAR – **Analamanga [Antananarivo Prov.]** • East Imerina; yrs 1880; fl, fr; *R. Baron* 5927; holotype: K [K000432401, K000432402] images!.

**Etymology**

The epithet refers presumably to the greenish colour of the perianth (according to the protolog).

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR • Central Madagascar; *R. Baron* 3825; holotype: K [K000432403] image!; isotypes: P [P01046133, P01046134]!. (See Nomenclatural remarks.)

**Other material examined**

MADAGASCAR – Alaotra-Mangoro [Prov. Toamasina Prov.] • Forêt d’Analamazotra; [18°49’24” S, 48°26’ E]; 800 m; Dec. 1905; *C. d’Alleizette s.n.*; CLF [CLF345104]! • Moramanga, Commune Ambohibary, Fokontany Ampitambe. Sahaviana forest. Ambatovy; 18°51’46” S, 48°17’16” E; 1024 m; 22 Feb. 2007; fl, fr; *P. Antilahimena* 5394; MO n.v., P [P02090186]!, TAN n.v., TEF n.v. • Alaotra Mangoro, Ambohibary, Ampitambe Vavanomby; 18°51’56” S, 48°18’56” E; 1006 m; 13 Feb. 2008; fr; *P. Antilahimena et al.* 6037; MO [MO-3020353] image!, P [P06773989]!, TAN n.v. • Fivondronana: Moramanga, Commune: Ambohibary, Fokontany: Ampitambe. Ambatovy forest/Zone de déblai Celearing zone 5; 18°51’41” S, 48°17’06” E; 950 m; 28 Feb. 2008; *Antilahimena et al.* 6078; MO [MO-3020346] image!, P [P06773988]!, TAN n.v., TEF n.v. • Périnet; [18°56’ S, 48°25’40” E]; 900 m; Dec. 1962; fr; *J. Bosser* 16975; P [P02071699]!, TAN! • Ambatondrazaka, Ankaropa; [17°50’ S, 48°25’ E]; 1300 m; 30–31 Jan. 1938; fl, fr; *G. Cours* 137; P [P02071666]! • Rahobevava; [17°58’ S, 48°26’ E]; 960 m; 11 Mar. 1951; fr; *G. Cours* 4280; P [P02071669]! • Iandrangato, sud de Moramanga; [18°57’ S, 48°14’ E]; 6 Mar. 1942; fl, fr; *R. Decary* 17767; P [P02071671]! • Forêt d’Analamazotra; [18°51’24” S, 48°25’43” E]; 800–900 m; Feb. 1912; fl, fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie* 10980; MO [MO-3020322] image!, P [P02071736]! • same data as for preceding; [18°52’ S, 48°26’ E]; Dec.; fl, fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie* 10982; P [P02071739]!, TAN! • Moramanga, Amboasary, Mangabe, forêt Amparihy; 19°3’15” S, 48°8’59” E; 929 m; 16 Nov. 2012; fl bud; *J.A. Ramahenina, R. Randrianaivo, H. Rasoazanany, E. Razanakoto & C. Randriamialisoa* 180; MO!, P [P00820742]!, TAN n.v. • Alaotra Mangoro, Ambohibary, Ampitambe Vavanomby; 18°51’27” S, 48°17’17” E; 1005 m; 1 Mar. 2008; fr; *S. Rakotondrasana, A. Rakotondrafara, M. Ratovomanana, J.M. Rakotomazava, J.D Ramarolahy* 1285; MO [MO-3020430] image!, TAN n.v. • Moramanga, forêt d’Analamazotra; [18°50’ S, 48°26’ E]; 900 m; 21 Jan. 1912, fl, fr; *R. Viguier & H. Humbert* 894; P [P02071735, P06169919]!. – **Amoron’i mania [Fianarantsoa Prov.]** • environs d’Ambatofinandrahana, gneiss; [20°29’40” S, 46°47’31” E]; 1600–1800 m; 23 Feb. 1938; fl, fr; *R. Decary* 13282; P [P02071667]! • Ambositra, près d’Andina, gneiss; [20°31’32” S, 47°10’ E]; 1500 m; Dec. 1911; fl, fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie* 10970; P [P02071731, P02071732]!. – **Analamanga [Antananarivo Prov.]** • Madagascar, la Mandraka; [18°54’48” S, 47°53’26” E]; Aug. 1906; fr; *C. d’Alleizette* 1022; P [P02071727]! • Manerinerina, sur le Tampoketsa, entre Ikopa et Betsiboka; [18°00’ S, 47°09’ E]; 1500 m; Dec. 1924; fl, fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie* 16852; G!, P [P02071720, P02071721]! • Anjorozobe, Ambohitsaratany; 18°27’49” S, 47°49’55” E; 1433 m; 18 Dec. 2013; fl, fr; *N. Ravololomanana, S. Porembski, R.N. Rabarijaona & F.A. Rajaonary* 378; MO [MO-3047200] image!, P [P00910350]!. – **Androy [Toliara Prov.]** • Forêt de Belambo, N d’Ampandrandava; [24°05’ S, 45°42’ E]; 1000–1200 m; Mar. 1943; fl, fr; *A. Seyrig* 600; P [P02071696, P02071691]! • Forêt de Belambo, N d’Ampandrandava, entre Bekily et Tsivory; [24°05’ S, 45°42’ E]; Mar. 1943; fr; *A. Seyrig* 600B; P [P02071690]! • Environs d’Ampandrandava, entre Bekily et Tsivory; [24°05’ S, 45°42’ E]; May 1943; fr; *A. Seyrig* 600C; P [P02071700]!. – **Anosy [Toliara Prov.]** • Betroka, Ivahona, Kalambatitra, forêt d’Analamaro; 23°28’14” S, 46°23’38” E; 1330 m;
4 Nov. 2005; fl bud; N.M. Andrianjafy, R.L. Andriamiarisoa, L.J. Razafitsalama, J. Realy, N. Reaka & Resaviny 467; MO [MO-3020288] image!, P [P06169870]!, TAN n.v. • SE Madagascar, off Route National XI, Andohahela Parcel 1, path to Iminiminy; 24°46' S, 46°50' E; 300 m; 7 Dec. 1989; fl, fr; B. Du Puy, D.J. Du Puy, M. Cheek, G. Rafamantanantsoa, J. Dransfield, S. Dransfield & D. Cooke MB 534; K n.v., P [P00075192]! • Fort Dauphin, forêt de Manantantly; [25°01' S, 46°58' E]; 60–300 m; 22 Sep. 1928; fl; H. Humbert 5819; P [P02071733, P02071728]! • Bassin de la Manampanihy, col de Fitana; [24°06'36" S, 47°15' E]; 300–700 m; 15 Oct. 1928; fl, fr; H. Humbert 6031; P [P02071725, P02071723]! • Massif du Kalambatitra, Mt Analatsitendrika, gneiss; [23°20'20" S, 46°27'34" E]; 1650–1850 m; Nov. 1933; fl; H. Humbert 11917; P [P02071672, P02071673]! • Fort Dauphin; [25°01'35" S, 46°58' E]; 1888–1892; fl; G.F. Scott Elliot 2504; BM [BM013839984] image!, P [P02071729]! • Toliara, Taolanaro, Ifarahatsa, Ivorona; 24°49'11" S, 46°55'31" E; 6 Apr. 2010; fl, fr; Rakotonasolo et al. 1628; BR [BR0000021754968]!, TAN n.v. • Anosy, Tolagnaro, Mahatalaky, Farafara Vatambe, forêt humide de basse altitude de Farafara Andohavolo située au Sud du village de Farafara; 24°50'42" S, 46°59'46" E; 280 m; 19 Feb. 2009; fl, fr; Rakotovao, R. Razakamalala, R. Ramison & Deba Raymond 4360; MO [MO-3020320] image!, P n.v., TAN n.v. • Andohahela, parcelle n°1, cours supérieur de la rivière Ankaranangatobe. Versant rive gauche d'un des bras supérieurs de l'Ankaranangatobe, 220 m au N-NE du camp n°2; 24°49'18.7" S, 46°46'42" E; 840 m; 7 Feb. 2023; fr; J.-P. Randrianirina & L. Rapp 71; G n.v., P [P01101476]!. – Atsinanana [Toamasina Prov.] • Itinéraire Didy à Brickaville, forêt orientale; [18°32'44" S, 48°50'31" E]; fl, fr; G. Cours 4841; P [P02071686, P02071687, P02071688]!. – Betsiboka [Mahajanga Prov.] • Tsaratanana, Ambakireny; forêt Ambatondrazana; 17°40'53" S, 48°00'06" E; 1111 m; 18 Jan. 2010; fr; B. Andrianaivoravelona, H. Ralimanana, M. Rakotoarinivo, R. Rajaonarison, T. Ratiarison & L. Robinson ANB 260; BR n.v., K n.v., MO [MO-3020321] image!, P [P01184070]!, TAN n.v. – Bongolava [Antananarivo Prov.] • Anarombato, plateau du Bongolava, N-O Tsironomandidy; [18°43'36" S, 45°58'36" E]; 17–18 May 1970; fr; J. Bosser 20288; P [P02071676]! • 5.6 km NW of Ambohitsaratelo-Bebao (NW of Tsiroanomandidy); 18°19' S, 045°34' E; 1200 m; forest remnant; 22 Jan. 1985; fr; L.C. Barnett et al. 379; G n.v., MO [MO-3020350]! • ca 16 km NW of Ambohitsaratelo-Bebao (NW of Tsiroanomandidy); 18°18' S, 45°30' E; forest; 1100 m; 11 Jan. 1985; fr; L.J. Dorr & al 3478; MO [MO-3020349]!. – Haute Matsiatra [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • Fianarantsoa, Sanga-Sanga; [21°27'13" S, 47°5'9" E]; Nov. 1963; fl; J. Bosser 17362; P [P02071378]! • PK 376, RN 7, 34 km N Fianarantsoa; [21°16' S, 47°13' E]; 1250–1260 m; 31 Jan. 1975; fl; T. Croat 30098; MO [MO-3020302] image!, P [P06169904]! • Ambohimahasoa, Ialatsara; [21°05' S, 47°12' E]; 7 Feb. 1942; fr; R. Decary 17470; P [P02071694]!, WAG [WAG.1151863] image! • S Betsileo, Fianarantsoa; [21°27' S, 47°05' E]; Mar. 1881; fl, fr; J.M. Hildebrandt 4199; BM [BM013839983] image!, G!, P [P02071722]!. – Ihorombe [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • Fianarantsoa, Begogo, Bekora, forêt de Sahalava; 23°31'59" S, 46°32'04" E; 1180 m; 28 Jan. 2005; fl bud; N.M. Andrianjafy, M. Ramanantsoa, P. Resabo, D. Razafindraibe, B. Kidamaoly 750; MO [MO-3020324] image!, P [P02071741, P02071742]!, TAN n.v. • Ihosy, Ranotsara; [22°40' S, 44°44' E]; Dec. 1963; fl, fr; J. Bosser 18718; G!, MO!, P [P02071670]! • Chaîne du Vohibory, O. d'Ivohibe; [22°30' S, 46°43' E]; 1000–1300 m; 1 Nov. 1924; fl; H. Humbert 3096; P [P02071726]!, TAN! • forêt à l' E d'Ivohibe; [22°33' S, 46°56E]; 1000 m; 5–11 Nov. 1924; fl, fr; H. Humbert 3388; P [P02071724]! • Ranohira, Est Isalo; [22°32' S, 45°25' E]; 750–800 m; 3 Feb. 1955; fl, fr; H. Humbert 28791; P [P02158248]!, TAN! • Col piste Ihosy-Ivohibe, vallée de la Menarahaka; [22°27' S, 46°21' E]; 1000 m; Jan. 1974; fl; P. Morat 4235; P [P02071376]! • District Ivohibe. Commune rurale Ivohibe. Fokontany Longoza; forêt de moyenne altitude à gros arbres élevés et savane herbeuse de Vohibory. Rivière Efanôla; 22°34'51" S, 046°42'17" E; 1001 m; 4 Dec. 2016; fl; C. Rakotovao et al. 7234; MO [MO-3066355]!, P n.v., TAN n.v. – SAVA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Vohémar, Daraina, forêt d'Antsahabe; 13°13' S, 49°33' E; 880 m; 22 Nov. 2004; fl, fr; L. Gautier & L. Nusbaumer 4731; G [G00019115]!, P [P02071740]!, TEF n.v. • Vohémar, Andrafainkona, forêt de Sorata; 13°38'26.5" S, 49°29'29.1" E; 1280 m; 3 Mar. 2022; fr; Havinga & Iharivolana 372; G [G00390534]!, P [P04186580]!, TEF n.v. • Vohémar, Daraina, forêt d'Antsahabe; 13°13'10.2" S, 49°33'05.4" E; 855 m; 20 Jan. 2004; fl, fr; L. Nusbaumer 1062; G [G00006504]!, K n.v., MO [MO-3020325] image!, P [P01698916]!, research herbarium of Daraina n.v.,
TEF n.v. – **Vatovavy Region [Fianarantsoa Prov.]** • Est de Fianarantsoa, station forestière d'Andrambovato; [21°31'30" S, 47°45'30" E]; Nov. 1956; fl, fr; *B. Descoings 1829*; MO [MO-3020329] image!, TAN!. – **locality unknown** • s.loc.; 26 Oct. 1935; fl; *Jardin botanique 1146*; TAN! • Madagascar; 1878–1880; fl, fr; *L. Humblot 516*; P [P02071737, P02071734, P02071738]!, TAN n.v.

**Additional material examined** (*Chlorophytum* sp. cf. *chloranthum* Baker; Fig. 17)

MADAGASCAR – Androy [Toliara Prov.] • Ampandrandava (material cultivated); 1943; fl; *A. Seyrig 600D*; P [P02071697]! • same data as for preceding; fl; *A. Seyrig 600E*; P [P02071698]!. – DIANA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Low-altitude humid evergreen forest on granite, river Antsaharatsy, Tsaratanana RNI; 13°48'49" S, 48°47'29" E; 500 m; 13 Apr. 2000; fl, fr; C.R. Birkinshaw, J.F. Adamainty, B. Razafindrazaka & P. Antilahimena 660; MO [MO-3020345] image!.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 15–40 cm tall, rhizomatous; *roots fasciculate*, mostly hairy, 0.5–1.2 mm thick, extensively branched, sometimes exceeding 200 mm, with occasional small rare tubers developing on fibrous roots or on short side roots; *leaves generally 5–11(–19)*, flexible, 13–40(–46) × 0.8–2.5 (–3) cm; some stems with 2–3 significantly shorter leaves on the outside; lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, base attenuated into a pseudo-petiole, 4–11(–13) cm long, approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the blade’s length, widened at the base forming a sheath, the overlapping of sheaths may create a pseudobulb, smooth-margined or rarely finely scabrous margin, tapering towards the tip, veins (9–)10–20(–25), spaced and well-visible; *inflorescence 1–2(–3)* per stem, branched, with a rigid or slender and flexible axis; peduncle, 9–30(–40) cm in height, smooth, bearing a long, very slender, bract, 10–48 × 1.8–4 mm, and an additional smaller bract at each branching point of the rachis, the bracts are at ca 1/2 or 2/3 of the length of the peduncle; *rachis 8–27(–43)* long, with well-developed basal branches, often with secondary branching; *flowers 1–4(–6)* per node; floral bracts long-triangular, acuminate (13–)20–40(–100) × 1–3 mm, shorter than the pedicel, with 1–3 veins, the lateral veins often hardly visible; pedicels 4–11 mm long, with medial or submedial articulation (except for *Cours 4280*, *Hilldebrandt 4199*, *Du Puy et al. 534*, *Gautier & Nusbaumer 4731*, *Nusbaumer 1062*, where the articulation is distinctly inframedial); *perianth green* or pale green, 3–5.5 mm long; *tepals elliptical-lanceolate*, subequal; outer tepals slightly shorter and narrower than the inner, 3–5 × 0.5–1.5(–1.8) mm, 3 central veins dark, close together, converging below the tip; *stamens shorter than the tepals*, divided into 2 groups, either 3+3 or 4+2, with subequal or distinctly unequal filaments, narrow at the base becoming fusiform towards the apex, distinctly papillose, the long ones 1.8 to 3.4 mm long, the short ones, 1.5 to 2.6 mm long, anthers elongate, 0.8–1.4 × 0.2–0.5 mm, often hastened in base, dorsifixed, filament attached to the anther in their lower 1/4; *gynoecium*: ovary 0.7–1.5 × 0.8–1.2 mm, 2 ovules per locule; style long, thread-like, 2.2–4 mm long, flattened at the top; *capsule wider* than long, 3–4 × 4.5–6(–7–8) mm, with a thin wall and a slightly raised suture, ornamentation reduced to a few transverse veins; *seeds 1–2* per locule, black, suborbicular, 2.5 mm in diam., shiny, granulate, with a convex surface on one side and a circular depression on the other, notch closed or very narrow, radicle visible, but barely protruding.

**Phenology**

Evergreen plant, found in humid forest. Flowering occurs primarily from October to March, but can begin as early as September and last until May. Fruiting takes place from October to May. In dry forest, flowering is dependent on the rainy season, starting in January and continuing until March, while fruiting begins in February.

**Distribution and ecology**

*Chlorophytum chloranthum* is an abundant species in the central and eastern regions of Madagascar, ranging from the Vohémar Region in the north to the extreme south, with some records from the western
<figure><img src="image_126.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 17.** Distribution of *Chlorophytum chloranthum* Baker (black dots), *C. aff. chloranthum* (red dots), *C. cf. chloranthum* (blue dot).</figcaption></figure>
Tsaratanana zone, both of which belong to the same climatic zone. The species is typically found on diverse acidic substrates such as granite, sands, sandstones, and metamorphic rocks.

This species is locally frequent in humus-rich undergrowth of evergreen rainforests, sometimes in degraded conditions, whether on moss-covered rocks, along riverbanks, or in wet areas, at elevations ranging from 300 m to 1800 m.

Where it is encountered in dry deciduous forest, such as in the Isalo Massif and at Zombitse, it thrives in shaded, moist areas, such as in gorges or along riverbanks.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum chloranthum* is endemic to Madagascar, where it is relatively widespread, occurring throughout the central and southern uplands where it has been recorded in all of the regions of the central interior, with the exception of the Itasy and Vakinkaratra Regions. The species also occurs at lower elevation sites in the southeast, including in the Atsimo-Atsinanana and Anosy Regions in the coastal areas and also into the higher parts of the Androy and Atsimo-Andrefana Regions to the southwest. The species also has an outlying population in the mountains of the north, that spans the SAVA and DIANA Regions. *Chlorophytum chloranthum* is known from 54 collections, representing a total of 27 known occurrences at a range of elevations from near sea level to 1650 m, but mostly in the central highlands. It has been recorded from six protected areas, where it is not considered to be threatened: the national parks of Analamazaotra, Andohahela, Mantadia and Zombitse-Vohibasia, and the special reserves of Kalambatritra and the Pic d'Ivohibe. It occurs in at least five other protected areas of a lower status (where habitats are not necessarily adequately protected) and also at sixteen other known locations where it has no protection, and where the species is threatened by wildfire, over-grazing, construction and conversion of land for agriculture, including on the Isalo Massif (but outside of the park limits). It has an EOO of just over 315 000 km² and an AOO of 192 km². On the basis of the large number of known locations and the documented occurrence in 12 protected areas covering a large part of its known range, we assess the species as LC, despite its somewhat limited AOO.

**Morphological and nomenclatural remarks**

1) Due to the large number of specimens, significant variation is observed in both the number and the length and width of the leaves.

2) For *Cours 4280*, *Scott Elliot 2504*, *Nusbaumer 1062* and *Viguier & Humbert 894*, the bract located on the peduncle is the size of a small leaf, measuring 9–13 × 0.35–0.40 cm with 9–12 veins. Moreover, for the first three collections (*Cours 4280*, *Scott Elliot 2504*, *Nusbaumer 1062*), its base tapers into a pseudo petiole of 0.5–1.0 cm long.

3) For *Morat 4235* and *Andrianjafy et al. 750*, the specimens bear one or several adventitious plantlets along the floral scape, composed of several pseudo-petioled leaves with sheathing bases.

4) K000432401 and K000432402 in fact correspond to a single specimen artificially separated during digitisation.

*Chlorophytum* sp. aff. *chloranthum* Baker
Fig. 17

**Material examined**

MADAGASCAR – Androy [Toliara Prov.] • Forêt de Belambo, N d'Ampandrandava; [24°04'45" S, 45°42' E]; 900 m; Jan. 1943; fl; *A. Seyrig* 487; P [P02071379]! • same data as for preceding; 1300 m;
Jan. 1943; fl, fr; *A. Seyrig 497*; P [P02071701]! • same data as for preceding; ca 1300 m; Mar. 1943; fr;
*A. Seyrig 497B*; P [P02071693]! • same data as for preceding; 1943; fr; *A. Seyrig 497C*; P [P02071692]!.
– *Atsimo-Andrefana [Toliara Prov.]* • Sakaraha, Forêt du Zombitsy; [22°53′ S, 44°40′29″ E]; 12
Feb. 1970; fl; *J. Bosser 19899*; G!, P [P06169868]! • Zombitsy, sous-bois de forêt sèche; [22°52′48″ S,
44°39′46″ E]; Mar. 1970; fl; *P. Morat 3482*; TAN! • Tsaramasao, 20 km S de Sakaraha; [22°56′25″ S,
44°32′ E]; Mar. 1970; fl bud; *P. Morat 3506 p.p.*; P [P06169921]! TAN!. – *Ihorombe [Fianarantsoa
Prov.]* • Isalo, gorges du rat; [22°34′ S, 45°22′ E]; Mar. 1960; fl bud; *M. Keraudren 429*; P [P06169867]!.

**Morphological remarks**

The following collections: *Bosser 19899*, *Keraudren 429*, *Morat 3482* and *3506 p.p.*, *Seyrig 487*, *497*, *497B* and *497C*, differ from typical *C. chloranthum* by the following characteristics: 1) leaves with pseudo-petioles of more than one-third of the leaf length, 2) margin of the blade always scabrous, 3) peduncle of the inflorescence bearing small hyaline triangular protuberances (more or less abundantly), 4) floral pedicels jointed in the middle or above the middle, 5) floral clusters separated by long internodes of 3–5 cm.

The flowers are similar, but the most surprising aspect concerns the number of ovules per locule, i.e., (2–3–4(–5) vs 2. However, these differences do not seem adequate to formally separate these collections from typical *C. chloranthum*, especially considering that collections corresponding to the general description also occur in the same localities.

Regarding the Seyrig material cited above, the specimens come from the same locality, but at two different altitudes: 900 m and 1300 m.

We note that other Seyrig specimens (e.g., from the north of Ampandrandava) often consist of scattered
elements, sometimes cultivated, and all attributed by the author to the same number. We tentatively
associate some of them with *C. chloranthum*, but without absolute certainty.

**8. *Chlorophytum darainense*** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.
urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324058-1
Figs 2I, 4J, 18-19

Diagnosis

*Chlorophyto ranirisonii* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal *affinis*, *sed foliis juvenibus integris* (vs scabra), *laminis 24-26-nervis* (vs 16-21), *inflorescentiis simplicibus* (vs 1-2 ramosas), *pedunculo inflorescentiae scabro, eglanduloso* (vs scabrum glandulosumque), *pedicello glabro* (vs scabrum), * tepalis albo-viridis* (vs alba), *filamento complanato paulo papilloso* (vs inflatum papillosissimumque), *antheris* 1.5 × 0.4 mm (vs 1 × 0.2 mm), *praecipue differt*.

Etymology

The specific epithet of this new species refers to the rural town of Daraina in northern Madagascar.

Type material

MADAGASCAR – SAVA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Diego-Suarez/Antsiranana, Daraina, forêt de Binara; 13°15'43.2" S, 49°36'38.4" E; 630 m; 2 Dec. 2006; fl, fr; *L. Gautier & C. Chatelain 5005*; forêt dense semi-décidue +/- sclérophylle; holotype: G [G00096120]!.
<figure><img src="image_127.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 18.** *Chlorophytum darainense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. holotype; *L. Gautier & C. Chatelain* 5005, G[G00019617]. **A.** Leaves (the separate leaves on the specimen are shown in situ). **B.** Inflorescence. **C.** Inflorescence detail, flowers and young fruit (from picture of the living plant). **D.** Flower. **E.** Stamen.
Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 30 cm tall, underground parts unknown; *leaves* 4–5, (detached from the specimen, but arranged in situ in the drawing), 12–21 × 2.4–3.5 cm, lanceolate, base tapered with a very short pseudo-petiole, 2 cm long, corresponding to the sheathing base of the leaves, blade with a wavy hyaline margin, apex acuminate, acumen 1–1.5 cm long, veins 24–26, conspicuous, well-spaced; *inflorescence* solitary, erect, 20–27 cm long and unbranched, peduncle 10–14 cm long – the upper part of the peduncle and the rachis covered with short hyaline excrescences with a conical base; bracts narrow, triangular, 6.5 × 1.0 mm; *rachis* 7.5–12.5 cm long, floral bract, triangular, longer than the pedicel, the base clasping, 6 × 2 mm, transparent, 3 conspicuous veins, tip acuminate, pedicel 3.5 mm, articulation submedial; *flowers* 2–4(–6), erect; *perianth* pale green, 5.5 mm long; *tepals* unequal, recurved at anthesis, outer elliptic, 5 × 1.2 mm, inner oblanceolate, 5 × 0.8 mm, with 3 central veins that anastomose (fuse) before reaching the tip; *stamens* equal in length, the filaments 3.5 mm long, white, flattened in their upper half, slightly papillose, the papillae limited to their upper half, anthers 1.5 × 0.4 mm, yellow, dorsifixed, filament inserted at the lower 1/4; *gynoecium*: ovary 1.1 × 0.8 mm, the ovules 4–5 per locule, white when fresh; style 4.5 mm long, filiform, barely extending beyond the perianth; *immature capsule* 5 × 6 mm wide, pendulous.

<figure><img src="image_128.png" /></figure>

**Fig. 19.** Map showing the known ranges of six taxa endemic to Daraina in NE Madagascar, SAVA Region, including: *Chlorophytum aspidistrifolium* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. (orange dot), *C. candelabrum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. (violet dot), *C. darainense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. (black dot), *C. nusbaumeri* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. (yellow dot), *C. ranirisonii* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. (green dot – partially obscured by black dot) and *C. sofense* subsp. *gautieri* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov. (red dot) (see also Fig. 41). Note that the widespread *C. chloranthum* is the only other species of *Chlorophytum* known to occur in Daraina (see Fig. 17).
**Phenology**

The collection, made in early December, includes flowers and two young fruits, suggesting that flowering likely occurs as early as November, and fruiting starts in December.

**Distribution and ecology**

This species has only been found in the north-eastern Madagascar, near the town of Daraina, in Binara forest, which forms part of the Loky-Manambato protected area, at an altitude of 630 m on a secondary ridge covered with dense, semi-deciduous, and somewhat sclerophyllous forest, near the edge of the secondary grassland. The substrate consists of compact or fragmented granites, resulting in poorly developed soils.

We note here that the forests near Daraina are exceptionally rich in *Chlorophytum*, many of which are strictly endemic to the area, as far as is currently known. These include five new species described in this treatment, which are only known from Daraina, as well a new subspecies of *C. softense* – a poorly-known species, known otherwise from a single collection made over 100 years ago from a site further to the south. Daraina also harbours the typical form of the widespread *C. chloranthum* (see Fig. 19). This species richness can perhaps be explained by the intensity of the botanical inventories carried out over the last 5 years as part of the programmes conducted at Loky-Manambato, that have generated more than 54 000 records of plant occurrences in the 10 main forest areas of the region (Nusbaumer, pers. com.).

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum darainense* sp. nov. is endemic to NE Madagascar, where it is known from a single collection made within the Loky Manambato Harmonious Landscape in 2005 in the forest at Daraina that represents just one known occurence at one known location where the species is presumed to be a strict endemic. While little exploration of the forests of Loky Manambato had been undertaken prior to the expeditions carried-out recently by staff of CJBG (see Gautier *et al.* 2006 and Nusbaumer *et al.* 2010), data from the site has shown the different forest patches to be rich in highly local plant species endemism. Within Loky Manambato, extensive habitat degradation of many of the forest patches has been observed and this is undoubtedly the major threat to this species. *Chlorophytum darainense* is assessed as CR B2ab(i,ii,iii,v).

**Remark**

Only one collection of this species has been seen, and these were limited to just leaves and inflorescences in order to leave the living plants alive in situ.

9. *Chlorophytum decaryanum* H.Perrier
Figs 4C, 20

*Chlorophytum decaryanum* H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 45–46).

**Etymology**

The species is dedicated to Raymond Decary (1891–1973), who has made a considerable contribution to the history, ethnology and natural sciences of Madagascar (Balard & Maestri 2001).

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – *Anosy* [Toliara Prov.] • Domaine oriental (S.E.): camp d'aviation, Fort-Dauphin, sur des sables humides; [25°02'07" S, 46°57'16" E]; 3 Jul. 1932; fl; *R. Decary* 9974; lectotype: P [P01046131]!, **here designated**; isolectotype: P [P01046132]!.
**Other material examined**

MADAGASCAR – *Anosy* [Toliara Prov.] • Fort Dauphin; [25°2′ S, 46°59′ E]; 1 May 1932; fr; *R. Decary* 9798; prairie à sol siliceux; P [P02071713]! • same data as for preceding; 27 May 1932; fl, fr; *R. Decary* 9819; dans la broussaille, sol sableux; P [P02071711]! • District de Fort Dauphin, Vinanibe; [25°3′ S, 46°56′ E]; 14 Aug. 1932; fl, fr; *R. Decary* 10315; forêt littorale sur sables; P [P02071710]! • same data as for preceding; [25°3′ S, 46°56′ E]; 19 Aug. 1932; fr; *R. Decary* 10321; fente des rocailles; P [P02071712]! • Massif de Kalambatritra, Mt Beanjavidy; [23°16′ S, 46°24′ E]; Nov. 1933; fl, fr; *H. Humbert* 12066; forêt; G!, K!, MO!, P [P02071674, P02071675]! • Andohahela, Parcelle n°1, cours moyen de la rivière Andranohela. Berges de la rivière Andranohela, en dessus du camp n°1, base de la cascade, versant rive gauche; 24°37′26.3″ S, 46°45′56.3″ E; 450 m; 27 Oct. 2022; fl, fr; *L. Gautier, A.J. Tahinarivony & L. Rapp* 6682; G!, MO!, P [P01101477]!, TAN n.v. • NW de Tolagnaro, RN 11, Andohahela, forêt proche rivière; [24°36′ S, 46°34′ E]; 14–19 May 1992; fr; *S. Malcomber, C. Hemingway & S. Compton* 1520; BR [BR0000021754975]!, G!, MO [MO-3020326] image!, P [P02071730]!, WAG [WAG.1151038] image! • NW de Tolagnaro, RN 11, Andohahela, à côté rivière; [24° 38′ S, 46°46′ E]; 500–1000 m; 6–13 Feb. 1993; fl, fr; *S. Malcomber, H. van der Werff, C. Hemingway, M. van Bergen, S. Rapanarivo, P.J. Rakotomalaza, O. Andrianantoanina & B. Randriamampionona* 2190; G n.v., K n.v., MO n.v., NY n.v., P [P02071377]!, TAN n.v, WAG n.v. • Fort Dauphin, Ifarantsa, Ivorona, forêt de Mamoareny; 24°49′ S, 46°56′ E; 706 m; 29 Nov. 2009; fl bud; *R. Razakamalala* 4978; MO!, P n.v., TAN n.v. – *Atsimo-Atsinanana* [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • Fianarantsoa. Fivondronana: Farafangana, Firaisam-pokontany: Agnalazaha Reserve (= Mahabo Mananivo); 23°10′13″ S, 47°43′27″ E; 22 m; 26 Aug. 2003; fl bud, fr; *D. Rabehevitra, R. Razakamalala, Dely Iaban'i* 487; MO [MO-3011131]!, P [P02071380]!.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 19–38 cm in height, frequently exhibiting a *rhizome* (19 × 2 mm), and a hair-like root network, sometimes forming clumps with numerous stems; main *root* axes thick, 0.5–1.9 mm in diameter, occasionally slightly flattened, bearing fine fibrous roots with a diam. of 0.1–0.4 mm, without any evidence of tubers; *leaves* 5–16, linear to lanceolate, (5–)8–15(–21) × 0.3–1.2 cm, leaf blade narrowly lanceolate, tapering at both ends, base gradually narrowing into a pseudo-petiole of 2.5–7(–9) cm, approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the total length of the leaf blade, leaf-base sheathing, margin smooth, except for *Humbert 12066* which is scabrous, apex tapered, main veins 5–12, conspicuous, well-spaced, with a network of visible transverse secondary veins on the abaxial surface; *inflorescences* 2–7 per plant depending on the robustness of the individual, erect, simple or branched, (13–)25–32(–50) cm long; peduncle (4–)6–20 cm long, smooth, sometimes with a single linear, leafy-bract, attached to the peduncle at ca 2/3 from the base, (4–)5–20(–38) × (0.2–)0.8–2(–4) mm, and tapering toward the apex, the bract margins smooth, and with ca 5 veins, *rachis* (6–)9–23(–32) cm long; *flowers* 2–4(–6) per node, floral bract 4.5 × 1 mm, triangular, tapering towards the apex, shorter than pedicel, 3-veined, the veins more or less visible, pedicel 4–8 mm long, articulation supra-medial, submedial or in the case of *Decary 9798*, with infra-medial articulation; *perianth* white or pale green, 3–5 mm long; *tepals* linear to elliptical, obovate, 3–5 × 0.5–1.5 mm; veins 3, central, brown; *stamens* equal to, or slightly shorter than the tepals, filaments fusiform and flattened, 1–3 mm long, sparsely papillose, anthers triangular, sometimes curved at anthesis, 1 × 0.2–0.4 mm, divergent at the base, dorsifixed, filament attached at the lower 1/4; *gynoecium*: ovary 0.9–1 × 0.9–1.2 mm; ovules 2 or occasionally 4 (seen only in *Malcomber et al. 2190*) per locule, style filiform, 2 mm long, with a thickened stigmatic apex; *capsule* broader than long, 2–4 × 3.5–6 mm, with a thin wall and reduced ornamentation consisting of a few transverse veins, *seeds* 2 per locule, black, orbicular, 2 mm in diam., shiny, and granular, the convex side with a depression and a narrow notch where the radicle is visible, but barely protruding.
## Phenology

At low-altitudes, flowering and fruiting of this species occurs throughout the year, while it is only known to occur in November and December for populations found above 1000 m.

## Distribution and ecology

Most specimens have been collected in the southeast of Madagascar on siliceous soils, near Tolagnaro, from sea level to 1000 m in altitude, but there are scattered records from further north-south of Fianarantsoa from elevations over 1000 m. This species appears to be associated with a relatively high humidity, as it is found along riverbanks, near the coast, or in the coolness of forest undergrowth.

## Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

*Chlorophytum decaryanum* is known from 11 collections, representing 4 occurrences that correspond to 4 locations. The majority (5) of the collections were made in the vicinity of the town of Tolagnaro (formerly Fort Dauphin) in 1932 by Raymond Decary, and the species is not known to have been recorded there since, and it is likely that the species has been extirpated from this locality where very little natural vegetation remains. The following year it was collected further to the north in the Massif de Kalambatritra, now a site with Special Reserve status, it is not known to have been recollected there but it is likely to still occur. More recently (1992–1993) the species was collected on two occasions in forest within the Andohahela National Park, and in 2003 it was collected in the Agnalazaha Reserve on the east coast just over 200 km to the north of Tolagnaro. Excluding the old records from Tolagnaro and Kalambatritra, but including the records from sites where the species is likely still to occur, *C. decaryanum* has an estimated EOO of 10 000 km² and an AOO of 12 km². However, it is clearly not a common species, and it is difficult to assign a status other than Data Deficient (DD).

## Illustrations

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig. VIII 6–7.

<figure><img src="image_129.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 20.** Distribution of *Chlorophytum decaryanum* H.Perrier, with inset enlarged map of the cluster of known localities between Ambinanibe, the airport and Tôlanaro town.</figcaption></figure>
**Nomenclatural and morphological remarks**

1) The type specimen, *Decary 9974*, P01046131 was chosen as the lectotype because it bears an original Decary label, unlike the other duplicates.

2) *Humbert 12066* has a root system composed of a mixture of fine fibrous roots and thickened branching, fibrous roots, that are not tuberous, a character that it shares with *C. decaryanum*, as well as a similar growth habit, and similar capsules and seeds. However, it can be distinguished by its leaves with their scabrous margins, pale green flowers, broader tepals, and a longer style that extends beyond the perianth.

**10. *Chlorophytum decipiens* Baker**

Figs 3E-F, 6C, 7A, 21

*Chlorophytum decipiens* Baker (Baker 1883–1884: 275).

**Etymology**

The epithet '*decipiens*' (meaning: 'deceiving'), refers to this species being the first known member of what Baker referred to as the "*Anthericum*-like section of the genus *Chlorophytum* to have been described from Madagascar. Previously only *Chlorophytum madagascariense* Baker (1878), had been described from Madagascar, which he evidently considered to be a more typical member of the genus.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR • Central Madagascar; Oct. 1882; fl, fr; *R. Baron 2070*; lectotype: K [K000432399] image!, **here designated**; isolectotypes: BM [BM01839963] image!, K [K000432398] image!, P [P01046113, P01046112]!.

**Other material examined**

MADAGASCAR • Central Madagascar; s.d.; fr; *R. Baron 5231*; K n.v., P [P02071685]! • same data as for lectotype; Jun. 1889; fl; *R. Baron 5291*; K n.v., P [P02071683]!.
**Analamanga [Antananarivo Prov.]** • Angavo près d'Ankazobe; [18°12' S, 47°05' E]; 8 Mar. 1930; fr; *R. Decary 7290*; P [P02071679]!
• Tampoketsa N d'Ankazobe; [18°18' S, 47°6' E]; 11 Mar. 1930; fl; *R. Decary 7371*; P [P02071684]!
Tananarive dans les jardins; [18°54' S, 47°30' E]; 7 Feb. 1939; fl, fr; *R. Decary 13867*; P [P06169861]!
• Tampoketsa d'Ankazobe, Manerinerina; [18°0' S, 47°9' E]; 2 Jan. 1942; fl, fr; *R. Decary 17168*; P [P06169863]!
**Antananarivo:** Tampoketsa d'Ankozobe, forested region along RN4, near the village of Manankazo, and the river of the same name. Embankment on road, 50 m S of bridge at R. Manankazo; 18°9'39" S, 47°12'21" E; 1590 m; 29 Dec. 1998; *T.C. Flores & J. Andriantiana 91*; MO image!
• Tampoketsa Ankazobe; [17°58' S, 47°12' E]; 1955; *A. Gillard s.n.*; TAN!
**Antananarivo, Analamanga, PK 67, RN 4,** 27 km au sud d'Ankazobe; 18°30'44" S, 47°11'04" E; 16 Nov. 2003; fl, fr; *P. Lowry, P.B. Phillipson, G.E. Schatz, C. Hong Wa & H.H. Schmidt 6256*; G n.v., K n.v., MO!, NY n.v., P [P06169840]!, TAN!
Entre Arivonimamo et Soamananety; 26 Dec. 1959; fl, fr; *M. Peltier & J. Peltier 1663*; P [P02071682]!
• Entre Mahabo et Andranavelona. N. Antananarivo; [18°39' S, 47°16' E]; 1 Dec. 1963; fl; *M. Peltier & J. Peltier 4410*; P [P06169830]!
**Antananarivo:** Analamanga region. Dct Ankazobe, CR Fihaonana, Fkt Andranovelona, Inselberg de Lohavohitra, PK 45 de la RN 4 allant d'Antananarivo - Mahajanga, sur le côté droit; 18°38'18" S, 47°16'45" E; 1417 m; 11 Mar. 2011; fl, fr; *M. Rabarimanarivo, S. Porembski, J. Andriantiana & S. Andriantiana 341*; G!, MO [MO-3020316] image!, P [P06836539]!
• Ankazobe, Fkt Bevomanga, PK 67 le long de la RN 4 allant d'Antananarivo - Mahajanga, ca 22 km N d'Andranovelona, sur le côté gauche. Inselberg dégradé; [18°30'47" S, 47°11'07" E]; 14 Sep. 2021; *M. Rabarimanarivo, S. Porembski & N. Ravololomanana 449*; MO!, P n.v., TAN n.v. • Ankazobe, PK 45 RN 4 Tana-Mahajanga, Fihaonana; 18°37'47" S, 47°17'24" E; 9 Mar. 2010; fr; *F. Rajaonary 9*; MO [MO-3020310]!, P [P06836544]!
**Analamanga, Ankazobe, NO Ambohitantely Special Reserve; 18°9'12" S, 47°16'56" E;**
14 Feb. 2018; fl; fr; *U. Swenson V. Razafindrahaja, A. Atalahy & S. Razafimandimbison 1941*; MEL n.v., MO [MO-2682025] image!, P [P01182487]!, S n.v., TAN n.v. – *Itasy [Antananarivo Prov.]* • Antongona, environs de Tananarive; [18°56' S, 47°16' E]; Jan. 1956; fl, fr; *J. Bosser 8944*; MO [MO-3020328] image!, TAN! • Tananarive, PK 26, route d'Arivonimama; [18°58'55" S, 47°18'59" E]; Dec. 1955; st.; *J. Bosser 8907*; MO [MO-3020328] image!, TAN! (2 parts) • Itasy, PK 78, route Miarinarivo; [18° 57' S, 46° 54' E]; May 1962; fl, fr; *J. Bosser 16006*; P [P06169852]!, TAN! • Km 60, route de Miarinarivo, ouest de Tananarive; [18°59'48" S, 47°02'28" E]; Jan. 1958; fl, fr; *B. Descoings 2908*; MO [MO-3020330] image!, TAN! • Mont Antongona, au NO d'Imerintsiatosika; [18°56' S, 47°17' E]; Jan. 1958; fl, fr; *B. Descoings 2996*; TAN! (2 parts) • Antongona, 40 km ouest de Tananarive; [18°56' S, 47°17' E]; 16 Jan. 1960; fl; *J. Léandri 2583*; P [P06169832]! • Sabotsy, massif de l'Antongona; [18°56' S, 47°18' E]; 4 Dec. 1959; fl; *M. Peltier & J. Peltier 1551*; P [P02179669, P02179670]!, TAN! • Antongona; [18°56' S, 47°17' E]; 16 Jan. 1960; fr; *M. Peltier & J. Peltier 1760*; P [P02071681]! • Tampoketsa entre Ikopa et Betsiboka; [19°9' S, 47°5' E]; Dec. 1924; fl; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 16755*; P [P02071680]! • Antananarivo: Itasy Region. Arivonimano, Soamahamanina, Inselberg Maroampona, sur la RN1, du côté gauche de la route. Antananarivoa-Miarinarivo. Inselberg perturbé (une ancienne carrière); 19°00'24" S, 46°59'08" E; 23 Mar.

<figure><img src="image_130.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 21.** Distribution of *Chlorophytum decipiens* Baker, including a single locality within the Ambohitantely Special Reserve, in the NE of the species' range.</figcaption></figure>
2015; fl, fr; M. Rabarimanarivo, S. Porembski, L. R. Andriamiarisoa 466; MO!, P [P00910357]!, TAN n.v. • Arivonimamo, Andranomena, Inselberg à 36 km d'Antananarivo; 19°01'3" S, 47°13'30" E; 1497 m; 12 Mar. 2011; fl; A. Ramahefaharivelo, S. Porembski, F.A. Rajaonary, J. Andriantiana 390; MO [MO-3020342] image!, P [P06836545]! • Itasy, district du Kitsamby; [19°14' S, 46°32' E]; 1912; fl; R. Viguier & H. Humbert 1622; P [P06169834]!.

## iNaturalist observations

MADAGASCAR – *Analamanga [Antananarivo Prov.]* • 18°03'52.6" S 47°14'06.4" E; 14 Jan. 2016; fl; *T. Randriamboavonjy (tiana123)*; iNaturalist 2591145 • 18°12'07.8" S, 47°16'41.5" E; 3 Apr. 2022; fl; *D. Scherberich (dscherberich)*; iNaturalist 120304349 • 18°12'07.6" S, 47°16'41.8" E; 3 Apr. 2022; fr; *A. Bour (botanarchiste)*; iNaturalist 116276055 • 17°57'20.0" S, 47°07'34.3" E; 15 Feb. 2023; fl, fr; *D. Rabehevitra (davidrabehevitra)*; iNaturalist 148823840 • 17°57'19.9" S, 47°07'34.2" E; 15 Feb. 2023; fl; *D. Rabehevitra (davidrabehevitra)*; iNaturalist 148823821 • 18°12'58.2" S, 47°17'19.1" E; 11 Jan. 2024; fl; *Len deBeer (Elendebeer)*; iNaturalist 196911818 • 18°12'08.0" S, 47°16'42.1" E; 11 Jan. 2024; fl, fr; *Len deBeer (Elendebeer)*; iNaturalist 197395700.

## Description

*Plant herbaceous*, 20–30 cm high, with a *rhizome*; *roots* fasciculate, strongly thickened, 1.5–2 mm, some clavate at the apex; *leaves* 5–9, linear, mostly folded, 12–39 × 0.4–1(–1.2) cm, with the outer leaves shorter than the inner ones, leaf-base attenuate, sheathing, margins smooth, or irregular and finely toothed towards the tip, (visible at ×25 magnification) in some collections (*Baron 2070*, *Decary 7290*, *Bosser 16006*, *Peltier & Peltier 1663*, *1551*, *1760* and *Rabarimanarivo et al. 466*), veins 13–20, visible on both surfaces, apex tapering; *inflorescence* large, 35–84 cm in height, robust, unbranched or slightly branched; peduncle smooth, 23–52 cm long, bracts 3–5, foliaceous, triangular, acute, 10–35 × 3–5 mm, sometimes scabrous near the tip, *rachis* 13–16 cm long; flowers numerous, paired or in groups of three per node, floral bracts, triangular, acuminate, 6 × 2 mm, much longer than the pedicel, with the tip and sometimes the margin scabrous, gradually transitioning upwards to deltoid-based bracts; pedicel short, ca 4 mm long, articulation infra- or supra-medial; *perianth* with obovate *tepals*, 8–10 × 2.5–4.0 mm, white with a brownish spot at their tips (visible when fresh), veins 3, closely-spaced, converging at the centre and forming a bundle at the apex; *stamens* almost equal in length to the perianth, filaments slender, narrowed at the apex, ca 5 mm long, anthers 3.5 × 1.0 mm, sub-basifixed; *gynoecium*: ovary 2.0 × 1.5 mm, ovules 8–12 per locule, style 8 mm long, stigma slightly thickened; *capsule* higher than wide, 9 × 8 mm, with shallow ornamentation; *seeds* black, orbicular, 3 mm in diam., surface nearly smooth, with a distinct notch, radicle prominent.

## Phenology

The flowering season generally extends from December to March, and occasionally to April, with fruits present as early as February. One exceptional collection (*Lowry et al. 6256*) was both in flower and fruit during November.

## Distribution and ecology

*Chlorophytum decipiens* is a species of the High Plateau (Hauts Plateaux), to the West and North of Antananarivo, in the region of Lake Itasy and on the Tampoketsa of Ankazobe, respectively. It has been collected frequently on granite inselbergs, migmatites and other igneous rocks at altitudes ranging from 1300 to 1600 m.

It forms clumps in diverse open environments, including rocky areas, dry meadows and wetlands.
**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum decipiens* is endemic to Madagascar, where it occurs only on the central highlands to the west and northwest of Madagascar's capital city, Antananarivo, where natural habitats are highly threatened throughout the area. The species is known from at least 27 collections of which 24 have geo-coordinates or which could be reliably assigned coordinates post facto, and these span the regions of Analamanga and Itasy. However, only six of these documented occurences have been made in the past 25 years, mostly from isolated inselbergs or rocky outcrops; older collections were also recorded from forest patches but now very little natural forest remains, and only two collections have been gathered from within a protected area (the Réserve Spéciale d'Ambohitantely). The species occurs primarily in a zone that is subject to increasing human pressure, due to a growing human population and urbanisation in the vicinity of the capital, as well as the intensification of agriculture in the region. The paucity of recent records suggests that the species may have been extirpated from many of its former sites of occurrence, and it appears to have become relatively rare. Given the high level of threat and the limited up-to date information on the species, we assess the species as DD. In order to provide a useful conservation assessment, field work needs to be undertaken to gather up-to-date information to assess the status of *C. decipiens*, and to determine the level of threat to the species.

**Nomenclatural and morphological remarks**

1) The sheet chosen as the lectotype contains a determination in Baker's handwriting.

2) The specimens collected in the Antongona massif exhibit variability between the flowers within the same inflorescence. Specifically, minor differences in the size of the stamens were observed, with some flowers having three long and three short filaments while others have four long and two short filaments; and the anthers can be equal in length or longer than the filaments.

**11. *Chlorophytum dianellifolium* (Baker) H.Perrier**

Figs 3N–O, 6G, 7D, 22

*Chlorophytum dianellifolium* (Baker) H.Perrier (as *dianellaefolium*) (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 54–55) – *Anthericum dianellifolium* Baker (Baker 1887: 149).

*Chlorophytum dianellifolium* var. *transiens* H.Perrier syn. nov. (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 55–56). – **Type:** MADAGASCAR – **Haute Matsiatra** [*Fianarantsoa Prov.*] • Environs d'Ambalavao; [21°49' S, 46°55' E]; Mar. 1912; fl; lectotype: *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 10942*; rocailles dénudées (gneiss); P [P01046110]!, **here designated.** – **Paralectotypes:** MADAGASCAR • Central Madagascar; fl; *R. Baron 4121*, K [K000432396] image!. – **Vakinankaratra** [*Antananarivo Prov.*] • Ambatomena Lona; [19°51' S, 47°15' E]; 1876; fl; *A. Grandidier s.n.*; P [P01046111]!. – **Amoron'i mania** [*Fianarantsoa Prov.*] • Sur des cipolins, aux environs d'Ambatofinandrano; [20°33' S, 46°48' E]; ca 1000 m; fl, fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 12443*; P [P01046109]!.

**Etymology**

The specific epithet refers to the shape of the leaves of this species that resemble those of species of the genus *Dianella* Lam. ex Juss., a member of the Asphodelaceae Juss., that occurs in Madagascar, East Africa, Australasia and Southeast Asia.

**Type material**

**Type**

MADAGASCAR • Central Madagascar; s.d.; fl; *R. Baron 659*; lectotype: K [K000432395] image!, **here designated**; isolectotype: P [P01046116]!.
<figure><img src="image_131.png" /></figure>

**Fig. 22.** Distribution of *Chlorophytum dianellifolium* (Baker) H.Perrier (black dots), with enlargement for two locality clusters: 1. the upper enlarged area – to the east and south of the Itremo Massif protected area; 2. the lower enlarged area – to the north of Andringitra National Park. Note the other scattered localities to the N and the S.
## Parlaectotype

MADAGASCAR • Central Madagascar; s.d.; fl; *R. Baron* 4121; K [K000432396] image!.

## Other material examined

MADAGASCAR – *Amoron'i mania* [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • Itremo, Col de l'Itremo, bare hillside covered with pebbles and larger rocks; [20°34' S, 46°37' E]; 1500–1685 m; 5 Nov. 2011; fl, fr; *T. Croat* 29863; MO [MO-3020270] image!, TAN! • Environs d'Ambatofinandrahana (Betsileo); [20°33' S, 46°48' E]; 16 Jan. 1955; fl, fr; *H. Humbert* & *R. Capuron* 28079 ter p.p.; P [P06169848, P06169857]! • A l'ouest d'Itremo (ouest Betsileo); [20°36' S, 46°38' E]; 17 Jan. 1955–22 Apr. 1955; fl; *H. Humbert* 28180; P [P06169897]! • Ambatofinandrahana; [20°33' S, 46°48' E]; Mar. 1960; fr; *M. Keraudren* 197; P [P06169871]! • same data as for preceding; fl; *M. Keraudren* 217; P [P06169894]! • Fianarantsoa, Ambatofinandrahana. Itremo. Ankevo. Savannah on rockery; [20°39'36" S, 46°34'46" E]; 12 Mar. 2012; fr; *F. Rakotonasolo, M. Vorotsova* & *G. Ratovonirina* RNF 1906; K n.v., P [P01018907]!, TAN n.v. – Androy [Toliara Prov.] • Environs d'Isoanala; [23°50' S, 45°43' E]; Jun. 1963; fl; *J. Bosser* 17384; K!, P [P06169914]!, WAG!. – Betsiboka [Mahajanga Prov.] • N-O Ankazobe, vallée de l'Ikopa; [16°58' S, 46°43' E]; 15 Mar. 1930; fl; *R. Decary* 7571; P [P02071678]!, TAN! (2 parts). – Haute Matsiatra [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • Andriainjato, Andranovorivato, Km 10 N d'Ambalavao; [21°41'14" S, 46°53'54" E]; 1298 m; 14 Mar. 2010; fl, fr; *C. Frasier, A. Ramahefaharivelo, B. Ramandimbisoa, H. Razafindraibe & S. Porembski* 110; G!, MO [MO-3020316] image!, P [P06836541]!, TAN n.v. • Sandrisoa. Ambalavao; [22°01' S, 46°57' E]; 25 Feb. 1961; fl; *J. Peltier & M. Peltier* 3098; K!, P [P06169860]! • Ambalavao, Sandrisoa; [22°01' S, 46°57' E]; ca 1100 m; 12 Feb. 1953; fl; *J. Rakodo* RN 5547 (*Rakodo*); P [P06169829]! • Haute Matsiatra, Iarintsena, Tananomby, inselberg Ambalalova; [21°50' S, 46°50' E]; 1127 m; 15 Mar. 2010; fl; *N. Rakotoarivelo, M. Rabarimanarivo, F.A. Rajaonary, N. Ravalimanarivo, J. Andriantiana* & *A. Raonizafitionimalaza* 234; MO [MO-3020315] image!, P [P06836540]!, TAN n.v. • Ambalavao, Vohitsoaka; [22°03' S, 46°43' E]; ca 1100 m; 21 Feb. 1962; fl; *Rakotoson* RN 11997; P [P06169896]! • Ambalavao, Sandrisoa; [21°54' S, 46°57' E]; ca 1100 m; 6 Feb. 1955; fl; *RN* 7309 (*Rakotovao*); P [P06169892, P06169828]! • Ambalavao, Iarintsena, Anja, Mahavelo, Inselberg Tangorika; [21°52' S, 46°49' E]; 1056 m; 17 Mar. 2010; fl, fr; *A. Ramahefaharivelo, M. Rabarimanarivo, F.A. Rajaonary, N. Rakotoarivelo, B. Ramandimbisoa, H. Razafindraibe, N. Ravalimanarivo, L. Ratsimabazafy* 53; Tapis de monocotylédones et prairie marécageuse; MO [MO-3020314] image!, P [P06836725]!, TAN n.v. • Haute Matsiatra, Langela, Andromivato, Soaindrana, PK 420; [21°31'53" S, 47°01'32" E]; 1216 m; 14 Mar. 2010; fl, fr; *B. Ramandimbisoa, A. Ramahefaharivelo, C.L. Frasier, F.A. Rajaonary, M. Rabarimanarivo, H. Razafindraibe, J. Andriatiana, N. Rakotoarivelo, J. Rakotomalala, J.C. Riandrianantenaina* 13; MO [MO-3020317] image!, P [P06234101]!, TAN n.v., TEF n.v. • Ambalavao, Iarintsena, Anja; [21°50'35S, 46°50'10" E]; 1105 m; 16 Mar. 2010; fl; *H. Razafindraibe, C.L. Frasier, S. Porembski, A. Ramahefaharivelo, B. Ramandimbisoa* 257; MO [MO-3020318] image!, P [P06836542]!, TAN! • Ambalavao, Vohitsoaka; [22°03' S, 46°43' E]; ca 1100 m; 19 Mar. 1949; fl; *RN* 1832 (*A. Razafindrakoto*); P [P06169853, P06169854]! • Ambalavao, Ivohitsoaka; [22°02' S, 46°43' E]; ca 1100 m; 22 Mar. 1960; fl, fr; *s.coll. RN* 11193; P [P06169843]!. – Ihorombe [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • Entre Ambohimana-Androtra et Tsiazomborona (Prov. d'Ivohibe); [22°31'30" S, 46°59'00" E]; 9 Apr. 1970; fl; *P. Boiteau* 2063; P [P02071677]!.

## iNaturalist observation

MADAGASCAR – *Amoron'i mania* [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • 20°37'14.6" S, 46°50'16.2" E; 5 Dec. 2021; fl; *Landy Rita Rajaovelona* (*landyrita1*); iNaturalist 103085397.

## Description

*Plant herbaceous, 20–60 cm tall; rhizomatous; roots fasciculate, 2–2.5(–3.5) mm in diam., bearing a few oblong tubers of 20–30 × 6 mm; leaves 5–10, linear, varying in length from (8–)17 to 60 cm, sheathing*
at the base, narrow, 0.3–0.7 cm wide, sheath variable in length, often yellowish, the zone of transition
from the sheath to the blade not constricted, but with 2 lateral undulations along the margin, the blade
margin scabrous, veins 12–23, visible, apex tapered; *inflorescence* 22–65 cm long, unbranched or with
a single short branch at the base of the rachis, peduncle 19–61 cm long, with a single bract, 1.8–10.5 ×
0.2–0.4 cm, located very high up, margin and surface of the bract mostly smooth, rarely scabrous, *rachis*
4–12(–17) cm in length; *flowers* solitary or in groups of 2–3 at each node, floral bracts slightly scabrous
or smooth, 10–20 × 4 mm, longer than the pedicel, pedicel 5–7 mm long, with a submedial articulation;
*perianth* 12–18 mm long, white; outer tepals oblong and obtuse, 3.5 mm wide with (5–)6–7 veins, with
a brown spot in vivo; inner, 5 mm wide, 5-veined; *stamens* with the filaments 3.5–6.5 mm long, flattened
at the base for half of their height and then sharply narrowed, anthers 5–7 × 1.5 mm, sub-basifixed, the
connective usually with a short triangular heel (lacking in *Baron 639* [659]); *gynoecium*: ovary 2 ×
1.2 mm, ovules ca 12–16 per locule, *style* slender, 10–16 mm long, stigma thickened; *capsule*, taller than
wide, 10–13 × 8–9 mm, with parallel thickened veins; *seeds* disciform, 3 mm in diam., shiny, very finely
granulate; with a broad notch, the radicle thick and barely protruding.

Phenology

Flowering has mostly been recorded from January to March, and fruiting typically begins in February, but with some individuals fruiting in January, suggesting earlier flowering may occur, likely in December.

Distribution and ecology

This species is found on the high central plateau area of Madagascar at altitudes above 1000 m, mainly in the vicinity of Ambatofindrahana and Ambalavao, but with one collection further to the north in the Ikopa valley, and another one to the south near Isoanala. It occurs on granite or metamorphic substrates, on rocky outcrops or in rocky grasslands.

Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

*Chlorophytum dianellifolium* is endemic to Madagascar, where it is known from a total of 24 collections representing 17 occurences, and a single iNaturalist observation. It has a disjunct distribution, with most records from the central highlands at elevations of at least 1000 m a.s.l., but with an outlying record from the Betsiboka Region to the NW (at ca 1000 m a.s.l.) and another from the Anosy Region in the S (at ca 700 m a.s.l.). The species has another nine known subpopulations in the central highlands of Madagascar, where it ranges from near Ambalavao in the S to Antsirabe to the N, all of which occur at elevations of over 1000 m a.s.l. However, none of the known subpopulations occur within a formal protected area (although one is adjacent to the Itremo Massif Protected Landscape, and the species is likely to occur within that site). The species has an EOO of over 45 000 km² but an AOO of just 72 km². It is therefore assessed as Near Threatened (NT), as it meets the necessary values for a threatened category for the EOO, but it meets only one sub-criterion of B2 (b,iii).

Illustrations

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig. IX 1–3.

Nomenclatural and morphological remarks

1) The label on a specimen at P [P01046116] bears the number 639, and was cited in Perrier's revision. However, this number is not in Perrier de la Bâthie's handwriting, and it is evidently a transcription error for *Baron 659*. Furthermore, no specimen labelled "*Baron 639*" has been found at K among the specimens of *Chlorophytum*, nor was it mentioned in the original protologue.

2) In his revision, H. Perrier de la Bâthie cited material of *Baron 659* as the type of *A. dianellifolium*, but without formally designating a specimen. We here designate the specimen at K, with the barcode
K000432395 as the lectotype of this species, since it is more complete than the duplicate specimen at Kew (barcode K000432396). Similarly, we have chosen P01046110 as the lectotype of *C. dianellifolium* var. *transiens*, which is more complete than other syntypes of this collection deposited at K and P.

3) Leaf variability: The margins are more or less scabrous, ranging from a very slight roughness, for example *Grandidier s.n.*, *Decary 7571*, to clearly marked teeth, as for *Boiteau 2063*, *Perrier de la Bâthie 10942*, *Ramahefaharivelo et al. 53*, *RN 11193*. Some specimens are scabrous across the entire lower leaf surface, resulting in a more or less pronounced rough appearance (*Perrier de la Bâthie 10942*, *Ramahefaharivelo 53*, *RN 11193*, *RN 7309*, *RN 11997*, *Frasier et al. 110*, *Ramandimbisoa et al. 13*, *Keraudren 217*, *Peltier & Peltier 3098*). The basal portion of the leaf often has a yellowish straw-coloured sheath that forms an angle with the lamina.

4) The peduncle sometimes has short transparent scabrae stuctures below the flowering portion of the rachis, as seen in two specimens at P, *Frasier 110* and *Ramandimbisoa 13*, collected between Fianarantsoa and Ambalavao, a characteristic not shared with other collections further south or north.

5) The tepal veins, which are not very visible in vivo, become more apparent when the flower is dried. Although the perianth segments sometimes have 6-7 veins instead of 5, there is a unity in the structure: the tepals are relatively wide with 5 or more veins, the stamens are equal to the perianth in length, with flattened filaments at their base, as long as the anthers, and a short extension of the connective.

6) We include two collections from outside the main distribution range of this taxon: *Decary 7571* from the north of the country and *Bosser 17384* from the southeast. The latter does show some minor morphological differences (pedicel inframedial articulation, longer style, heel of anther connective reduced to a simple rim).

7) In the P herbarium, the collection number *H. Humbert & R. Capuron 28079* was assigned to three collections from the same locality: the first two appear in the collection notebooks of Henri Humbert: one of these is the type of *Pimpinella betsileensis* Sales & Hedge, the second, bearing the number 28079 bis, is a collection of *C. tripedale*. The third collection based on this number, was identified by Humbert as *Chlorophytum* sp. (P06169857 and P06169848), the latter of which is heterogeneous, consisting of a part of *C. tripedale 28079 bis* and *C. dianellifolium*. We renumber the latter collection as 28079 ter. The sheet P06169848 includes two *C. dianellifolium* plants located on either side, one bearing fruit, the other with an inflorescence in buds, with a fragment of an inflorescence of *C. tripedale 28079 bis* mounted in between. An attached envelope contains a mixture of fruits and flowers.

**12. Chlorophytum distichum** H.Perrier
Figs 4H, 23

*Chlorophytum distichum* H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 49–50).

**Etymology**

The specific epithet refers to the distichous arrangement of the leaves.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – *Amoron'i Mania Region* [*Fianarantsoa Prov.*] • Est: forêt orientale, dans le bassin du Matitanana; [22°15'22" S, 47°29'35" E]; ca 100 m; Oct. 1911; fl; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 10979*; holotype: P [P01142919]!.
**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 30–50 cm tall, tuft-forming; *rhizome* lateral; *roots* all thickened and hairy, 1–1.5 mm in diam., a few roots solely fibrous; *leaves* ca 10, arranged in a fan, rigid (fide Perrier de la Bâthie), grass-like, lanceolate, with the leaf-base attenuate, forming a pseudo-petiole 6–9 cm long, with an enlarged sheathing portion at the base, and a central pseudo-vein; veins 11–13, visible on both sides, apex narrowly tapered; *inflorescence* solitary, 33.0–42.5 cm in height, upright and weakly branched, branches flexible; peduncle 18–20 cm long; bracts 1–2, triangular, 2–3 × 0.1–0.2 cm, apex long and finely pointed, 5-veined; the lower bract often very large and leaf-like, up to 9 cm in length, the upper bract situated at the level of the lowest ramification; *rachis* 12–23 cm long; *flowers* (2–)3(–4) per node; floral bract axillary, triangular, apex tapered, 6 × 2 mm, 3-veined, longer or equal to the pedicel; pedicel 5.5–7 mm, articulation below the middle, 2 mm from the base; *perianth* 6.5–7.0 mm long, *tepals* white, narrowly elliptical and with green veins (fide Perrier de la Bâthie), outers 7 × 0.8 mm, inners 7 × 1 mm, veins, 3, visible; *stamens* roughly equal, slightly shorter than the perianth, filaments 4 mm long, fusiform, papillose, and swollen in their upper half, anthers yellow, rectangular, 1.2–1.5 × 0.2 mm, dorsifixed, filament attached close to the anther base; *gynoecium*: ovary 1.4–0.8 mm in diam., ovules, 4–5 per locule, style 7.2 mm long, extending beyond the perianth, stigma slightly thickened; *young capsule* higher than wide, 5 × 4 mm, 3-lobed, *immature seeds* 4–5, subglobose, 1.8 × 1.4 mm, notch wide and radicle forming a distinct protrusion within this notch.

**Phenology**

The only known collection was in bloom in October and bears young fruits.

<figure><img src="image_132.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 23.** Type localities of *Chlorophytum distichum* H.Perrier (black dot) and *C. geayanum* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly (red dot), neither known from within currently protected areas.</figcaption></figure>
**Distribution and ecology**

*Chlorophytum distichum* occurs south of Manakara, in the Matitana basin, in humid forest on gneiss at ca 100 m altitude. The locality indicated by Perrier de la Bâthie is a source of confusion because the Matitana River is indicated on old maps (e.g., Barrère 1930), whereas on modern maps, it is considered a branch of the Sandrananta River. However, the altitude mentioned on the label (100 m) enables at least an approximate geo-location to be determined for this locality.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum distichum* is endemic to Madagascar, and is only known from a single gathering made over a hundred years ago in the Matitanana river basin (see explanation above for more information on this locality). It is assessed as DD (Data Deficient) since no additional information is available, and no recent search for the species has been undertaken, but the species may be extinct. Despite general collecting that has been conducted in the area, which contains a significant area of intact vegetation, the species is not known to have been re-collected.

**Illustrations**

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig.VIII 5.

**13. *Chlorophytum geayanum* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly**
Figs 5D, 23

*Chlorophytum geayanum* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly (Marais & Reilly 1978: 660). – *Anthericum geayanum* H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 36–37).

**Etymology**

The species is dedicated to Martin François Geay (1859–1910) according to Poisson (1911) and Dorr (1997).

**Type material**

**Type**

MADAGASCAR – *Vatovavy* [*Fianarantsoa Prov.*] • Domaine oriental: Zone côtière, province de Mananjary; Mar.–Apr. 1909; fl, fr; *F. Geay* 8111; lectotype: P [P01046126]!, **here designated**.

**Paralectotypes**

MADAGASCAR – *Vatovavy* [*Fianarantsoa Prov.*] • Domaine oriental: Zone côtière, province de Mananjary; Mar.–Apr. 1909; fl; *F. Geay* 8075; P [P01046128]! • same data as for preceding; fl; *F. Geay* 8110; P [P01046124]! • same data as for preceding; fl; *F. Geay* 8074; P [P01046127, P01046125]!.

**Other material examined**

MADAGASCAR – *Vatovavy* [*Fianarantsoa Prov.*] • Nosy Varika, Ambahy; 20°45'44" S, 48°29'7" E; 23 Mar. 2003; fr; *R. Razakamalala*, *R. Rabevohitra*, *T. Rakotomamonjy* & *Gaspard* 385; forêt littorale de basse altitude; MO [MO-3020294] image!, TAN n.v. • *Fianarantsoa*, Fivondronana: Nosy Varika, Firaisana: Ambahy, forêt d'Ambahy; 20°47'49" S, 48°28'58" E; 10 m; 23 Apr. 2004; fr; *R. Razakamalala*, *R. Ranaivojaona* & *Z. Rogers* 1178; MO [MO-3020284]!, P [P06169910]!, TEF n.v.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 25–30 cm tall, with underground parts consisting of a *rhizome* and numerous fasciculate roots; *roots* fibrous, somewhat thickened, 0.8–1.0 mm in diam., with some portions tuberous, 1.8–2.0 mm
in diam., and with a few secondary roots, 0.2 mm in diam., crown surrounded by the remnants of the old
leaves reduced to fibres; *leaves* ca 10, flexuous, filiform, and either tangled or coiled upon themselves,
10–27 × 0.1–0.2 cm, with a sheathing base but no pseudo-petiole, veins 10, prominent, visible on both
surfaces, leaf blade apex shortly pointed and scabrous; *inflorescences* 1–3 per plant, branched, slender,
flexible, spreading, 17–34(–45) cm in height, peduncle short, 2.5–4(–7.5) cm long, with two overlapping
bracts located at the nodes, the larger 8–14(–23) × 1.5–2.0 mm, triangular, tapering and scabrous at the
tip, 5–7 veined, the smaller ones with the same form, 2.5–4.5 × 1 mm, *rachis* very lax, 14–26(–33) cm
long; *flowers* 3–4 per node, separated by 2.3–4.5 cm long internodes, floral bract 3–4 × 2 mm, papery,
3–5-veined, with a triangular, embracing base, and a terminal acumen 1.2–2 mm long, shorter than the
pedicel, pedicel 4.5 mm with an inframedial articulation; *perianth* white, 3 mm long, *tepals* oblong,
obtuse, 3 × 0.8 mm, the 3 central veins very close together; *stamens* shorter than the perianth, unequal,
inserted at different heights, in a basal position for the antisepalous stamens, and higher for the antipetalous
stamens, filaments flattened, 1.2 mm long for the former and 0.8 mm long for the latter, anthers short,
triangular, 0.3 × 0.2 mm, dorsifixed, filament inserted at the lower 1/4; *gynoecium*: ovary globose, 0.8 mm
diam., ovules, 2 per locule, style short, 1 mm long, stigma rounded; *capsule* broader than tall, 2 × 4 mm,
the sutures with bordered edges, surface with curved wrinkles; *seeds* 1(–2) per locule, black, shiny,
globose, the surface echinulate (visible under ×40 magnification), 1.5 × 1.5 × 1 mm, one side convex,
the other with a deep depression, lacking a notch, the radicle not visible.

Phenology

Flowering period ends in March, when the last flowers can be seen, and fruiting takes place in March and April.

Distribution and ecology

The distribution range of *C. geayanum* is limited to a small coastal area in the southeast of Madagascar, in the Vatovavy Region, near Nosy Varika, where it occurs within littoral forest, on sands and alluvial soils.

A map of the two known localities of *C. geayanum* is provided in Fig. 23 together with that of *C. distichum*.

Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

*Chlorophytum geayanum* is endemic to Madagascar, where it is known from a series of collections made by M.F. Geay at a single locality in 1909. It appears to have been collected again only once, nearly a hundred years later by Richard Razakamalala, at Nosy Varika, close to Geay's original collections. This single known occurrence, and the single known location for the species is not within a protected area, and is highly vulnerable to disturbance, due to its proximity to the busy RN11 road that runs along the coast to the SE of the country, and the species is therefore assessed as CR B2ab(i;ii;iii;iv;v).

Illustrations

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig. VI 8–10.

Nomenclatural remark

Among the syntypes cited by Perrier de la Bâthie (*Geay 8111*, *8110*, *8075*, *8074*), we have chosen the
most abundant material as the lectotype: *Geay 8111* (P01046127).

14. *Chlorophytum graniticum* H.Perrier
Figs 2B–C, 4D, 24

*Chlorophytum graniticum* H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 46–47).
14a. *C. graniticum* H.Perrier *subsp. graniticum*

Figs 2B-C, 4D, 24

**Material examined**

MADAGASCAR – *Betsiboka* [*Mahajanga Prov.*] • Madagascar, environs d'Andriba; [17°35' S, 46°56' E]; Mar. 1906; fl, fr; *Alleizette s.n.*; CLF [CLF345106]! • Causses du Kelifely, forêt de Kasiji; [17°05' S, 45°52' E]; Nov. 1974; fl; *P. Morat 4686*; P [P02157222]! • Domaine occidental: Firingalava, aux environs d'Andriba; [17°36' S, 46°55' E]; Jan. 1898; fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 460*; P [P01046135, P01046136, P01046137, P01046138, P01046139]! • Bord du Besafotra, affluent du Menavava; [17°05'56" S, 46°37'57" E]; Jan. 1900; fl; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 460 bis*; P [P01046140]!. – *Boeny* [*Mahajanga Prov.*] • Près de Majunga; [15°43' S, 46°19' E]; 1 Feb. 1921; fl; *H. Poisson s.n.*; P [P02157227]! • RN 8, Andranomavo, Soalala; [16°30' S, 45°26' E]; 23 Feb. 1953; fr; *RN 5092* (*Rakotovao*); P [P02157225]! • Mahajanga, Marohongo, station forestière; [15°43'04" S, 46°30'08" E]; 13 Mar. 2010; fl; *F. Rakotonasolo et al. 1605*; BR [BR0000021756603]!, TAN!. – *Melaky* [*Mahajanga Prov.*] • Province de Majunga/Mahajanga. Beanka, partie centrale, Analaomby; [17°58'39" S, 44°30'26" E]; 324 m; 5 Dec. 2011; fl, fr; *R.F. Bolliger 69*; BR [BR0000015214515V]!, G [G00340146]!,

<figure><img src="image_133.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 24.** Known distribution of *Chlorophytum graniticum* H.Perrier *subsp. graniticum* (black dots), *subsp. ambrense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal *subsp. nov.* (red dot).</figcaption></figure>
K.n.v., MO [MO-3241821]!, P [P00782679]!, TEF n.v. • Mahajanga, Beanka, partie centrale Analaomby; [17°59'53" S, 44°29'46" E]; 243 m; 21 Mar. 2012; fr; R.F. Bolliger, R.M. Hanitrarivo & B.F.L. Rakotozafy 316; G [G00340147]!, K!, MO!, P [P04186578]! • Route d'Antsalova, Tsiandro, RN IX; [18°42' S, 44°49' E]; 3 Feb. 1975; fl, fr; G. Cremers 3800; P [P02157229]! • Province de Majunga/Mahajanga, Région Melaky. Beanka, sud de la Kimanambolo; [18°06'38" S, 44°33'47" E]; 280 m; 27 Nov. 2012; fl; L. Gautier, P. Ranirison, R.M. Hanitrarivo & I. Luino 5858; G [G00377860]!, K.n.v., MO [MO-3241820]!, P [P00967405]!, TEF! • Tsingy du Bemaraha. Anjohivazimba; [18°40' S, 44°37' E]; s.d.; fl, fr; J. Léandri 934; P [P02157235]! • Environ de Tsiandro, forêt de Behandrao; [18°43' S, 44°57' E]; 500–600 m; 25 Nov. 1952; fl, fr; J. Léandri 2004; P [P02157223]! • E d'Ansalova, vers Ambodiriana; [18°41' S, 44°37' E]; 100–150 m; 7 Dec. 1952; fl, fr; J. Léandri 2075; MO [MO-3020332] image!, P [P02157230, P02157228]! • same data as for preceding; [18°27' S, 44°44' E]; 21 Jan. 1960; fl, fr; J. Léandri 2662; P [P02157233]! • E. Antsalova, vers Bevary; [18°37' S, 44°48' E]; 400–600 m; 27 Jan.–2 Feb. 1960; fr; J. Léandri 2946; P [P02157238]!, TAN! • same data as for preceding; [18°37' S, 44°48' E]; 4 Feb. 1960; fr; J. Léandri 2974; P [P02157226]! • Mahajanga: Melaky Region. Maintirano, Belitsaky, Antsakobe. Vers le point culminant. Forêt dense sèche décide dans le Tsingy Beanka; [18°05'05" S, 44°32'55" E]; 352 m; 20 Nov. 2012; fl bud; C. Rakotovao, I. Luino & J. Razafimandimby 6299; MO [MO-3241818]!, P [P00967406]!, TAN n.v. • Beanka, partie nord, bord rivière Bokarano; [17°53'26" S, 44°28'27" E]; 18 Dec. 2011; fl; B.F.L. Rakotozafy, R. Bolliger & R.M. Hanitrarivo 16; BR n.v., G [G00376365]!, K n.v., MO [MO-3241819]!, P [P00782478]!, TEF! • RN 9, Antsalova; [18°41' S, 44°37' E]; 7 Dec. 1952; fl, fr; RN 4667 (Razafindrakoto); P [P02157234, P02157236]!, TAN!.

## Description

*Underground parts* with numerous fine, fibrous, fasciculate *roots*, each bearing a tuber near the apex, tubers either fusiform, 8–15 × 1.5–2.5 mm, or pyriform, 8–11 × 3–6.5 mm; *leaves* 13–33 × 1.3–2.2 cm, with a pseudo-petiole 3.5 to 7 cm long, about 1/4 to 1/5 of the total length of the blade, base of the leaf enlarged, sheathing, often with one or two short, transparent external sheaths, margin of the blade finely scabrid at the tip, with 21 to 25 veins, the apex of the blade tapering; *inflorescence* 17–35 cm long, simple or sparsely branched, with 1–3 triangular, 7–20 × 1.5–3 mm, well-tapered, 6–8 veined bracts at the base, *flowering rachis* 6–18 cm long; *flowers* with a white, 3.5–4.5 mm long perianth, the outer tepals narrower (0.6–0.8 mm wide) than the inner ones (0.7–1.1 mm); *stamens*, filament dorsifixed inserted towards the middle of the anthers, anthers triangular, green, sometimes curved at anthesis, 0.5–0.9 × 0.2–0.3 mm, weakly hastate; *gynoecium* with a filiform style, 3–4 mm long; *capsules*, 2.5–4 × 4–6 mm; *seed* 1.2–2 × 2.1–2.8 mm.

## Phenology

Flowering occurs mainly from November to February, but can extend until March. Fruiting begins in December and continues until March.

## Distribution and ecology

Subspecies from western Madagascar, occurring in the Boeny, Melaky and Betsiboka Regions, and present in a number of protected areas, including the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Parc, occurring mainly on limestone at altitudes below 500 m. It is also found on acidic soils up to an altitude of 1000 m in the north of the Tampoketsa Region. It is encountered in the understory of dense dry forests, on rocks, and also near rivers.

## Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

The typical subspecies includes all material of the species except for two records from Montagne d'Ambre, that lies at the extreme north of the species' range, and that we segregate as *Chlorophytum graniticum* subsp. *ambrense* subsp. nov. The typical variety, *C. graniticum* subsp. *graniticum*, is known from 21
collections, and occurs at nine localities that represent seven subpopulations, and has an EOO of 53 000 km² and an AOO of 68 km² (further details on the material included in this subspecies are provided above). However, throughout most of its range, we consider the typical subspecies to be threatened by habitat degradation in at least five of its seven known locations, whereas in Bemaraha National Park and Beanka Harmonious Landscape threats to its survival in are low. But thirteen of the known records of this subspecies are more than 50 years old. *Chlorophytum graniticum* subsp. *graniticum* is therefore assessed as VU.

**Morphological remarks**

1) The shape and orientation of the base of some of the available collections (*Léandri 2075*, *2974*, *Gautier et al. 5858*) suggest that the species is rhizomatous, but the point of origin is difficult to determine within its rocky habitat, and it may not be easily visible among the tangled roots, and furthermore, its fragility makes it prone to breaking.

2) The collection *Morat 4686* has significantly wider leaves than others, ca 2.5 cm, and a maximum length of ca 13 cm, and has a shorter or barely developed pseudo-petiole.

14b. *C. graniticum* subsp. *ambrense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324051-1

Fig. 24

**Diagnosis**

*A typo differt radicibus carnosis, aliquando incrassatis (vs tenues, fibrosas tuberculatasque), pseudopetiolis foliorum longioribus (1/3–1/2 longitudine laminae vs 1/4– 1/5), margine laminae laevi (vs apicem scabrum), laminis 17–18-nervatis (vs 25–31), inflorescentis robustioribus, pedunculo unibracteato (vs 1–3-bracteatum).*

**Etymology**

The subspecies is named for the type locality, the Amber Mountain or Montagne d'Ambre.

**Type material**

**Type**

MADAGASCAR – **DIANA Region** [Antsiranana Prov.] • Forêt d'Ambre; [12°31' S, 49°11' E]; 1000 m; 18 Jan. 1960; fl, fr; *H. Humbert 32096*; holotype: P [P02158253]!; isotypes: K n.v., MO [MO-3020333] image!, TAN!, WAG [WAG.1151827] image!..

**Paratype**

MADAGASCAR – **DIANA Region** [Antsiranana Prov.] • PN montagne d'Ambre, SW Ambohitra; [12°33S, 49°08' E]; 20 Oct. 1988; fl, fr; *G. Schatz, J.S. Miller, A. Rakotozafy, F. Badré, J. Randrianasolo 2395*; BR [BR0000021754982]!, MO [MO-3020323] image!, P [P02071668]!, TAN n.v., WAG [WAG.1151037] image!..

**Description**

*Underground parts* with fleshy *roots*, 1.5–2.0 mm in diam., some of which thicken to 12 × 2–3 mm pseudo-tubers; *leaves* arranged in a rosette (fide Schatz), 11–27 × 1.2–1.8 cm, with a pseudo-petiole 5.0–12.5 cm long, 1/3 to 1/2 of the length of the leaf, dilated at the base into a very marked sheath, the sheaths all nested in a pseudobulb, blade margin undulate, with a smooth, very clearly-marked, hyaline margin, and 17 or 18 veins, the lower surface of the blade glaucous-green; *inflorescence* 30–52 cm long, branched, with a robust axis, the *rachis* 17–28 cm long, covered with transparent, triangular-based scabrae,
that are well aligned, and more abundant towards the apex, scabrae sometimes also occur on the young peduncles, with a solitary bract at the level of the first branch, 12–20 × 0.3 mm, the bract well tapered and 5-veined; *tepals* (observed persisting around young fruits) purple-brown when dry, 4.0–4.5 mm long; *stamens*, anther hastate, green, 1 × 0.15–2.00 mm, dorsifixed, filament inserted towards the lower 1/3; *gynoecium* with a filiform style, 4–5 mm long; *capsules*, 3.2–4.0 × 6 mm, *seed*, 2.5–3.0 × 3–4 mm.

**Phenology**

This subspecies flowers as early as October and bears its first fruits in the same month. Fruiting has been recorded until the end of December.

**Distribution and ecology**

This subspecies has only been collected in the Parc national de la Montagne d'Ambre, on deep clay soil derived from the degradation of predominantly basaltic volcanic rocks, at an altitude of approximately 1000 m. It can form dense colonies in the understorey of the ombrophilous forest.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

With only two known records from collection records from sites only circa 6 km apart, *Chlorophytum graniticum* subsp. *ambrense* subsp. nov. has a known AOO of only 8 km². The subspecies appears to be highly localised, with a known range that is over 450 km distant from the known range of the typical subspecies, and both records are from within the Montagne d'Ambre National Park where it is not considered to be threatened. The two records date from 1960 and 1988 respectively, and represent a single location. It is likely that the subspecies still exists at the site, which remains largely intact. It is therefore considered to be Least Concern (LC), even though it is poorly known, and apparently rare.

**Morphological and taxonomic remarks**

1) The flowers of subsp. *ambrense* subsp. nov. are very similar to the typical subspecies, but a little larger, as well as the fruits and seeds, 3–4 mm high against 2.1–2.8 for the typical subspecies.

2) This taxon may merit recognition as a separate species, but we consider the material inadequate to justify that choice.

**15. *Chlorophytum helvillae* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.**

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324062-1

Figs 6I, 25–26

**Diagnosis**

*Chlorophyto meridionali inflorescentiae pedunculo scabro (vs glabrum), rhachidi obtecta pilis numerosis brevisque (vs glabram), antheris angustatis viridisque, 6.3 × 1 mm longis (vs largiores flaveasque, 3.8–5 × 1–1.2 mm), antheris basi hastata (vs rotundatam vel obtusam) apice capitato (vs attenuatum), praecipue differt.*

**Etymology**

The specific epithet of this new species refers to the town of Hell-Ville on Nosy Be Island in northwestern Madagascar.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – **DIANA Region** [*Antsiranana Prov.*] • Antsiranana: Nossi-Bé, environs de Helville [Hell-Ville]; [13°25′ S 48°19′ E]; Mar. 1905; fl; *C. d'Alleizette* 46; holotype: P [P06169865]!.
<figure><img src="image_134.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 25.** *Chlorophytum helvillae* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. holotype; *C. d'Alleizette* 46, P [P06169865]. **A.** Habit. **B.** Bracts and portion of the rachis. **C.** Flower. **D–E.** Stamen front (anther) and back. Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, up to 31 cm tall, *underground parts* unknown; *leaves* 8, 17–30.5 × 1.4–1.6 cm, with a sheathing base and wavy margins, lamina conduplicate, margins smooth in appearance, but distally bristly with very small teeth, visible only at high magnification (×40), apex tapering, veins 23–27, well-spaced, visible on the upper surface of the blade, somewhat obscure on the lower surface; *inflorescence* solitary, unbranched, incompletely developed, stiff, 28.5 cm in height, dense; peduncle 21 cm long, finely scabrous, covered with hairs in its upper half; *rachis* 7 cm long, covered with short, abundant hairs, ca 0.05–0.1 mm long, with a solitary bract at the base of the rachis, 12 × 3 mm, triangular, with a tapered tip, the floral bracts similar, but decreasing in size from 7.5 × 1 mm at the base to the top, longer than the pedicel (1.6–3.2 mm long), pedicel with an articulation at 0.2–1.5 mm from the base; *flowers* solitary at each node, campanulate, 11–12 mm long, pedicel short, 2–2.5 mm long, glabrous, articulated at the base; *tepals* narrowly lanceolate, 15 × 2.5–2.7 mm, with 4–5 conspicuous veins converging at the apex; *stamens* 9–9.5 mm long, shorter than the perianth, filaments flattened, 3.3 mm long, tapering towards the apex, anthers green, long and straight, 6.3 × 1 mm, apex rounded, base hastate, spurred, shortly rounded at the base of the connective; *gynoecium*: ovary 3.5 × 2.2 mm; ovules ca 10 per locule; style 6 mm long, barely equaling the perianth; *fruit* not seen.

<figure><img src="image_135.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 26.** Type locality of *Chlorophytum helvillae* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</figcaption></figure>