**Phenology**

The only known specimen was in flower in March.

**Distribution and ecology**

Known only from the northwest of Madagascar, more precisely from the southeast of Nosy Be Island, on substrates formed from old or recent volcanic rocks, that give rise to deep soils, and the vegetation type in which the plant occurs is unknown.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum helvillae* sp. nov. is known from a single specimen collected over a hundred years ago. Its precise locality on Nosy Be is unknown, and although much of the island is highly degraded, Lokobe National Park is well-maintained and contains a significant portion of the island's flora. It's possible that the *C. helvillae* is extant, and most likely within the park. The species must be considered as Data Deficient (DD), although it may be extinct. A targeted search for the species in the park and in any remaining fragments of natural vegetation on the island and on the neighbouring island of Nosy Ambariovato (also known as Nosy Komba), is recommended.

**16. *Chlorophytum humbertianum* H.Perrier**
Figs 3L–M, 6D, 7C, 27

*Chlorophytum humbertianum* H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 52–53).

**Etymology**

The species is dedicated to Henri Humbert (1887–1967), director of the Laboratoire de Phanérogamie at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris and the initiator of the Flora of Madagascar and the Comoros (Heim 1967; Dorr 1997).

**Vernacular name**

Fanamato (fide H. Humbert).

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – *Anosy* [Toliara Prov.] • Domaine du S.-W: sur les limites orientales: Isomony, vallée du Manambolo, affl. du Mandrare; [24°32' S, 46°41' E]; vers 450 m d'alt.; Jan. 1934; fl; *H. Humbert* 13350; holotype: P [P01046117]!.

**Other material examined**

MADAGASCAR • S-O; fl; P.R. Montagnac 97; P [P06169877]!.
**Androy** [Toliara Prov.] • Moyenne Mananara, sur la limite orientale de l'Androy; [24°45' S, 45°27' E]; 27 Nov. 1931; fl; R. Decary 9446; P [P02071371]!.
**Ampandrandava**, Rochers de Belambo; [23°50' S, 44°53' E]; 1300 m; Jan. 1943; fl bud; *A. Seyrig* 498; P [P06169881]!
**Ampandrandava**, entre Bekily et Tsivory; [24°6' S, 45°52' E]; Jan. 1943; fl; *A. Seyrig* 498B; P [P02071374]!
**Ampandrandava**, entre Bekily et Tsivory; [23°50' S, 44°53' E]; 1000 m; May 1943; st.; *A. Seyrig* 498C; P [P06169880]!
**same data as for preceding; May 1943; fr; A. Seyrig 498D; P [P02071375]**!
**Environ d'Ampandrandava** (entre Bekily et Tsivory); [24°5' S, 45°41' E]; Dec. 1943; fl; *A. Seyrig* 498E; P [P06169836, P06169912]!
**same data as for preceding; [23°50' S, 44°53' E]; Dec. 1943; fl; A. Seyrig 498F; en culture; P [P02071372]**!
**Environ d'Ampandrandava** (entre Bekily et Tsivory), crêtes est; [23°50' S, 44°53' E]; 1000 m; Mar. 1943; fr; *A. Seyrig* 541; P [P02071373, P06169911]!
**Environ d'Ampandrandava** (entre Bekily et Tsivory); [23°50' S, 44°53' E]; Feb. 1944; fl; *A. Seyrig* 541B; P [P06169878]!.
**Anosy** [Toliara Prov.] • Bassin
supérieur du Mandrare, du col de Vavara à la vallée du Manambolo; [24°30' S, 46°42' E]; 20-22 Nov. 1928; fl; *H. Humbert 6754*; MO [MO-3020308]!, P [P02071370, P02071368, P02071369]! • Bassin supérieur de l'Onilahy (Mangoky), vallée de l'Andranomiforitra; [23°53' S, 46°32' E]; 19 Dec. 1928; fr; *H. Humbert 7065*; P [P02071365]! • Toliara, vallée moyenne du Mandrare près d'Anadabolava. Mont Vohitrotsy; [24°3' S, 46°24'6" E]; 700-800 m; fr; Dec. 1933; *H. Humbert 12643*; P [P06169874]! • Vallée de la Manambolo (bassin du Mandraré), NW Maroaomby; [24°21' S, 46°34'30" E]; Dec. 1933; fl, fr; *H. Humbert 12762*; P [P02071366]!, TAN n.v. – **Ihorombe [Fianarantsoa Prov.]** • 47-49 km au SE d'Ihosy route d'Ivohibe; [22°33'38" S, 46°36'24" E]; 650-700 m; 5 Nov. 1967; fl; *L. Bernardi 11191*; G!, P [P02071367]! • 9 km, W de Ihosy le long de la RN 7; [22°24'26" S, 45°41'21" E]; 12 Nov. 2003; fl; *P.B. Phillipson & S. Rakotonandrasana 5718*; G!, MO [MO-3020347]!, P [P02071364]!, TAN! – **Menabe [Toliara Prov.]** • SW Madagascar, 11 km SW de Manja; [21°30' S, 44°16' E]; 240 m; 26 Dec. 1976; fr; *O. Appert 803*; TAN! • Manja; [21°30S, 44°16' E]; 26 Dec. 1976; fr; *O. Appert 804*; forêt, sol sableux; TAN! • same data as for preceding; [21°30S, 44°16' E]; 26 Dec. 1976; fr; *O. Appert 805*; MO [MO-3020307] image!, TAN n.v.

iNaturalist observation

MADAGASCAR – Atsimo-Andrefana [Toliara Prov.] • 24°21'23.6" S, 44°30'00.8" E; 16 Nov. 2023; fl; *Didie Cresson (cresson_didie)*; iNaturalist 191241917.

Description

*Plant herbaceous*, 10–30 cm tall; *rhizome* well-developed; *roots* fasciculate, numerous, hairy, long, slightly thickened, 1–1.5 mm in diam., often truncated, some terminated by a tuber or a cluster of tubers at least 8 cm from the base (*Humbert 6754*, *Bernardi 11191*), tubers ovoid, 8–30 × 3–7 mm; *leaves* 4–8, of two types depending on the specimen: linear ones, with a base surrounded by two shorter whitish sheaths, measuring 6–19.5(–33) × 1–1.5(–2) cm (*Seyrig 498B*, *D*, *F*, *Seyrig 541*), and others longer and wider, and more flexible, 26–36 × 2.8–4.4 cm, with sheathing base, sometimes attenuated into a pseudo-petiole, veins 17–34, conspicuous, well-spaced, the blade with fine hyaline margins, smooth or finely scabrous at the base (*Humbert 12762*) or very scabrous (*Montagnac 97*), all leaves with tapered tips;

<figure><img src="image_136.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 27.** Distribution of *Chlorophytum humbertianum* H.Perrier.</figcaption></figure>
*inflorescence* 22–49 cm high, solitary, the rachis sometimes with a basal branch, peduncle 13–34 cm, dotted with small, white, translucent hairs of 0.1 mm, the density of which increases towards the apex, bearing 1–5 thin bracts of 10–20 × 1–2.5 mm, with acute apices, *rachis* 7–21 cm long, the pedicel and rachis pubescent; 1–5 flowers per node, the floral bracts subulate, 5–9 mm long, equalling or exceeding the pedicel, the latter 7–8 mm long, slender, with supramedial articulation 1–2.5 mm from the apex; *perianth* 8–10 mm long, with elliptical segments of equal length; outer tepals 1.5–2 mm wide, always with 3 central veins, the apex with a brown or green dot (in situ), inner, 2–3.5 mm wide, veins, 3 or sometimes 4–5, especially visible when dry; *stamens* equal to the perianth, with white filaments, 4–6 mm long, nearly cylindrical, slightly flattened at the base, anthers yellow, 2.5–4 × 0.7–1 mm, basifixed, with a slightly hastate base and a small swelling on the outer base of the connective; *gynoecium*: ovary, 1.5–2 × 1.2–1.8 mm, ovules, 6–8 per locule, style curved, 7–10 mm in length, terminated by a thickened stigma; *capsule*, 5–8 × 5–6.5 mm, with thickened sutures and a smooth surface; *seed* subcircular or taller than wide, black, shiny, 2.5 × 2.3 mm, with a thick, slightly prominent radicle.

## Phenology

Flowering mainly occurs during the months of November and December and continues until February. The fruiting begins as early as November.

## Distribution and ecology

Collections of this species are all from the south of Madagascar, mostly from the Mandrare basin in the southeast, but with two collections from near Ihosy, and three from the southwest (two near Manja and one without detailed locality information – *Montagnac* 97). The species is found at altitudes between 240 and 1300 m, and it grows on deep acidic soils in sands or soil derived from metamorphic rocks, generally in lowland meadows, or sparsely wooded environments but with a preference for shaded or humid areas.

*Chlorophytum humbertianum* can be locally abundant in suitable environments, but is rare on a larger scale (fide Seyrig).

## Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

*Chlorophytum humbertianum* is endemic to Madagascar, where it is restricted to the southern interior. The species has mostly been recorded in the Anosy Region and in neighbouring areas of the Androy, Atsimo-Andrefana, Atsimo-Atsinanana and Vatovavy Regions, but it also with somewhat disjunct occurrences known from the Ihorombe and Menabe Regions further to the north and the northwest. The species has a total of 11 known occurrences, with an EOO of over 54 500 km² and an AOO of 48 km², a total of seven subpopulations can be distinguished that occur at a range of elevations from 400 to 1300 m a.s.l. The species has only been collected three times in the past 50 years, and it is not known to occur in any formally protected area. It occurs mostly in localities that are subject to severe habitat degradation, representing 3 locations. It is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered CR B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v).

## Illustrations

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig. IX 13–16.

## Morphological remarks

1) Variation has been observed in the vegetative parts and the flowers between some specimens. The size of the leaves and to a certain extent their shape, depends on the state of maturity of the plants, as follows: flowering can occur while the leaves are still expanding (*Decary 9446*, *Humbert 6754*, *12762* and *13350*); the edge of the blade is generally smooth, but sometimes scabrous at its base (*Humbert 12762*) or along its entire length (*Montagnac 97*). The veins of the tepals on the same floral stem are generally three in
number, but in *Seyrig 498B*, *498E*, *541B* and *Humbert 6754*, we find a mixture on the same inflorescence of flowers with 4 or 5 veins.

2) Seyrig noted that the veins of the tepals of this species became brown on drying specimens of the species, while the veins were not visible in situ, this is corroborated by the photographs of *Phillipson* et al. 5718.

**17. Chlorophytum hypoxiforme** (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly

Figs 5F, 28

*Chlorophytum hypoxiforme* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly (Marais & Reilly 1978: 661). – *Anthericum hypoxiforme* H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 37–38).

**Etymology**

The specific epithet refers to the vegetative parts that resemble those of members of the family *Hypoxidaceae* R.Br.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – *Betsiboka* [Mahajanga Prov.] • Domaine central: Rocailles (basalte) sur le Tampoketsa [Tampoketsan'i Beveromay], entre le Bemarivo du N.-W. et le Mahazamba; [16°33'54" S, 47°47'38" E]; ca 900 m; Dec. 1910; fl; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 10978*; holotype: P [P01046123]!.

**Description**

*Herbaceous plant*, small, up to ca 10 cm tall; *underground parts* formed from fasciculate, fleshy, elongated *roots*, ca 2.0 to 2.5 mm in diam., fusiform roots 15–26 × 3 mm, and fibrous roots 0.3 mm in diameter; *leaves* 9 to 14, lanceolate, 4–10 × 0.3–0.6 cm, with a sheathing base, buried for 1.0–1.3 cm, surrounded by fibrous remains, and forming a rosette (fide Perrier de la Bâthie), with 12 to 16 veins visible on both surfaces, margins smooth, hyaline, the apex long-tapered; *inflorescences* 1–5, simple or branched, comprised of erect, racemose units 1–2 cm long, the peduncle reduced, a short dense raceme, 2.5–7.0 cm high, with short internodes, pauciflorus, bearing a very long outer foliaceous bract, 2–4.5 × 0.2 cm, axillary to the branch, with 5–7 veins, and with a second, smaller inner bract, 1.5 × 0.12 cm; *rachis* 2.5–6 cm long, bearing up to 10 flowers; *flowers* 1 per node, surrounded by two triangular, pointed, 3-veined bracts, the larger 10–12(–15) mm long, as long as the pedicel, or longer, the pedicel 13 mm long, with articulation supramedial, 1–1.5 mm below the apex; *perianth* white, 7–8 mm long, somewhat twisted after anthesis, the *tepals* equal, oblong, with an obtuse apex, 7 × 1.0–1.2(–1.8) mm, with 3 central veins; *stamens* equal, shorter than the perianth, with a flattened, filament, 3.5–4.0 mm long, glabrous, anthers elongate, obtusely tipped, 2.0 × 0.5 mm, dorsifixed, filament inserted on the lower 1/4; *gynoecium*: ovary globose, 1 mm long, with 2 or 3 ovules per locule, style ca 3 mm long, cylindrical, thick; *capsule* not known.

**Phenology**

The single known collection flowered as early as October, and many flower buds can still be seen, while fruiting has only just begun.

**Distribution and ecology**

The only collection of this species was made in Northwestern Madagascar between the Bemarivo and Mahazamba rivers, on the Tampoketsa plateau. It is a rock-dwelling plant occuring on an ancient basalt flow, collected at an altitude of around 900 m.
**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum hypoxiforme* is known from a single collection made over a century ago in an area of the country which is highly degraded with only tiny fragments of semi-natural vegetation, the area being exploited mainly for grazing of livestock. It is likely Extinct but since no targetted search for the species has been undertaken, we assess *C. hypoxiforme* as DD (Data Deficient).

**Illustrations**

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig. VII 6–8.

<figure><img src="image_137.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 28.** Type locality of *Chlorophytum hypoxiforme* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly, between the Bemarivo and Mahazamba rivers, on the Tampoketsa plateau, in the Betsiboka Region.</figcaption></figure>
**18. Chlorophytum madagascariense** Baker
Figs 6F, 7F–H, 29–30, Tables 3–4

*Anthericum gramineum* Baker (Baker 1877: 302), nom. illeg.

*Chlorophytum madagascariense* Baker (Baker 1878: 326).

**Etymology**

The species is named for its country of origin, Madagascar, it was the first Malagasy species to be formally described.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – s.loc.; s.d.; fl; *Hilsenberg & Bojer s.n.*; holotype: BM [BM013839962] image!.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, with a subterranean part consisting of a *rhizome*, with thickened *roots* bearing ovoid tubercles, 7–30 × 2–8 mm; *leaves* 5–10, graminoid, 10–60 × 0.4–1.9 cm, often tapering into a pseudo-petiole except in *C. madagascariense* var. *boinense* var. nov., with a sheathing base surrounded by the remnants of old leaves forming a fibrous sheath, margin scabrous, pseudo-midrib present, veins, 15–36 visible, with a tapered apex; *inflorescence* erect and rigid, with a glabrous axis, 27–94 cm tall, peduncle 20–77 cm long, branched or unbranched, with numerous upright branches often arising from the same basal node, leaf-like bracts 1(–2) with a triangular base and a tapered tip, *rachis* 6–17 cm long, flowers 1–3 per node; *flowers*, 8–12 mm long, *tepals* white, narrowly ovate to narrowly elliptical, with veins spaced or clustered at the centre (depending on the variety); *stamens* equal or subequal, somewhat shorter than *tepals*, frequently arranged in 2 groups (4–2), filament 3–4.5 mm long, with a broad, flat base, narrower above, basifixed, anther narrowly triangular, apiculate, 4–5(–7.5) mm; *gynoecium*: ovary sub-spherical, ovules 6 or 8 per locule, style filiform, 10–13 mm long, curved at the tip, exceeding the perianth, with a thickened stigma; *capsule* broader or as long as wide, 5–7 × 7–9 mm, transversely wrinkled with thickened sutures; *seed* disc-shaped, black, shiny, with a finely granular surface, a narrow notch, and a broad, prominent radicle.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum madagascariense* Baker is endemic to Madagascar, where it has a highly disjunct known distribution, the species is however only known from a single recent (2013) collection, *Ralimanana et al. 1812*, which is referred to the typical variety, while three other recognised varieties are only known from old collections. The assessment can only be based on this single recent occurrence from near Ambalakida "along the road to La Grotte Anjiabe" in the Boeny Region. Given the extent of the known range of the species, including its three different varieties, it is likely that it persists at other sites where it was collected in the past, that include certain protected areas, but we are obliged to assess the species, including its recognised varieties as DD (data deficient). A targetted search for the species across its range is needed.

**Illustrations**

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

**Taxonomic and morphological remarks**

1) *Anthericum gramineum* Baker (1877: 302) was transferred to the genus *Chlorophytum* by Perrier de la Bâthie (1935), giving *Chlorophytum gramineum* (Baker) H.Perrier priority over *C. madagascariense* Baker (1878: 326), described a year later. However, the name *A. gramineum* Baker is illegitimate, since it is pre-dated by *Anthericum gramineum* Vell. (da Conceição Velloso 1825: 143), a species from Brazil. We therefore re-establish *C. madagascariense* Baker as the correct, valid name for this species. The varieties described by Perrier de la Bâthie are transferred accordingly to the latter taxon.
<table><caption>**Table 3.** Comparison of *Chlorophytum madagascariense* Baker and *C. meridionale* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</caption><thead><tr><th>Taxon</th><th><i>C. madagascariense</i></th><th><i>C. meridionale</i> sp. nov.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Underground parts</strong></td><td>roots 1.2–2.0 mm in diam.; tubers numerous</td><td>roots 1.0–3.0 mm in diam.; tuberised zones present, but true tubers rare</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Leaves</strong></td><td>leaf margin straight, even at the base; frequently with a pseudo-petiole</td><td>leaf margin undulate at the base, lacking a pseudo-petiole (except <i>C. meridionale</i> subsp. <i>tulearense</i> subsp. nov.)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Inflorescences</strong></td><td>bract solitary, 1–3 cm long, situated at the point of branching</td><td>bracts 1–3, 1–11(–15 cm) long, the highest at the point of branching, the others, when present, below</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Flowers</strong></td><td>tepals with 3(–5) veins, well-spaced or occasionally closely-spaced; stamens equal</td><td>tepals always with 3 closely-spaced central veins, sometimes with 2 additional lateral veins; stamens unequal</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Fruits</strong></td><td>as long as wide</td><td>longer than wide</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><caption>**Table 4.** Comparative table of varieties of *Chlorophytum madagascariense* Baker.</caption><thead><tr><th>Taxon</th><th><i>C. madagascariense</i><br>var. <i>boinense</i> var. nov.</th><th><i>C. madagascariense</i> var.<br>madagascariense</th><th><i>C. madagascariense</i><br>var. <i>pervillei</i><br>nom. nov.</th><th><i>C. madagascariense</i><br>var. <i>sciaphilum</i><br>comb. nov.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Leaves</strong></td><td>ca 60 cm long; base sheaving, lacking a pseudo-petiole</td><td>&lt; 35 cm long; spreading; basal 1/4 forming a pseudo-petiole</td><td>&lt; 47 cm long, erect; basal 1/4– 1/3 forming a pseudo-petiole</td><td>&lt; 45 cm long, flexible; basal 1/3, forming a pseudo-petiole</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Inflorescence</strong></td><td>40–94 cm long; robust and well-branched at the base</td><td>27–45 cm long; sparsely-branched</td><td>44–70 cm long; branched at the base</td><td>42–50 cm long; sometimes branched</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Flower size</strong></td><td>8–12 mm</td><td>9–10 mm</td><td>8–10 mm</td><td>10 mm</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tepals</strong></td><td>outer broader than inner</td><td>variable</td><td>equal size</td><td>equal size</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tepal veins</strong></td><td>3–4(–5)<br>closely-spaced</td><td>3–4 well-spaced (rarely closely-spaced)</td><td>3 well-spaced</td><td>3 well-spaced</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Stamens</strong></td><td>equal</td><td>equal or unequal (4+2)</td><td>equal</td><td>equal or unequal (4+2)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Filaments</strong></td><td>as long as the anthers</td><td>as long as, or slightly shorter than the anthers</td><td>as long as the anthers</td><td>as long as, or slightly shorter than the anthers</td></tr></tbody></table>

2) Thirteen collections, mostly old and sometimes incomplete, are attributed to *C. madagascariense*. Despite the disparity in their morphology (see Table 4) and their geographical locations (when known), we have essentially retained the treatment published by Perrier de la Bâthie in the *Flore de Madagascar* (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935, 1937 [1938]), but with certain modifications (see Table 4). Notably, we recognise three varieties within *C. madagascariense*. It is important to note that the varieties (including the typical variety) are known from only a few specimens, so additional collections are needed in order to refine the infraspecific taxonomy of *C. madagascariense*.

3) At first glance, *Chlorophytum madagascariense* and *C. meridionale* sp. nov. appear similar. However, in addition to their different distributions, they are separated by several notable characteristics, as presented in Table 3.
## Key to the varieties

1. Leaf surface glabrous .................................................................................................................. 2

– Leaf surface scabrous ............ *C. madagascariense* var. *boinense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal var. nov.

2. Floral bract shorter than the pedicel; leaf blade on average less than 1 cm wide ....................................

.................................................... *C. madagascariense* var. *pervillei* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal nom. nov.

– Floral bract equal or longer than the pedicel; leaf-blade more than 1 cm wide on average ............ 3

3. Length of the pseudo-petiole ca 1/3 the length of the blade .................................................................

.................... *C. madagascariense* var. *sciophilum* (H.Perrier) Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal comb. nov.

– Length of the pseudo-petiole equal to or less than 1/4 the length of the blade ....................................

.................................................................................... *C. madagascariense* Baker var. *madagascariense*

## 18.1 *Chlorophytum madagascariense* Baker var. *madagascariense*

Figs 6F, 7H, 30, Table 4

*Chlorophytum gramineum* var. *madagascariense* (Baker) H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 57) nom. illeg.

## Material examined

MADAGASCAR – *Boeny* [Mahajanga Prov.] • Majunga; [15°42' S, 46°19' E]; 5 Mar. 1924; fr; *R. Decary* 2419; P [P02071707]!, TAN! • Mahajanga. Falaise (calcaire) près de Majunga; [15°41' S, 46°21' E]; Feb. 1901; fl, fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie* 1211; K [K000432392] image!, P [P02071706, P0271709]!, TAN! • Mahajanga, Mahajanga Rural, Ambalakida, Andradia, road to La Grotte Anjiabe; 15°42'47" S, 46°29'33" E; 37 m; 16 Feb. 2013; fl, fr; *H. Ralimanana*, *J. Razanantsoa*, *M. Vorontsova*, *G. Besnard* 1812; K n.v., P [P00782941]!, TAN n.v. – locality unknown • s.loc.; s.d.; fl; *R. Baron* 5926; P [P02071708]! • s.loc.; s.d.; fl; *Hilsenberg & Bojer* s.n.; BM [BM013839962] image!.

## Description

*Plant herbaceous*, with thickened *roots*, 1–2.5 mm diam.; *tubercles* less frequent than in other varieties; *leaves* 5–10, narrow, 10–44 × 0.4–1.9 cm, base almost always tapering into a short pseudo-petiole, about 1/4 the length of the blade, veins 15–28, visible; *inflorescence* solitary, 27–45 cm tall, peduncle, 20–35 cm long, very rarely branched, bracts, 1(–2), the second bract axilling an undeveloped bud, 10–24 × 2–3 mm, *rachis* 10–17 cm long, weakly branched, flowers, 1–2 per node, axilled by a subulated floral bract, 3.2–6 × 1–1.5 mm, equal to or longer than the pedicels, which are 3 to 4.2 mm long; *flowers*, 10–11 mm long, *tepals* white, unequal, narrowly ovate to narrowly elliptical, with 3 spaced veins converging at the apex (except for *Decary 2419*, which has equal tepals, 10 × 2.5 mm, and 3(–4) veins); outer tepals shorter and narrower than the inner tepals (9.5 × 1.5 mm vs 11 × 2 mm), anthers 4.5–7.5 × 1–1.5 mm, the connective appendage short, triangular or reduced to a simple flange; *gynoecium*: ovary, 1.5–2 × 2 mm, ovules, 8 per locule, style, 11–11.5 mm long; *capsule* almost as tall as wide, 6–7 × 7–8 mm; *seed* 2.3–3.5 × 2.5–4.5 mm.

## Phenology

Flowering occurs from February to March, and fruiting from March onwards.

## Distribution and ecology

This variety is distributed primarily in the western part of Madagascar, near the sea, in the vicinity of Mahajanga. It flourishes in localities with limestone or clay soils, particularly in exposed and rocky areas.
## 18.2 *Chlorophytum madagascariense* var. *boinense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal var. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324173-1

Figs 7G, 29–30, Table 4

### Diagnosis

*Varietatibus alteris Chlorophyti madagascariensi Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal affinis, sed robustiore habitu, foliis majoribus (plus quam 61 cm vs ut maximum 50 cm), inflorescentis acrogenis (vs simplicesbasigenasque), internis tepalis latioribus vel quasi similaribus externis) nervis tepalorum confertis (vs remotos) praecipue differt.*

### Etymology

The taxon refers to the type locality, the Boina Region, also known as Boeny.

### Type material

#### Type

MADAGASCAR – *Boeny* [*Mahajanga Prov.*] • Lac Kinkony, Ambongo; [16°12'30" S, 45°56'30" E]; May 1902; fl, fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 1441*; alluvions; holotype: P [P02071702]!; isotype, P [P02071703]!.

#### Paratype

MADAGASCAR – *Boeny* [*Mahajanga Prov.*] • Soalala; [16°06S, 45°20' E]; 18 Apr. 1955; fl, fr; *s.c.* *RN 7346* (*Randriamiera*); P [P06169838]!.

### Description

*Plant herbaceous*, with a subterranean part having thickened *roots*, 1–2 mm diam.; *leaves*, 5–9, narrow, conduplicate, 13–60 cm long (and possibly longer due to a truncated apex) × 0.4–0.8 cm, base straw-yellow on dried material, followed by a short pseudo-petiole, 4–5 cm long, veins, 25–36, visible, the lower surface of the blade scabrous; *inflorescence* 35–94 cm long; peduncle, (21–)35–69(–77) cm long, branched, bearing a large bract at the point of branching (i.e., just at the base of the main rachis), 16–18 × 1.5–2 mm; frequently with several branches at the basal node, the *flowering rachises* 10–17 cm long, flowers, 1–2(–3) per node, axilled by a triangular pointed bract, 3.5–4 × 1–2 mm, longer or shorter than the pedicel which is 3–3.5 mm long, with an inframedial articulation, 1–1.5 mm above the base; *flowers* 8 to 12 mm long, *tepals* narrowly elliptical, white, with a dark spot at the apex of the outer tepals (fide *Perrier de la Bâthie 1441*), outer tepals narrower than the inner tepals, outer tepals 1.8 to 2.0 mm long with 3 veins, inner tepals 2.3–2.5 mm long with 4(–5) veins; *stamen*: anthers 4.0–4.5 × 0.9–1.2 mm, the connective appendix elongate, 0.2–0.4 mm long, with a triangular base; *gynoecium*: ovary 1 × 0.8 mm, ovules, 6 per locule, style filiform, 10.5–13 mm long; *capsule* wider than tall, 5–7 × 7–8 mm; *seed* 2.5–3 × 3–3.4 mm, with a broad, triangular, slightly protruding radicle.

### Phenology

This variety flowers in April and May, with fruiting known to occur in April and May. *Perrier de la Bâthie 1441* noted "une deuxième floraison tardive d'une plante qui fleurit d'ordinaire en décembre" [a second late flowering of a plant that usually flowers in December].

### Distribution and ecology

The taxon has been collected in the western region of Madagascar, in the Boeny Region, near Lac Kinkony (southwest of Mahajanga), on barren hills with soil composed of ancient alluvium, and near Soalala at an altitude below 100 m.
<figure><img src="image_138.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 29.** *Chlorophytum madagascariense* var. *boinense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal var. nov. holotype; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 1441*, P [P02071702]. **A.** Habit. **B.** Inflorescence. **C.** Flower. **D.** Stamen, posterior face. Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
18.3 *Chlorophytum madagascariense* var. *pervillei* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal nom. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324181-1

Fig. 30, Table 4

**Basionym:** *Chlorophytum gramineum* var. *typicum* H.Perrier, *Notulae Systematicae*. *Herbier du Muséum de Paris. Phanérogramie (Paris)* 5 (1): 57 (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935), nom. illeg.

*Chlorophytum rutenbergianum* Vatke (Vatke 1887: 138) – **Type:** MADAGASCAR – **DIANA Region** [Antsiranana Prov.] • Nossibe, Domaine du Sambirano; 12 Mar. 1878; fl, fr; *C. Rutenberg s.n.*; holotype: BRNU [BRNU347452] image!.

Etymology

This new name is dedicated to Auguste Pervillé (1840–1868?), gardener and botanist at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris, later a planter, who worked in Nossi-Bé and north-western Madagascar in the 1840s, as well as in the Seychelles (Dorr 1997).

Type material

Type

MADAGASCAR – **Boeny** [*Mahajanga Prov.*] • Ambongo; [16°20' S, 46°20' E]; 13 Feb. 1841; fl;
*A. Pervillé* 579; sables humides; lectotype: K [K000432394] image!, **here designated**; isolectotypes: P
[P01046118, P01046119, P01046120]!.

Paratype

MADAGASCAR – **Boeny** [*Mahajanga Prov.*] • NW Madagascar, Ambongo; [16°20' S, 46°20' E]; 13 Feb. 1841; fl, fr; *A. Pervillé* 580; K [K000432393] image!, L [L1439979, L1439981] image!, P [P02071704, P02071705]!.

Description

*Plant herbaceous*, with a subterranean part having thickened *roots*, 1–1.5(–2) mm diam.; *leaves* 5–9, narrow, 23–47 × 0.4–0.8 cm, with a base tapering into a pseudo-petiole representing between 1/4 and 1/3 of the blade length, veins 15–28, visible; *inflorescence* rigid, 44–70 cm tall, peduncle 32–55(–65) cm long, branched from the base, the *rachises* 6–15(–17) cm long, with a large bract at the node, 18–31 × 3 mm, flowers, 1–3 per node, floral bract triangular and pointed, 4.5–5 × 2 mm, longer than the pedicel, with a scabrous margin, pedicel 3.5–4 mm long, with an inframedial articulation; *flowers* 8–10 mm long, *tepals* white, veins 3, spaced; anthers 4 × 1.2 mm, the appendix of the connective short, triangular; *gynoecium*: ovary 1 × 0.8 mm, ovules 5 or 6 per locule, style 10 mm long; *capsule* generally as long as wide, 7–8 × 7.5 mm; *seeds* black, 2–2.5 × 3 mm.

Phenology

Flowering is known to occur from January to February, with fruiting beginning in February.

Distribution and ecology

The taxon occurs in western Madagascar, both on the island of Nosy Be, probably on volcanic substrates,
and in Ambongo, on sand.

Illustrations

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig. VIII 8–10.
**Nomenclatural remark**

Without having seen the type of *C. rutenbergianum* Vatke (*Rutenberg s.n.*), H. Perrier de la Bâthie considered it as a synonym of *C. gramineum* var. *madagascariense*. In his work (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935), he mentioned encountering the plant on Nosy Be without collecting it. He described it as the “forme habituelle des rocailles et des lieux découverts” [typical form of rocky and open places]. However, upon examining the photo of the type deposited at BRNU, it seems to correspond more closely to the variety *pervillei* due to its general ‘graminoid’ habit, its leaves with a pronounced pseudo-petiole and narrow blade, whereas the type variety has shorter and wider leaves with a much shorter pseudo-petiole.

<figure><img src="image_139.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 30.** Distribution of *Chlorophytum madagascariense* Baker var. *madagascariense* (black dots), var. *sciaphilum* (H.Perrier) Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal comb. nov. (blue dots), var. *boinense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal var. nov. (red dots), var. *pervillei* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal nom. nov. (green dots), and aff. *madagascariense* (orange dots).</figcaption></figure>
**18.4** *Chlorophytum madagascariense* var. *sciophilum* (H.Perrier) Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal
comb. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324172-1

Figs 7F, 30, Table 4

**Basionym:** *Chlorophytum gramineum* var. *sciophilum* H.Perrier, *Notulae Systematicae*. *Herbier du Muséum de Paris. Phanérogramie (Paris)* 5 (1): 57–58 (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935), nom. illeg.

**Type material**

**Type**

MADAGASCAR – **DIANA Region** [*Antsiranana Prov.*] • Manongarivo, Ambongo; [14°01′ S, 48°21E]; Feb. 1903; fl; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 10950*; bois sablonneux; lectotype: P [P01046105]!, **here designated**; isolectotypes: K [K000432391] image!, P [P01046106]!.

**Paralectotype**

MADAGASCAR – **Boeny [Mahajanga Prov.]** • Causse d'Ankara, bois de Bekambo; [17°04′ S, 46°17′ E]; Jan. 1902; fl; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 10949*; P [P02275835]!.

**Other material examined**

MADAGASCAR – **Analamanga [Antananarivo Prov.]** • Ambatolaona; [18°56′ S, 47°53′ E]; Sep. 1905; *C. d'Alleizette 7432*; L [L.1450137] image!.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, with a subterranean part having thickened *roots*, 1 to 1.5 mm in diam., bearing numerous ovoid tubercles, smaller than those of other varieties (7–24 × 2–8 mm vs 12–30 × 2–7 mm); *leaves* 5–7, 26–58 × 0.8–1.8 cm, with a base gradually tapering to a narrow pseudo-petiole, more than 1/3 of the total blade length, veins 16–30, conspicuous; *inflorescence* 42–62 cm long, solitary, peduncle 33–42 cm long, *rachis* 7–14 cm long, branched or not, with a triangular foliaceous bract situated ca 1.5 cm below the inflorescence, the bract tapering, 9–12 × 2 mm; with 1–3 flowers per node, floral bract triangular and pointed, 3.2–4.5 × 1.5 mm, with a scabrous tip, pedicel 3–3.5 mm long, with an infra-medial to medial articulation; *flowers*, 9.5 mm long, *tepals* white, narrowly elliptical, subequal, 9 × 1.8–2 mm, with 3 spaced veins converging at the tip; *stamens* 6, of which 4 with filaments 3 mm long, the base 0.35 mm wide, flat, narrowing to the apex, and 2 stamens with the filaments finer, long; anthers 4.5–5.0 × 1.1 mm, connective appendage short, triangular, extending beyond the base of the anthers; *gynoecium*: ovary 1.0 × 0.8 mm, ovules 6 per locule, style 10.5 mm long; (*immature*) *capsule* broader than high, 7 × 9 mm, with thickened sutures; (*immature*) *seeds* black.

**Phenology**

The species flowers from January to February, although the collection *Alleizette 7432* was in flower in September, and fruits develop from February.

**Distribution and ecology**

This variety is found in the northwest, specifically in the Manongarivo massif and on the Ankara plateau in Boina. It grows on sand and limestone substrates, in wooded areas (according to Perrier de la Bâthie 1935, 1937 [1938]). *Alleizette 7432* was collected in humid forest on the eastern slopes of Madagascar on granitic or metamorphic substrates at an altitude of 1400 m – higher than that of the other known collections, and this significantly extends the variety's distributional area eastwards. In contrast, the other varieties of the species tend to grow in open areas.
**Nomenclatural remark**

The specimens preserved at P bear the determination by H. Perrier de la Bâthie: "*C. gramineum* var. *typicum*". However, they are cited as being syntypes of *C. gramineum* var. *sciophilum* comb. nov. in the protologue (Perrier 1935), clearly the author omitted to redetermine the material after the establishment of this variety. We have chosen P01046105 as the lectotype of this variety, the specimen has flowers and a fruit.

*Chlorophytum aff. madagascariense* Baker
Fig. 30

**Material examined**

MADAGASCAR – *Amoron'i Mania* [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • Environ s d'Ambatofinandrahana (Betsileo); [20°33' S, 46°48' E]; 16 Jan. 1955; fr; *H. Humbert* 28080; P [P06169849]! • km 15, RN 35, Ivato; [20°38' S, 47°10' E]; 24 Dec. 1965; fl, fr; *M. Peltier* & *J. Peltier* 5626; P [P06169903]!.

**Geographical and morphological remarks**

The collections included here are well beyond the known distribution range of *C. madagascariense*
var. *madagascariense*. They originate from the high plateau of Madagascar, on granitic or metamorphic
substrates, at an altitude of 1500 m or more; while the typical variety is found near Mahajanga, close to
the coast on limestone. Their ecology is therefore very different.

Although the morphology allows us to associate these specimens with *C. madagascariense* var. *madagascariense*, they are nevertheless incomplete. The first, *Humbert 28080*, is more abundant with a complete infructescence and vegetative part, but lacks flowers. The second, *M. Peltier & J. Peltier 5626*, lacks underground parts, and has only two detached and poorly preserved leaves, detached inflorescences and only a single flower. Despite the lacking features, it seems to us that varietal separation is pertinent and a broad concept of *Chlorophytum madagascariense*, divided into varieties is justified.

19. *Chlorophytum meridionale* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.
urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324174-1
Figs 3I–K, 6E, 7E, 31–33, Table 5

**Diagnosis**

*Chlorophyto madagascariensi affinis, sed tuberculis raris (vs numerosa), foliorum inferne pagine densa asperitate (vs raram), inflorescenti pluribracteatis (vs unibracteatam), floribus majoribus (9–12 mm vs 8–10 mm), tepalis tribus nervis confertis (vs remotos), staminibus inaequalibus (vs aequalia), praecipue differt.*

**Etymology**

The specific epithet refers to the distribution of the taxon, limited to the southern quarter of Madagascar.

**Type material**

**Type**

MADAGASCAR – Androy [Toliara Prov.] • Androy, environs d'Antanimoro, 30–35 km au nord d'Ambia; [24°33'59" S, 45°49'49" E]; Feb. 1955; fl, fr; *H. Humbert* 28824; holotype: P [P06169895]!; isotype: G!.
**Paratypes**

See under the subspecies.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 30 to 80 cm tall, rhizomatous; *roots* fasciculate, predominantly thickened, 1–2(–3) mm in diam., but some finer roots also present; *leaves* (4–)7–14, sheathing at the base, ascending or sometimes spreading, graminoid to narrowly lanceolate, 13–60 × 0.4–2.5 cm, surrounded by a fibrous sheath formed by the remnants of older leaves, margins somewhat undulate near the base of the blade, hyaline, scabrous or obscurely scabrous depending on the variety, veins 15–27; *inflorescence* simple or branched, mostly 33–80 cm tall (occasionally more); peduncle 17–60 cm long, bearing on the upper third 1 or 2(–3) triangular, subulate bracts with a broad base, 1–11 × 0.35–0.60 cm, the most apical bearing an axillary ramification to the inflorescence branch, bracts variable in size, with sometimes scabrous margins and surface, veins 5–19, *rachis* 5–35 cm long, flowers 1–3(–4) per node, floral bracts subulate, triangular with

<figure><img src="image_140.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 31.** Distribution of *Chlorophytum meridionale* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. subsp. *meridionale* (black dots); subsp. *ihosyense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov. (blue dots); subsp. *tulearense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov. (red dots).</figcaption></figure>
3–8 veins, pedicel with an inframedial articulation; *flowers* weakly zygomorphic (due to the position of the ovary and the curvature of the style); *perianth* white, 9–12 mm long, with elliptical segments, apex acute, the outer tepals narrower than inner, veins 3(–5), closely spaced in the centre, sometimes with 2 external non-convergent veins (*Homolle 1620, McPherson et al. 17423* and *Afzelius s.n.*); *stamens* shorter than the perianth (sometimes only slightly), usually arranged in 2 groups – one group with long, thin filaments and long anthers, the other with more robust filaments and shorter anthers, grouped most frequently 2+4, but occasionally 3+3, and more rarely 1+5 (*Seyrig 448C*), or occasionally the stamens not grouped; filaments flattened, anthers yellow, basifixed, the connectives with a blunt or obtuse pointed heel; *gynoecium*: ovary longer than wide, 1.2–2.8 × 0.8–2 mm, ovules (6–)8–10(–16) per locule; style filiform, 7–14 mm long, leaning towards the shorter stamens, and exceeding the perianth in length; stigma rounded; *capsule* longer than wide.

## Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

*Chlorophytum meridionale* sp. nov. is endemic to Madagascar, where it is widely distributed in the southwest and south-central areas. It is known from at least 24 collections, and a total of 10 occurrences are known for the species as a whole. However, these include only six occurrences that have been documented in the past 25 years. The species is therefore assessed as DD, and further exploration is needed in the vicinity of the historical and recent localities is needed in order to assess the threats to the species and to provide a meaningful assessment for the species and its component subspecies.

### Key to subspecies of *C. meridionale* sp. nov. (see also Table 5)

1. Pseudo-petiole present; leaves 5–10 (rarely 14), growing on sandy substrates .................................... *C. meridionale* *subsp. tulearense* Bard.-Vauc & M.Pignal *subsp. nov.*

- Pseudo-petiole absent; leaves 4–9 (rarely 11), not known from sandy substrates .................................... 2

2. Perianth segments equal; limb 0.4–0.5 cm wide .................................................................................... *C. meridionale* *subsp. ihosyense* Bard.-Vauc & M.Pignal *subsp. nov.*

- Perianth segments unequal; limb 0.8–2.5 cm wide .................................................................................... *C. meridionale* Bard.-Vauc & M.Pignal sp. nov. *subsp. meridionale*

## **19.1** *Chlorophytum meridionale* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. *subsp. meridionale*
Figs 6J–K, 31–33, Table 5

### Type material

#### Paratypes

MADAGASCAR – Androy [Toliara Prov.] • Antanimora; [24°48'30" S, 45°39'29" E]; Dec. 1959; fl; *J. Bosser 13958*; P [P06169875]! • Ampandrandava; [24°8'44" S, 45°38'23" E]; Mar. 1943; fr; *A. Seyrig 430*; P [P06169879]! • Ampandrandava entre Bekily et Tsivory; [24°8'44" S, 45°38'23" E]; 1944; fl; *A. Seyrig 448B*; P [P06169835]! • same data as for preceding; *A. Seyrig 448C*; P [P06169845]!. – Anosy [Toliara Prov.] • Fort Dauphin, vallée du Mandraré; [24°57'59" S, 46°17'26" E]; 4 Aug. 1926; fl; *R. Decary 4598*; P [P02157242]! • Isomony, NW Maroamby (Betsioky), vallée de la Manambolo; [24°9'59" S, 46°24'0" E]; Dec. 1933; fl bud, fr; *H. Humbert 12791*; G!, K!, MO!, P [P06169886, P06169883]! • Vallée Manambolo, confluent Sakamalio, environ d'Isomono [Isomony] Mont Morahariva; [24°32' S, 46°38' E]; Dec. 1933; fl; *H. Humbert 13111*; P [P06169898, P06169899, P06169901]! • Plateau Mahafaly, Ankaliano, W Edjeda; [23°49'52" S, 45°42'58" E]; fl, fr; Mar. 1960; *M. Keraudren 830*; P [P06169889]!. – Atsimo-Andrefana [Toliara Prov.] • Toliara, Vallée de l'Onilahy, Entre Bevoay et Itafoka, 6 km après le village d'Ankotrofotsy, falaise au bord de la piste le long du fleuve; 23°29'17.9" S, 44°2'45.0" E; 83 m; 8 May 2024; *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon 2038*; végétation xérophyte, grands arbres de type *Ficus* et *Moringa*, isolés, arbustes souvent épineux et ou à feuilles réduites, plantes ripicoles; pente de vallon calcaire bordé de
<table><caption>**Table 5.** Comparison of subspecies of *Chlorophytum meridionale* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.</caption><thead><tr><th>Taxon</th><th>C. meridionale sp. nov.<br>subsp. meridionale</th><th>C. meridionale subsp.<br>tulearense subsp. nov.</th><th>C. meridionale subsp.<br>ihosyense subsp. nov.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Leaves</td><td>4-7, ascending and/or spreading,<br>width 0.8-2.5 cm; no pseudo-<br>petiole</td><td>5-10 (rarely 14), ascending,<br>0.4-1.8 cm wide, frequent<br>pseudo-petiole</td><td>4-5(rarely 11), ascending, nar-<br>row, 0.4-0.5 cm, rolled up; no<br>pseudo-petiole</td></tr><tr><td>Leaf blade: margin,<br>lower surface.</td><td>scabrous,<br>with asperities</td><td>more or less scabrous,<br>with small asperities</td><td>scabrous,<br>without asperities</td></tr><tr><td>Inflorescence</td><td>simple or sparsely branched</td><td>branched</td><td>simple</td></tr><tr><td>Flower</td><td>stamens in two groups:<br>2 long, 4 short or<br>1 long, 5 short</td><td>stamens in two groups of<br>almost equal length</td><td>stamens in two groups:<br>2 long, 4 short or<br>1 long, 5 short</td></tr></tbody></table>

zones escarpées; dans les rochers, sol peu profond argilo calcaire, avec diverses succulentes: *Aloe* ssp., *Euphorbia tulearense*, *Xerosicyos* sp., *Oeceoclades* ssp., sol déstabilisé par le passage des chèvres; MO!, P [P02275956]!, TAN! • Toliara, Vallée de l'Onilahy, rive gauche, proximité village d'Anantsakoa; 23°33'14.3" S, 44°5'51.9" E; 69 m; 10 May 2024; *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon* & *J.-D. Randrianandrasana* 2051; végétation xérophyte, arbustes souvent épineux et ou à feuilles réduites, plantes ripicoles et lianes sur une falaise; falaise calcaire avec des ressauts; sur une terrasse, sol peu profond argilo calcaire, avec diverses xérophytes arbustives ou herbacées: *Stapelianthus insignis*, *Xerophyta*, *Aloe* sp., *Asparagus* sp., *Oeceoclades* ssp.; MO!, P [P02275955]!, TAN! • Toliara, Vallée de l'Onilahy, rive gauche, proximité village d'Anantsakoa; 23°33'12.5" S, 44°5'47.3" E; 94 m; 10 May 2024; *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon* & *J.-D. Randrianandrasana* 2052; végétation xérophyte, clairsemée, fourré arbustif épineux, strate herbacée réduite, souvent sous les arbustes; plateau calcaire au-dessus d'une falaise, sol caillouteux, peu profond, argilo calcaire; P [P02275954]!, TAN! • Tsarasao, Sud de Sakaraha; [22°54'42" S, 44°32'4" E]; 14 Feb. 1970; fr; *J. Bosser* 19916; P [P06169882]! • SW, coastal plain. ca 2 km north of Itampolo on route to Lavavolo; 24°39'0" S, 43°58'0" E; 8 Feb. 1990; fl; *B. Du Puy*, *D.J. Du Puy*, *J.-N. Labat* & *P.B. Phillipson* MB 635; P [P00075261]!, TAN! • Ambaty, route Betioky, clairières Mahafaly; [23°50'38" S, 44°24'32" E]; 18 Mar. 1960; fl; *M. Keraudren* 783; B!, P [P06169891]! • Tuléar, RN 10, km 111, entre Betioky et Ejeda; 23°51'0" S, 44°24'0" E; 10 Feb. 1990; fl, fr; *J.-N. Labat*, *B. Du Puy*, *D. Du Puy*, *P.B. Phillipson* 2105; BR [BR0000021756610] image!, MO [MO-3020309] image!, P [P06169902]!, WAG [WAG.1151260] image! • Ankazoabo, forêt sèche de Berenty; [22°11'29" S, 44°00'00" E]; Feb. 1967; fl; *P. Morat* 2511; TAN! • Piste de Sakaraha à Bezaha; Feb. 1968; fl; *P. Morat* 2980; TAN! • Tsaramasao, 20 km S de Sakaraha; [22°56'25" S, 44°32' E]; Mar. 1970; fr; *P. Morat* 3506 p.p.; P [P06169920]! • Tuléar, Beza Mahafaly près de Betioky; [23°40'36" S, 44°34'53" E]; 6 Jan. 1988; fl bud; *P.B. Phillipson* 2815; P [P06169844]! • Sakaraha, Mahaboboka, Marotsiraka-Betsileo, village le plus proche: Antsiritsy. Vestige forestier d'Antsitavohabe; 22°43'55" S, 44°14'00" E; 781 m; 31 Mar. 2019; fl; *N. Rakotoarivelo*, *T. Randrianarivony*, *Faeo*, *Milasoa* & *Rebesa* 985; forêt sèche sur substrat rocailleux, sur pente de 60°-70°; MO [MO-4258122] image!, P n.v., TAN n.v. – *Menabe* • [Toliara Prov.] • SW Madagascar, 10 km SW Manja; [21°28' S, 44°17' E]; 23 Jan. 1974; fl; *O. Appert* 530; colline, entre des blocs calcaires en forêt; TAN!. – *locality unknown* • s.loc.; s.d.; fl; *Homolle* 1620; P [P06169876]!.

## Description

*Plant herbaceous*, 30–60 cm tall; basal stem forming a *rhizome*; *roots* fasciculate, some fine, but others predominantly strongly thickened, 1–2(–3) mm in diam., with swellings and with very few (2–3) oval or round tubercles, 25 × 10 mm (*Bosser* 13958, *Bardot-Vaucoulon* 2038, *Bardot-Vaucoulon* & *Randrianandrasana* 2052, and *Labat* et al. 2105); leaves (4–)7, ascending or sometimes spreading, graminoid, 13–60 × 0.8–2.5 cm, conduplicated, sheathing at the base, covered on the underside with
<figure><img src="image_141.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 32.** *Chlorophytum meridionale* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. subsp. *meridionale*. **A.** Habit.</figcaption></figure>

**B.** Flower. **C.** Stamens, two types, posterior face. **D.** Fruit. **E.** Seed, two faces. A–C after holotype,

*Humbert 28824*; P [P06169895]; D–E after *Bosser 19916*, P [P06169882]. Drawing by Laurence Ramon.
small white rough, regularly aligned patches, including on the veins, leaf blade attenuate and pointed at the apex, with a marked pseudo-midrib, veins 15–20; *inflorescence* solitary, simple or more often slightly branched, 33–80 cm high (and more), peduncle, 17–60 cm long, bearing on the upper third, 1 or 2 triangular, acicular bracts, 1–11 × 0.35–0.6 cm, with (8–)14–15(–19) veins, sometimes with scabrous margins and surface, *flowering* portion of the *rachis* 10–35 cm long, flowers 2–(3–4) per node near the base, floral bracts triangular and acicular with 5 veins, shorter or longer than the pedicel, the latter 4–8 mm long, with an inframedial articulation, 1–1.5 mm above the base; *flower* with a white perianth, 9–12 mm long; *tepals*, the outer slightly narrower than the inner ones, (1.2–)1.5(–2.3) mm wide, the inner (1.8–)2(–2.8) mm wide, with 3 closely spaced veins in the centre (one collection, *Homolle 1620*, with two additional lateral veins), incomplete, convergent at the tip, green in vivo, brown when dry; stamens in two groups, almost equal to the perianth, the first with long, slender filaments, 4.5–6 × 0.1 mm and elongated anthers tapering at apex, 4–6 × 0.8–1 mm, the second with shorter, broader filaments, 3.5–5 × 0.2 mm and shorter, broader anthers, 3.8–5 × 1–1.2 mm, all with a small basal heel (see Figs 3K, 7E), flat and blunt; *gynoecium*: ovary 1.2–2 × 1–1.5 mm, ovules, 8–10 per locule, style 8 to 14 mm long; *capsule* taller than wide, large, 1 × 0.8 cm, with thickened suture margins and transverse veins; *seed* flattened, glossy, black, orbicular, 2 mm in diameter, slightly notched, with a broad radicle forming a point distinctly extending beyond the seed's edge.

## Phenology

The flowering occurs from December to March and can extend until June, fruits have been documented from February to March.

## Distribution and ecology

The typical subspecies is found in the southern regions (mainly in Anosy, Androy and Atsimo-Andrefana Regions, but also extending into the S of Menabe) including on the Horombe Plateau, corresponding to the sub-arid bioclimatic zone, as defined by Cornet (1972) and simplified by Schatz (2001). It thrives on various substrates, both crystalline and limestone, on sandy soils or among rocks including steep cliffs shaded part of the day, and is commonly encountered in deciduous dry forests, open shrublands, and rocky open areas. The other subspecies are typically associated with sandy soils (*C. meridionale* subsp. *tulearense* subsp. nov.) and metamorphic substrates (*C. meridionale* subsp. *ihosyense* subsp. nov.).

## Morphological remark

The development of an adventitious plantlet at the level of the lower bract was observed on the peduncle of the flower spike of the collection *Bosser 13958*.

## 19.2 *Chlorophytum meridionale* subsp. *ihosyense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324177-1

Figs 31, 33, Table 5

## Diagnosis

*A typo differt foliis linearis angustatioribus (0.4–0.5 cm vs 0.8–2.5 cm), nervis minus numerosis (15–19 vs 15–27), inflorescentiis simplicibus (vs ramosas), ovulis per loculum pluribus (8–9 ad 14–16 vs 8–10).*

## Etymology

The specific epithet refers to the type locality, which is located on the road from Ihosy to Betroka.
**Type material**

**Type**

MADAGASCAR – Androy [Toliara Prov.] • PK 65-66, route Ihosy à Betroka; [22°50' S, 46°08' E]; Feb. 1963; fl; *J. Bosser 17509*; rocher temporairement humide; holotype: P [P06169913]!.

**Paratypes**

MADAGASCAR – Androy [Toliara Prov.] • Plateau de l’Horombe, au Sud de Ihosy; [22°27' S, 45°50' E]; ca 1000 m; Mar. 1934; fl, fr; *H. Humbert 14427*; P [P06169916]!. – Anosy [Toliara Prov.] • Androtra, district de Betroka; [23°16'12" S, 46°06'36" E]; 12 Feb. 1961; fl; *J. Peltier & M. Peltier 2771*; P [P06169872]!.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 37–60 cm tall; *roots fasciculate*, 0.5(–3) mm in diam., with 4–5(11) linear, narrow, conduplicate or convolute leaves; blade, 18–44 × 0.4–0.5 cm, smooth on the underside, with 15–19 veins; *inflorescence* 1 per plant, unbranched, 36 to 68 cm tall, peduncle 29–49 cm long, with 1 or 2 triangular bracts 1.2–5 × 0.2–0.3 cm, narrow, acicular, with smooth margins and surface, with 5–12 veins, *rachis* 5–10 cm long, 1–2 flowers per node, floral bracts triangular and acicular, 9–9.5 × 1.5–2 mm with 3–6 veins, longer than the pedicel, which is 4–5 mm long, inframedial articulation; *flower* with white perianth, 10.5–11 mm long; outer tepals 1.5–2 mm wide, inner tepals 2–3 mm wide, with 3 closely spaced veins in the centre; *stamens* shorter than the perianth, in 2 groups, the first with fine, long filaments, 5–5.5 × 0.1–0.15 mm and anthers 5–5.5 × 1.1–1.3 mm, the second with filaments 4–4.5 × 0.15–0.2 mm and anthers 4.5–4.8 × 1.1–1.3 mm, with a short and rounded connective heel; *gynoecium*: ovary 1–1.5 × 0.8–1 mm, with 8–9 or 14–16 ovules per locule (see Morphological remark), style 10–11 mm long; *capsule* 11.5 × 7 mm, with thickened suture margins and transverse veins; *seed* flattened, shiny, black, orbicular, 2.5–3 mm in diam., with a prominent radicle.

**Phenology**

This subspecies flowers in February and begins to bear fruit in March.

**Distribution and ecology**

The species is found on the eastern edge of the Horombe Plateau, at an altitude of 1000 m and above, on metamorphic rocks (gneiss) in secondary grasslands subject to annual burning or in vegetation on temporarily moist rocks.

**Morphological remark**

The type collection (*Bosser 17509*) has twice as many ovules per locule as the collections of the type subspecies and even the paratypes of the present subspecies. However, the latter share with the type linear leaves with narrower laminae, fewer veins, simple inflorescences, and similar flowers. This has led us to include all these collections in the same taxon.

19.3 *Chlorophytum meridionale* subsp. *tulearense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324176-1

Figs 3I, 31, 33, Table 5

**Diagnosis**

*A typo differt foliis plus numerosis (5–14 vs 4–7), inflorescentia majore, staminibus quasi aequalibus (vs valde inaequalia).*
<figure><img src="image_142.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 33.** **A–B.** *Chlorophytum meridionale* subsp. *tulearense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov. **A.** Habit. **B.** Leaf, abaxial surface. **C.** *Chlorophytum meridionale* subsp. *ihosyense* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov., habit. A–B after holotype, *R. Ranaivojaona & al* 311, P [P06169869]; C after holotype, *J. Bosser 17509*, P [P06169913]. Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
## Etymology

The epithet of the subspecies refers to the type locality in the Toliara Province (Tuléar).

## Type material

### Type

MADAGASCAR – *Atsimo-Andrefana* [Toliara Prov.] • Forêt de Mikea, axe Ankilimihavotse-Ankindranoke, Basibasy, Morombe; 22°12′ S, 43°20′ E; 0–50 m; Jan. 2000; fl; *R. Ranaivojaona* & al 311; holotype: P [P06169869]!; isotypes: G!, MO [MO-3020313]!, TAN n.v.

### Paratypes

MADAGASCAR – *Atsimo-Andrefana* [Toliara Prov.] • Tuléar, Manasao, Anosy; [23°21S, 43°40′ E]; 11 Jan. 1913; fl; *K. Afzelius* s.n.; MO [MO-3020311] image!, P [P06169888]! • Belalanda, Ranobe; [23°00'46" S, 43°39'09" E]; 14 Mar. 2006; fl, fr; *N.M. Andrianjafy, P.B. Phillipson, R. Ranaivojaona & R. Lubke* 1654; BR [BR0000021756597]!, MO [MO-3020312]!, P [P01034163]!, TAN! • Toliara, *Atsimo-Andrefana*, Belalanda, Ranobe; 22°55'36" S, 43°39'58" E; 127 m; 25 Jan. 2007; fl; *N.M. Andrianjafy* 1891; G!, MO [MO-3020341]!, P [P02275946]!, WAG [WAG.1924729] image!, TAN n.v. • Manombo (SO), forêt d'Isonto, à l'ouest d'Ankililoaka; [22°46′ S, 43°35′ E]; 28 Jan. 1947; fl; *H. Humbert* 20014; BR!, G!, K!, MO!, P [P06169837]! • Toliara, *Atsimo-Andrefana*, N of Toliara, in Forêt de Mikea, 23–25 road-km W of Vorehe; [22°15′ S, 43°25′ E]; 12 Feb. 1998; fl; *G. McPherson, S. Razafimandimbison, M. Olson & B. Alongi* 17423; deciduous forest on sand; MO [MO-3020344]!, TAN! • [Makay], Beroroha, fokontany Betorabato. Village le plus proche Ambalamanga. Forêt Akolitsika (rivière); 21°40'30" S, 044°59'37" E; 152 m; 18 Jan. 2011; fl, fr; *R. Razakamalala* 6077; MO n.v., P [P00995950, P00995951]!, TAN n.v.

## Description

*Plant herbaceous*, up to 80 cm tall; *roots* fasciculate, approximately 1–1.5 mm in diam.; *leaves* 5–10 (rarely 14), (always) more numerous than in other subspecies, 23–38 × 0.5–1.8 cm, narrowly lanceolate, with a scabrous to obscurely scabrous margin, covered on the underside, including the veins, with small white tubercles, regularly aligned in some portions, with a marked pseudo-midrib, and 16–27 veins; 1(–2–4) robust *inflorescences*, 60–80 cm tall, usually branched (except in *Humbert 20014*), peduncle 18 to 42 cm long, with 1 to 3 acicular bracts, (2.5–)12–15 × 0.25–0.5 cm, with a broad base, with (8–)18 veins, sometimes with scabrous margins and surface, *rachis* 12–34 cm long, 1–4 flowers per node, floral bracts triangular and acicular, (2–)4–6(–9) × 1.5–3.5 mm with 5–8 veins, shorter or of the same length as the pedicel, which is 5–6 mm long, inframedial articulation; *flower* with white *perianth*, 9 to 11 mm long; outer tepals slightly narrower than the inner tepals, outer tepals 1.5–2.5 mm wide, inner tepals 2–2.8 mm wide, with 3 closely spaced veins in the centre (except in *McPherson et al. 17423* and *Afzelius s.n.*, where there are 2 additional non-convergent veins); *stamens* in two groups, shorter than the *perianth* but almost equal in length, the first with fine, long filaments 4–4.5 × 0.08–0.2 mm and anthers (4.2–)5 × 0.8–1 mm, and the second with filaments (3–)3.5–4 × 0.15–0.3 mm and anthers (3.5–)4(–4.5) × 1–1.3 mm, anther basifixed, connective heel varying in shape and size, blunt to triangular (0.2 to 0.4 mm long); *gynoecium*: ovary 1–2 × 0.8–1.3 mm, with (6–)8–10 ovules per locule, style (7–)9–12 mm long; mature *capsule* unknown, *immature fruit* 9 × 6 mm.

## Phenology

Flowering occurs from January to March, with fruiting taking place in March.

## Distribution and ecology

All of the known collections were located in an area extending north from Toliara to Manombo, at low altitude, primarily on unconsolidated sandy substrates, growing in the undergrowth of deciduous dry
forest. One collection comes from a locality further inland to the east, in dry forest, on sandy alluvium resulting from the degradation of sandstones from the Makay Massif.

## Morphological remarks

1) As in the case of the collection *Homolle 1620*, which is related to the type collection, *Afzelius s.n.* also possesses flowers with tepals having 2 additional lateral veins, often incomplete.

2) The collection *Razakamalala 6077* from the western part of the Makay Massif has characteristics that link it to *C. meridionale* subsp. *tulearense* subsp. nov., notably its large number of leaves, the wavy base of the leaf blade, and the presence of asperities on the lower surface giving it a rasp-like appearance. It also possesses large, well-branched inflorescences. However, it differs from *C. meridionale* subsp. *tulearense* by the production of 2 to 4 inflorescences per plant vs 1, or rarely 2. The information regarding the flowers and fruits is incomplete, as the specimens only contain young fruits with remains of the flowers. Despite this limitation we still confidently assign this collection to *C. meridionale* subsp. *tulearense*.

## 20. *Chlorophytum namorokense* H.Perrier

Figs 4G, 34

*Chlorophytum namorokense* H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 48–49).

## Etymology

The epithet refers to the type locality of the species in the Tsingy de Namoroka National Park.

## Type material

MADAGASCAR – *Boeny [Mahajanga Prov.]* • Domaine occidental: rochers calcaires de Namoroka, près d'Andranomavo, dans l'Ambongo; [16°24' S, 45°17' E]; Jan. 1904; fl, fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 1700*; lectotype: P [P01046130]!, **here designated**; isolectotype: P [P01046129]!.

## Description

*Plant herbaceous*, forming an isolated tufts, 18–25 cm in diam.; *rhizome* short, almost vertical; *roots* numerous, fasciculate, consisting of a mixture of fibrous roots – some slender with a diam. of 0.2 mm, others slightly thickened and tortuous with a diam. of 0.5–0.9 mm, bearing at the apex a fusiform tuber, 6 × 1.5–2.0 mm; *leaves* 6, spreading at ground level “étalées sur le sol” (fide Perrier de la Bâthie), 10–21 × 2.3–3.8 cm, lanceolate, the base sheathing and with a distinct pseudo-petiole, 2.3–5.0 cm long, ca 1/5th of the total leaf length, the apex tapered, and the blade margins smooth, veins 25–28, conspicuous on both surfaces; *inflorescence* 1 or 2 per plant, branched, spreading on the ground “étalées sur le sol” (fide Perrier de la Bâthie 1935), 17–30 cm long, longer than the leaves, peduncle 2–4 cm long, with a foliaceous bract at the base of the rachis, 11–27(–53) × 4(–7) mm, lanceolate, the base narrowed to a short pseudopetiole, the tip tapered, 7 to 11-veined, the margin smooth, *rachis* 13–22 cm long, with well-developed branches, about 1/3 of the length of the main axis, flowers, 3–5 per node, with a lanceolate foliaceous floral bract, 11–22 × 2.5–3.5 mm, veins 5–7, transitioning upward to triangular-shaped bracts with a tapered tip, pedicel slender, 13–17 mm longer than the bract, inframedial articulation, 4–6 mm from the base; *flowers* white, 6 mm long, with sub-equal *tepals*, elliptical with 3 spaced veins, outer tepals 5.5 × 1 mm, dark and recurved at the tip, and inner tepals 6 × 2 mm; *stamens* equal, slightly shorter than the perianth, filament fusiform, narrower at both ends, 4.5 mm long, weakly papillose, anthers yellow, 2–2.5 × 0.3 mm, reflected, then erected at anthesis, distinctly divergent at the base, dorsifixed, filament inserted in the lower third; *gynoecium*: ovary taller than wide, 1.5 × 1.2 mm, ovules 3 to 5 per locule, style 6 mm in length, surpassing the perianth, stigma thickened; *immature capsule* 8–10 × 7–10 mm, with
a nearly smooth surface and a few transverse veins, thickened sutural edges; seeds suborbicular, black, 2 × 2.2 mm, with a notch on the flat side, radicle barely protruding.

**Phenology**

The only known collection was in flower in January, and fruiting had also begun.

**Distribution and ecology**

*Chlorophytum namorokense* is only known from the centre-west, in Boina Region, where it grows in woodland on limestone rocks at Namoroka.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum namorokense* is known only from the type collection, a single occurrence that was collected nearly 90 years ago in what is now the Namoroka National Park. In addition to its protected status, the Namoroka is partly inaccessible during the rainy season, and its rugged terrain is difficult to penetrate at all times. During a recent expedition to the site (2016), in which two of the authors of this treatment participated (MBV and PBP), we were able to confirm that the native vegetation is largely intact and we

<figure><img src="image_143.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 34.** Type locality of *Chlorophytum namorokense* H.Perrier (blue dot).</figcaption></figure>
searched specifically for populations of *Chlorophytum namorokense*, however, we did not observe the species, and we concluded that it is rare or its appearance is somewhat ephemeral. Therefore, given the lack of new material of the species, it should be assessed DD (Data Deficient).

**Illustrations**

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig. VII 12–13.

**Nomenclatural remark**

The two, and only known syntypes of *Perrier de la Bâthie 1700* are equivalent. We have chosen the specimen barcoded P01046130 as the lectotype.

21. *Chlorophytum nigrogranulosum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324052-1

Figs 4E, 35–36

**Diagnosis**

*Chlorophyto disticho* H.Perrier *affinis*, *sed foliis* *spiralibus* (*vs* *disticha*), *nervis* *plus numerosis* (26 *vs* 11–13), *floribus* *minoribus*, (*tepalis* 4.2 *mm longis* (*vs* 6.5–7), *fructibus* *latioribus* *quam* *longis* (*vs* *longiores* *quam* *latos*), *nigris* *granulosisque* (*vs* *brunneos* *costatosque*), *praecipue* *differt*.

**Etymology**

The specific epithet refers to the appearance of the capsules, which are black and have a finely granulate indument.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – DIANA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Antsiranana, Montagne des Français, partie nord-est, montée en direction de la falaise; 12°19'28" S, 49°20'52" E; 4 Apr. 2007; fl, fr; *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon, G. Véné & G. Razafindrabelahasy* 1662; holotype: P [P00643195]!; isotypes: K!, MO [MO-3020338]!, TAN!.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 40 cm tall; *roots* fasciculate, rigid, white, slightly thickened, 0.8–1.0 in diam., and up to ca 4–5 cm long, and covered with long white hairs; some bearing a small fusiform tuber, 8 × 3 mm, also bearing hairs; *leaves* 7, lanceolate, 30–42 × 2.2–3.7 cm, base attenuate, pseudo-petiole 14 cm long, about 1/3 of the length of the lamina, leaf-base sheathing, margins smooth, veins ca 26, well-spaced and conspicuous, apex tapered; *inflorescence* solitary per plant, erect, weakly-branched, 25–60 cm in height, peduncle 34–42 cm long, covered with white triangular rugosities, the density of which decreases from the base to the apex, bracts 1–2 (only broken bracts seen), 4–5 mm wide at the base, with 11 veins; *rachis* 12–25 cm long, flowers (2–)4(–6) per node, floral bracts triangular, 1.8 × 1.2 mm, shorter than the pedicel, veins only faintly visible, pedicel 4–8 mm long, articulation inframedial; *flowers*: perianth pale-green, 4.2 mm long, *tepals* elliptic, 4.2 × 1 mm, 3-veined, the outer end of the outer tepals papillose, with some hairs; *stamens* slightly shorter than the tepals, filaments 2.5 mm long, flattened and papillose on the upper part, anthers 1.0 × 0.2 mm, rectangular, yellow, dorsifixed, filament inserted in the lower quarter; *gynoecium*: ovary 0.8 × 0.6 mm, ovules 4 per locule, style filiform, 3.2 mm long, stigma with a slightly thickened tip; *capsule* wider than high, 4 × 6 mm, black with a finely granulated surface overlapping fine transverse veins, *seeds* black, granulate, disciform, ca 2 mm in diam., with a convex surface on one side and with a circular central depression on the other surface, with a narrow notch in which the radicle is visible and sometimes protruding.
<figure><img src="image_144.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 35.** *Chlorophytum nigrogranulosum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., holotype, *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon* et al. 1662, P [P00643195]. **A.** Habit. **B.** Flower. **C.** Stamen. **D.** Young fruit (with remnant tepals). **E.** Fruit. **F–G.** Two sides of one seed. Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
**Phenology**

The only known collection flowered in March–April and the fruit begin to develop in April.

**Distribution and ecology**

*Chlorophytum nigrogranulosum* sp. nov. was collected in the north of Madagascar, on the slopes of Montagne des Français overlooking the bay of Antsiranana. It occurs in undergrowth of the deciduous dry forest in the herbaceous layer on limestone.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum nigrogranulosum* sp. nov. is known only from the type collection, a single occurrence that was collected only a few years ago. The type locality is situated at the extreme north of the protected area, which is a IUCN category 5 harmonious landscape, near its boundary, and the adjacent zone outside of

<figure><img src="image_145.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 36.** Three species from N Madagascar, known only from their type collection and occurring on calcareous substrates in DIANA Province: *Chlorophytum nigrogranulosum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. (blue dot), *C. ratovosonii* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. (pink dot) and *C. tolyanum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov. (black dot).</figcaption></figure>
the protected area is partially degraded, and used for grazing and is in some places being developed for tourism. On the basis of its highly restricted known range, a single known location, and the proximity of major impacts to the area, the species is assessed as CR B1B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v).

**22. Chlorophytum nusbaumeri** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324060-1

Figs 2G–H, 4F, 19, 37

**Diagnosis**

*Chlorophyto nigrogranuloso* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal *affinis*, *sed pseudopetiolo breviore* (6–8 *vs* 14 *cm*), *vaginis foliorum clare dilatatis inflatisque* (*vs paulo dilatatam inflatamque*), *inflorescenti tribus* (*vs unam*), *bracteis floris longioribus quam pedicellis* (*vs breviores*), *filamentis staminum quasi omnino papillosis* (*vs tantum tertia superiora*), *antheris* 0.5–0.7 × 0.15 *mm* (*vs* 1 × 0.2 *mm*), *ovulis* 1–2 *per loculum* (*vs* 4), *fructibus adultis pendulis* (*vs errectos*), *brunneolo costatoque* (*vs nigram subtiliter granulosamque*), *semine paulo reniformi* (*vs orbiculare*), *radicula excentrica* (*vs centralem*), *praecipue differt*.

**Etymology**

We are pleased to dedicate this new species to Louis Nusbaumer, Curator at the Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de Genève and lecturer for the Plant Systematics and Biodiversity laboratory within the Department of Plant Sciences at the Université de Genève.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – DIANA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Daraina, Loky Manambato, forêt d'Ampondrabe; 12°58'09" S, 49°42'00" E; 360 m; 14 Feb. 2005; fl bud, fr; *L. Nusbaumer & P. Ranirison* 1469; forêt de pente décidue, gros blocs 2–3 m diamètre; holotype: G [G00019494]!; isotypes: K!, MO!, P [P04186576]!, research herbarium of Daraina n.v., TEF n.v.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 20 cm tall; *roots* fibrous, fasciculate, slightly thickened for 1 to 2 cm from the base (ca 1 mm in diam.); *leaves* 7 to 10, borne in a rosette ca 8 cm from the ground, soft green on the adaxial face and glaucous green on the abaxial face, bases expanded, forming a bulbous shape more than 3 cm in height, buried in the substrate at the base, lanceolate, attenuate at both ends, blade base with a short, wide pseudo-petiole, 6–8 × 0.4 cm, 1/4 to 1/5 of the length of the blade, the edge smooth, the pseudo-central vein comprised 15 to 25 of clearly visible and well-spaced veins; typically with 3 to 5 distinctly larger and broader leaves, 15–41 × 2–5 cm, the smaller leaves 7–15 × 1.0–1.5 cm; *inflorescences* 1–3 per plant, branched, erect or bending over towards the ground, 22–48 cm long, peduncle 10–13 cm, 1–2 bracts, large, foliaceous, 3.5–4.5 × 0.2–0.5 cm, 8-veined, *flowering rachis* 21–33 cm long, axis and branches covered with translucent rugosities with a triangular base, more abundant towards the apex, 2–4 basal branches very reduced; 2–4 *flowers* per node, floral bract purplish, triangular, very tapered, 8 × 1 mm, longer than the pedicel, the latter 4–4.5 mm long, articulation inframedial; *perianth* 4–5 mm long, tepals elliptical, purplish when dry, equal or subequal, 4 × 0.6 mm, 3 veins clearly visible, anastomosing below the apex; *stamens* shorter than the tepals, unequal, filament 2–2.5 mm long, fusiform, flattened in its central part, papillose, anther yellow, rectangular, 0.5–0.7 × 0.15 mm, base sometimes slightly divergent, dorsifixed, filament inserted near the base; *gynoecium*: ovary 0.5 × 0.5 mm, ovule, 1(–2) per locule, style 4 mm long, exceeding the perianth, stigma globose; *capsule* pendulous at maturity, broader than high, 3.8–4 × 4–4.5 mm, locules flattened, often with 1–2 aborted locules, sutures thickened, and few marked transverse ribs; *seeds* 1 per locule, shiny black, semi-circular, 2.5 × 2 mm, with a narrow notch, radicle visible to protruding.
<figure><img src="image_146.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 37.** *Chlorophytum nusbaumeri* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., holotype, *L. Nusbaumer & P. Ranirison 1469*, G [G00019494]. **A.** Habit. **B.** Flower. **C.** Stamen. **D.** Inflorescence detail with bud and fruit. **E.** Fruit. **F.** Seed. Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
**Phenology**

The only known collection of *C. nusbaumeri* sp. nov. was collected in February in fruit, with only one or two flowers remaining, but in addition, a large number of flower buds were present, suggesting that a second flowering phase would soon follow.

**Distribution and ecology**

The only gathering of this new species is from Loky-Manambato in northeast Madagascar, where it was collected in Ampondrabe forest at an altitude of 370 m. The collectors, Nusbaumer & Ranirison, noted that the species had not been observed at any other sites in the vicinity, despite the recent extensive surveys and vegetation studies carried out in the area (Nusbaumer, pers. com.). The species occurs in the ground layer of dry deciduous forest on slopes, where the substrate with typical red soil, is composed of granitic and/or metamorphic rocks, with conspicuous large boulders, typically with red soil, and other evidence of ancient volcanic activity.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum nusbaumeri* sp. nov. is endemic to Madagascar, where it is known from a single collection that was made in 2005 in Ampondrabe forest, within the Loky Manambato Harmonious Landscape in NE Madagascar that represents a single occurrence, and where it 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 (Gautier *et al.* 2006; Nusbaumer *et al.* 2010), data from the site has shown the different forest patches to be rich in highly local 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 in its sole location. It is assessed as CR B2ab(i,ii,iii,v).

**Morphological and geographical remarks**

The data concerning the flower were obtained from the most well-developed buds, a single flower, and the floral remains on young fruits.

For a map showing the only known locality of *C. nusbaumeri* sp. nov. see Fig. 19.

**23. *Chlorophytum parkeri* (Baker) Marais & Reilly**

Figs 5C, 38

*Chlorophytum parkeri* (Baker) Marais & Reilly (Marais & Reilly 1978: 661). – *Anthericum parkeri*
Baker (Baker 1883 [1884]: 269).

**Etymology**

The species is dedicated to the English botanist, physicist, and missionary George William Parker (1848-
1904), who collected in Madagascar on the Highlands near Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa between 1873
and 1890 (Dorr 1997).

**Vernacular name**

Ahitrakondro (fide Baker).

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR • Central Madagascar; before Aug. 1880; fr; G.W. Parker s.n.; holotype: K [K000432390]
image!.
**Other material examined**

MADAGASCAR – *Analamanga* [Antananarivo Prov.] • près d'Ambohimanga, pays découvert; [18°45'35.4" S, 47°33'26.5" E]; 13 Jun. 1905; fl bud, fr; *C. d'Alleizette 475bis*; P [P02071714]!.. – *Boeny* [Mahajanga Prov.] • bord d'un lac, près de Majunga; [15°40'52" S, 46°23'57" E]; Jul. 1925; fl, fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 17322*; P [P02071717, P02071719, P02071718]!. – *Boeny-Melaky Border* [Mahajanga Prov.] • Pelouses, rocailles (basalte), près du Manombo (Ambongo); [16°24' S, 44°58' E]; Nov. 1903; fl, fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 1642*; P [P02071716, P02071715]!. – *Melaky* [Mahajanga Prov.] • Beanka, partie nord. Bord du fleuve Manomba; 17°52'51S, 44°28'05" E; 139 m; fl; 19 Dec. 2011; *B.F.L. Rakotozafy, R. Bolliger & R. M. Hanitrarivo* 20; BR [BR0000015214768V] image!, G [G00376362]!, K n.v., MO [MO-3241817] image!, P [P00782479]!, TEF!.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, of highly variable height, from 7–10 cm (*Perrier de la Bâthie 1642*, *Alleizette 475bis*, *Parker s.n.*) to 15–30 cm (*Perrier de la Bâthie 17322*, *Rakotozafy et al. 20*), growing in dense clumps; the underground parts forming fasciculate *roots*, comprising a mixture of fibrous roots, and others strongly thickened, ca 1 mm in diam., terminating in a fusiforme tuber of 20–30 × 2.0–3.5 mm and a few secondary roots, ca 0.3 mm in diam.; *leaves* 5 to 12, narrowly lanceolate, but very variable in size at the different known localities, 6–30 × 0.3–0.6 cm, strongly conduplicate, somewhat thickened, with 6–15 veins (visible on both sides), and with a graminoid appearance, the base sheathing for ca 1 cm above the base, lacking a pseudopetiole, the margins scabrous distally, the apex narrowed abruptly, rounded, the outermost leaves papyraceous, the leaves lying on the ground and spreading-out to form a circle “étalées en cercle sur le sol” (fide Perrier de la Bâthie); *inflorescences* 1–3 per plant, flexible, spreading, highly variable in length (<10-)14–31(–38) cm, peduncle short, 1–2.5 cm, branched or unbranched, the branches up to 7.9 cm long, with triangular bracts located at the nodes, bracts 0.5–1.4 × 0.15–0.2 cm, 3-veined, often scabrous at the tips, *rachises* very variable in length, 5–26(–33) cm, flowers, 1–3(–4) per node, floral bract, 3–5 × 2.3–3 mm with embracing triangular base, terminated by an acumen of 1.2–4 mm long, with irregular or scabrous margin, veins, 5, the central one forming a keel-like structure, shorter than the pedicel, pedicel 4–5 mm long, articulation inframedial at 1–1.5 mm from the base; *flower* with a perianth white, 3 mm long, *tepals* oblong, obtuse, 3 × 1 mm, veins 3, central, close together; *stamens* equal, shorter than the perianth, flattened filament, 1.8–2 mm long narrowing towards the top, 0.5 mm wide at the base, anthers green, short, sub-rectangular, 0.5 × 0.3 mm, dorsifixed, filament inserted between 1/2 and the 1/3 lower part; *gynoecium*: ovary globose, 0.8–1 mm in diam., ovules, 2 per locule, style short, 1 mm long, terminated by a thickened and papillose stigma; *capsule* wider than tall, 2.5 × 3.5–5 mm, sutures with fringed edges, surface with superficial transverse wrinkles; *seeds* (1–)2 per locule, black, shiny, sub-globose with a surface very finely hispid (visible under ×50 magnification), 1.5–2 × 1.5–1.8 × 1 mm, one side convex, the other with a deep depression, no notch, radicle not visible.

**Phenology**

The limited data available do not provide a clear picture of the phenology of this species. For the collections from low elevation in the west, flowering occurs at the beginning and end of the dry season in habitats with residual moisture (near rivers or temporary lakes) and can extend into the early rainy season, and fruiting occurs later during this period. On the highlands, like the western populations, flowering is known to occur in the dry season, with buds present in June, fruiting material is not known.

**Distribution and ecology**

*Chlorophytum parkeri* is poorly known, it has been found from three sites near the west coast in Melaky and Boeny Regions at altitudes below 200 m, but it has also been collected in the central highlands at over 1500 m. It grows in grassy areas, sometimes associated with rocky outcrops, on various substrates, including limestone, basalt and granite.
**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum parkeri* is known from a single recent collection that represents a single known extant occurrence (*Rakotozafy et al. 20*) from the Melaky Region. Other records of the species date back to the early 20th century, when the species occurred across a broad zone of central and western parts of Madagascar, when it was known from four subpopulations, each represented by one or two scattered

<figure><img src="image_147.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 38.** Distribution of *Chlorophytum parkeri* (Baker) Marais & Reilly (black dots) and *C. aff. parkeri* (red dot).</figcaption></figure>
collections. It is likely that species has been extirpated from the sites on the central plateau and near Mahajanga, but intact vegetation is found at another known site, Ankasakasa, although the area has no formal protection. The species is therefore assessed as DD Data Deficient.

## Illustrations

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig. VII 9–11.

*Chlorophytum aff. parkeri* (Baker) Marais & Reilly

Fig. 38

## Material examined

MADAGASCAR – *Ihorombe [Fianarantsoa Prov.]* • Dct et Commune Ihosy, Fkt Ankily, Inselberg (roches stratifiées) dégradé le long de la RN7, ca 10 km d'Ihosy en allant à Tuléar (PK 10); 22°24'23" S, 46°03'19" E; 1010 m; 19 Mar. 2010; fl, fr; *J.-L. Andriantiana, F.A. Rajaonary, M. Rabarimanarivo & N.H. Rakotoarivelo 750*; sur une prairie marécageuse déjà sèche; MO [MO-3020306]!; P [P06836543]!, TAN n.v.

## Morphological remark

The collection *Andriantiana et al. 750* resembles typical *Chlorophytum parkeri*, but it was recorded much further south, in a dried-up marshy meadow, near an eroded granite inselberg, on the northern limit of the Horombe Plateau, at an altitude of 1000 m. Nevertheless, the habitat is similar to that occupied by typical *C. parkeri* on the highlands, and it is a poorly-known species with somewhat variable characteristics. *Andriantiana et al. 750* is nevertheless distinguished from material of typical *C. parkeri* by the following characters: the upright habit of the leaves, its very short and contracted inflorescences, flowers with stamens in two cycles (instead of a single cycle), and its short style (ca half as long as the other specimens). However, only a single flower was available for examination, and the material as a whole is very poor, so we refrain from describing this collection as a distinct taxon. Further investigations in the field are needed.

24. *Chlorophytum ranirisonii* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.
urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324057-1
Figs 2D-E, 5A, 19, 39

## Diagnosis

*Chlorophyto granitico* H.Perrier *affinis*, *sed foliis haud pseudopetiolatis 1-2 foliis externis exceptis* (*vs omnia* pseudopetiolata), *16-26 nervis* (*vs 21-25*), *sine medio pseudonervo* (*vs manifestum*), *inflorescentia longo ramulo basili* (*vs simplicem vel pauciramosam*), *aliquot pilis inflorescentiae glandulosis* (*vs totos eglandulosos*), *pilis aliquando luteis* (*vs totos albos*), *bractea inflorescentiae unica 3-5-nervosa* (*vs 1-3 bracteas 6-8 nervosas*), *pedicello scabro* (*vs glabrum*), *perianthio majore* (*5 mm vs 3.5-4.5 mm*), *tepalo tribus nervis centralibus clare manifestis anastomosibusque ad apicem* (*vs paulo manifestos*), *staminibus aequilongis* (*vs inaequalia*), *filamentis attenuatissimis ad basim* (*vs truncata*), *antheris luteis* (*vs virides*), *stylo fusiformi ad apicem* (*vs filiformem*), *sex ovulis per loculum* (*vs 1-2*), *praecipue differt*.

## Etymology

We are pleased to dedicate this new species to Patrick Ranirison, botanist and ‘Maître de conférences à la Mention Biologie et Ecologie Végétale de la Faculté de Science’, University of Antananarivo, and director of the Famelona association.
**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – SAVA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Daraina, forêt de Binara; 13°15′44″ S, 49°36′02″ E; 360 m; 2 Dec. 2005; fl; *L. Nusbaumer & F. Ranirison 1715*; forêt dense sèche sur dalles rocheuses; sol peu profond; holotype: G [G0090100]!; isotypes: K!, MO!, P [P04186577]!, research herbarium of Daraina n.v., TEF n.v.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, ca 20 cm tall, *underground parts* not collected, *roots* tuberculate, rigid (Nusbaumer, pers. com.); *leaves* 5–7, with a single smaller central leaf, 5–10 cm long, the others 8–17 × 1.5–2.0 cm, lanceolate, base clearly sheathing (surrounded by one or two leaf sheaths 2.2–3.7 cm long for the shortest and 4.0–4.5 cm long for the longest), forming a pseudopetiole on the most developed outer leaves, 3.5–4 cm long, margin scabrous over approximately 1/2 of its distal part, more prominent on the younger leaves, 16–21 veins, spaced, clearly visible, acuminate apex; *inflorescences* 1–3 per plant, erect, 16–21 cm in height, with 1(–2) long branches at their base; peduncle 10–15 cm long, *rachis* and branches entirely covered with short white or yellow hyaline hairs, with a triangular base, some glandular, bract triangular, tapering, 8–13 × 1.5–2.5 mm, located on the peduncle for a simple inflorescence or at the first branch at the base of the flowering *rachis*, if branched; veins 3–5, brown, flowering *rachis* 7.0–11.5 cm long; *flowers* 3–4 per node, pendant, flowering bract triangular tapering to the apex, transparent, longer than the pedicel, 5–7 × 1.2 mm, apex acuminate, veins 3, clearly visible, the latter 3–4 mm long, covered with hyaline hairs, articulation supramedial; *perianth* white, 5.5 mm long, *tepals* recurved at anthesis, oblanceolate, outer tepals somewhat spatulate, 5 × 0.8–1.1 mm; veins 3, green in vivo, anastomosing below the apex; *stamens* as long as the perianth, filaments 5 mm long, flexible, inclined, white, narrow-based, swollen and very papillose in the upper 2/3 (the papillae flattened, elongate and rounded, white), anthers bright yellow, 1 × 0.2 mm, dorsifixed, filament inserted in the lower 1/4; *gynoecium*: ovary 1 × 0.8 mm, green in vivo, ovules 6 per locule; style 6 mm long, filiform with rounded stigma; *fruit* not seen.

**Phenology**

At the only known locality, flowering was at its peak at the beginning of December, with many flowers in full bloom and buds, but the fruit had not yet formed.

**Distribution and ecology**

This species is known only from the Loky-Manambato Region in northeastern Madagascar, specifically from the Binara forest. The forest is characterised as dense, semi-deciduous, with many fallen trees and emergents. The collection was made at an altitude of 360 metres, at the base of the slope. The plant grows on a soil, sometimes very shallow, formed from the erosion of a granitic substrate, more or less fragmented, mixed with a layer of humus.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum ranirisonii* sp. nov. is endemic to Madagascar, where it is known from a single collection that was made in 2005 in Binara forest, within the Loky Manambato Harmonious Landscape in NE Madagascar, where it is considered to be a strict endemic with a single known occurrence. 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 local endemic species. 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 at its single known location, and it is assessed therefore as CR B2ab(i,ii,iii,v).
<figure><img src="image_148.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 39.** *Chlorophytum ranirisonii* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., holotype, *L. Nusbaumer & F. Ranirison 1715*, G [G0090100]. **A.** Habit. **B.** In situ flower after picture **C.** Flower. **D–E.** Stamens. Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
**Geographical and morphological remarks**

1) The collectors, having found only one location with a small population of this species, chose not to harvest the underground parts out of a concern for its conservation.

2) The collected leaves were still in the growing phase when they were collected, which explains differences in size and the fact that the pseudo-petiole is not yet clearly differentiated.

3) The reduced central leaf appears to be associated with the development of the floral scape.

For a map showing the known locality of *C. ranirisonii* sp. nov. see Fig. 19.

25. *Chlorophytum ratovosonii* Bard.-Vauc. et M.Pignal sp. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324055-1

Figs 5J, 36, 40

**Diagnosis**

*Chlorophyto sylvestre* Bard.-Vauc. *affinis*, *sed tuberculis brevioribus crassisque* (0.6–1 × 0.25–0.3 cm vs 1–1.8 × 0.1–0.4 cm), *foliis plus numerosis* (7 vs 2–3), *erectis* (vs patentia), *angustioribus* (11.5–17.5 × 1.2–2.3 cm vs 7–13 × 1.8–5 cm), *pseudo-petiolo manifesto* (vs basim folii breviter attenuatam), *rhachidi infloренcentiae glabro* (vs rhachim parvis triangularibus squamis), *pedicello fructifero gracili longioreque* (8–10 mm vs 4–6 mm), *seminibus plus numerosis per loculum* (2–3 vs 0–1) *praecipue differt*.

**Etymology**

This species is dedicated to Fidisoa 'Fidy' Ratovoson, the collector of the type specimen, Fidy has worked for Missouri Botanical Garden in Madagascar since the year 2000. He has conducted botanical inventory and conservation work in many parts of Madagascar, but has had a special interest in poorly known areas in the north, such as the Baie de Rigny, where he made the only known collection of *C. ratovosonii* sp. nov.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – DIANA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Antsiranana, Andrafiabe, Ambolobozakely, 3 km à 1' Est, baie de Rigny; 12°26'55S, 49°32'04" E; 1 Apr. 2006; fr; *F. Ratovoson* 1134; holotype: P [P06169905]!; isotypes: CNARP n.v., MO [MO-3020273] n.v., TAN n.v.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 15–40 cm high, *roots* numerous, fasciculate, short and fibrous, roots bearing fleshy fusiform tubers, 6–10 × 2.5–3.0 mm, mixed with fine, purely fibrous roots; *leaves* 7, ovate to lanceolate, 11.5–17.5 × 1.2–2.3 cm, the base sheathing, narrowed above into a pseudo-petiole 2.5–5.0 cm long, ca 1/3 of the total leaf length, leaf margin scabrous, veins, 20–24, clearly visible, apex pointed; *inflorescence* unknown; flowers in groups of 1 to 3 (observed from the pedicels of the infructescence), *flowers* (see Remarks below): floral bracts dark, with a broad triangular base, 2.3 × 1 mm, trinervate, shorter than the pedicel, the latter 8–10 mm long (in fruit), articulation supramedial, 6–7 mm from the base; *tepals*, 6 × 0.8 mm, with 3 dark veins close together; *stamens* equal, shorter than perianth, filament 4.2 mm long, papillose, fusiform in upper half, anther yellow, 0.7–1 × 0.2 mm, dorsifixed, attached to the lower third of the anther; *gynoecium*: ovary not seen, style filiform, 4.5 mm long, stigma a little thickened; *infructescence* 1, erect, ca 40 cm in height, with 6 lateral branches, peduncle 18 cm long, bearing two acute bracts, with a triangular base, dark in colour, 8–13 × 2.5–3 mm, 5-veined, *rachis* ca 22 cm long, fruits (and therefore flowers) in terminal units of up to three; *capsule* wider than tall, 3.5 × 5 mm, ornamented with 3–4 transverse veins; *seeds* 2–3 per locule, black, flattened, reniform, 2.2–2.3 × 1.5–1.8 mm, testa shiny, very finely granular, notch narrow but deep, radicle 1 mm thick, forming a protrusion in the notch.
<figure><img src="image_149.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 40.** *Chlorophytum ratovosonii* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., holotype, *F. Ratovoson* 1134, P [P06169905]. **A.** Habit. **B.** Stamen. **C.** Fruit with flowering remains. **D–E.** Two faces of one seed. Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
**Phenology**

The only known material of this species was collected at the beginning of April, it has floral remains and immature fruits, so we assume that flowering took place in March and that fruits would mature in late April or May.

**Distribution and ecology**

The single known collection of this species was made in the northeast of Madagascar, at the edge of the Baie de Rigny, in a sparsely populated dry forest on loose, unconsolidated sands, at a very low altitude.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum ratovosonii* sp. nov. is known from a single recent collection, representing a single known occurrence. It was collected across the bay from the Ambodivahibe marine PA, which is reported as relatively intact and where there are no known threats to the species, however its known habitat is likely to be somewhat precarious and further exploration to gather information on its frequency and range, especially the possibility of it occurring at Ambodivahibe, as well as the state of its single known location, are needed in order to provide a meaningful Red List assessment. *Chlorophytum ratovosonii* is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

**Remarks**

In the absence of flowers, floral data was collected from fruits bearing the remains of the perianth and stamens. The pedicels elongate after anthesis, so the measured length is not that of the pedicel at the floral stage, which would have been slightly shorter.

A map showing the only known occurrences of *Chlorophytum ratovosonii* sp. nov., *C. tolyanum* sp. nov., another poorly known species from northern Madagascar and *C. nigrogranulosum* sp. nov. is shown in Fig. 36.

**26. *Chlorophytum sofiane* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly**
Figs 2F, 5G, 41

*Chlorophytum sofiane* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly (Marais & Reilly 1978: 661) – *Anthericum sofiane*
H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 37).

**Etymology**

The specific epithet refers to the Sofia River, specifically its middle basin, the type locality of the species.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – **Sofia Region** [Mahajanga Prov.] • Domaine occidental: sur des rocailles (gneiss), dans un bois humide, dans le bassin moyen de la Sofia; [15°29'18" S, 48°35'34" E]; Mar. 1907; fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie* 10955; lectotype: P [P01046122]!, **here designated**; isolectotype: P [P01046121]!.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 13–25 cm tall; *roots fibrous*, some terminating in an ovoid to fusiform tubercle, 0.8–1.5 × 0.3–0.5 cm; *rhizome lacking; leaves 5–16, lanceolate, 9–27 × 1.2–2.5 cm*, with a tapering, sheathing base and a tapered apex; pseudo-petiole 4.5–10 cm long (between 1/3 and 1/2 of the blade length), the margins smooth or scabrous, pseudo-midrib present, with 18–21 well-spaced, conspicuous veins; *inflorescences 1(–2) per plant, 6–13 × 0.1–0.2 cm, erect, unbranched or sparsely branched, dense, shorter than the leaves, peduncle covered with transparent papillae; flower unknown; capsule slightly*
wider than high, 3–3.3 × 4 mm, fruiting pedicel pendulous with a medial articulation; seeds semi-globular, with prominent transverse ridges, 1.9–2 mm diam. and 1–1.3 mm thick, black, shiny, surface granular, one face convex and the other flat and depressed, with a marked notch and a more or less prominent radicle.

## Illustrations

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig. VII 1–5.

## Nomenclatural remark

Of the two known syntypes, the Paris herbarium sheet with the barcode P01046122 is designated as the lectotype of *A. softense* H.Perrier because of its more abundant material.

## Key to the subspecies

1. Leaf surface glabrous ................................. *C. softense* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly **subsp. softense**

– Leaf surface scabrous ...................... *C. softense* **subsp. gautieri** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal **subsp. nov.**

**26.1 *Chlorophytum softense* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly** **subsp. softense**
Fig. 41

## Material examined

MADAGASCAR – *Sofia Region* [Mahajanga Prov.] • Domaine occidental: sur des rocailles (gneiss), dans un bois humide, dans le bassin moyen de la Sofia; [15°29′18″ S, 48°35′34″ E]; Mar. 1907; fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie* 10955; P [P01046121, P01046122]!.

## Description

*Plant herbaceous*, 15–25 cm tall; *roots fibrous*, some ending in an ovoid to fusiform tubercle, 8–15 × 3–5 mm; stems grouped together, each stem bearing 5–6 leaves; *leaves* 17–27 × 1.8–2.5 cm, lanceolate, base and apex tapered, shortly sheathing, pseudo-petiole 6–10 cm long (between 1/3 and 1/2 the length of the blade), margins smooth, surfaces glabrous, veins 21, well-spaced and visible on both surfaces; *inflorescences* 1(–2) per plant, 11–13 × 0.1–0.2 cm, unbranched or sparsely branched, peduncle 8.5 to 10 cm long, with 1 or 2 inflorescence bracts, bracts triangular at the base, subulate, dark brownish when dry, 6 × 2 mm, *flowering rachis* short (2.0–3.5 cm long), very dense; *flowers* unknown, numerous, 2 to 5 per node (based on the number of remaining pedicels), floral bracts long and narrow, 4 × 1 mm, equal to or longer than the pedicel; *capsule* 3 × 4 mm, locules with 3 or 4 transverse ridges, fruiting pedicel short, 2–4 mm long, with medial articulation; *seeds* 2 mm diam. and 1 mm thick, the radicle not prominent.

## Phenology

The taxon was collected in March, only in fruit.

## Distribution and ecology

The typical subspecies was collected in the northwest of Madagascar, on an acidic substrate (gneissic rocks), in the mid basin of the Sofia river where it grew in humid undergrowth.

## Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

*Chlorophytum softense* is endemic to Madagascar, where it has a highly disjunct known distribution that corresponds to the two distinct subspecies that are now recognized. The typical subspecies, *C. softense* **subsp. softense** is known from a single collection from the central zone of the Sofia River valley (Sofia Region) that was collected over 100 years ago. The site is poorly explored, but satellite imagery shows considerable degradation in that zone, and there are no protected areas in the vicinity. At the site, habitat
loss is inferred due to deforestation and this represents the primary threat to this subspecies. The typical subspecies is therefore considered as data deficient (DD), but possibly extinct (EX).

**Illustrations**

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig. VII 1–5.

<figure><img src="image_150.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 41.** Known distribution of *Chlorophytum softense* (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly subsp. *softense* (black dot) and *C. softense* subsp. *gautieri* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov. (red dot). See also Fig. 19. Map of all *Chlorophytum* taxa known from Daraina.</figcaption></figure>
## 26.2 *Chlorophytum softense* subsp. *gautieri* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal subsp. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324053-1

Figs 2F, 5G, 41

### Diagnosis

*A tipo affinis, 1-4 bracteis foliaceis basilaribus inflorescentiae, 25-40 mm longis (vs tantum unicam basi triangulari atque apice acuminato, 6 mm), pedicello fructifero 10-11 mm (vs 2-4 mm), margine foliorum scaberula minutis regularibusque dentibus (vs laevem) praecipue differt.*

### Etymology

We are pleased to dedicate this subspecies to Laurent Gautier, Curator at the Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de Genève, and lecturer in Plant Systematics and Biodiversity within the Department of Plant Sciences at the Université de Genève.

### Type material

MADAGASCAR – SAVA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Daraina, forêt d'Ambohitsitondroina; 13°7'58' S, 49°28'13" E; 17 Mar. 2004; fr; *L. Gautier* 4625; holotype: G [G00030078]!; isotypes: K!, MO!, P [P04186579]!, TEF n.v.

### Description

*Herbaceous plant, 13-17 cm tall; roots long, slender, fibrous, some bearing a fusiform tuber of ca 1 × 0.3 cm; leaves numerous (9-16), with a broad sheathing base, lanceolate, 9.0-17.5 × 1.2-1.8 cm, pseudo-petiole 4.2-4.8 cm long, approximately one-third of the blade length, margin scabrous with small, regular teeth, lower surface glaucous green and covered with very fine protuberances, veins 18, well-marked and evenly spaced, apex with a tapering, pointed apex, 1.5 mm long; inflorescence solitary, terminal, short, dense and unbranched, 6.0-7.5 cm long, the peduncle ca 4-6 cm long (for the more robust specimens), bracts basal, 1-4, foliaceous, with a clasping base, pseudo-petiolate, subulate, 2.5-4.0 × 1.0-2.5 cm, margins scabrous, veins 5-9, flowering rachis contracted, 1-2.5 cm long with extremely reduced internodes; flowers 1-2 per node (based on the fruiting material), with a subulate floral bract, 4.0 × 0.5 mm, veins, 3-5; flower incompletely known (see Morphological remark below); tepals 3.5 × 0.8 mm, veins 3, well-spaced; stamens probably unequal, the longest equalling the tepals, filaments not seen, anthers rectangular, 0.7 × 0.2 mm, connective dark brown; gynoecium: ovary with 3 ovules per locule; capsule 3.3 × 4 mm, with rounded, short, thick, translucent sutural ridges visible on immature fruits; fruiting pedicel, 10-11 mm long, with medial articulation, seeds 1 or 2 per locule, 1.9 × 1.3 mm, with the radicle barely prominent.

### Phenology

The subspecies was collected in March and only in fruit; the few remaining floral remains suggest that flowering finished in February.

### Distribution and ecology

*Chlorophytum softense* subsp. *gautieri* subsp. nov. was collected in northern Madagascar near Daraina, at an altitude below 200 metres. Like the typical subspecies, it forms small groups, in humid forest, on granitic rocks. The collection was made at the edge of a stream.

### Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

*Chlorophytum softense* subsp. *gautieri* subsp. nov. is also known only from a single recent collection and single occurrence, made some 300 km to the NE of the typical subspecies, in the Loky-Manambato
protected area in NE Madagascar (SAVA Region) which is designated as a “harmonious protected landscape”. Protection in the latter area is minimal, and only certain key sites are designated for active protection, and with its sole known location, *C. sofioense* subsp. *gautieri* is assessed as CR B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v).

**Morphological remark**

The data on floral morphology were obtained from the remains of flowers present on an immature fruit.

27. *Chlorophytum subligulatum* H.Perrier
Fig. 6H, 42

*Chlorophytum subligulatum* H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 53–54).

**Etymology**

The specific epithet refers to the grass-like growth habit and the resemblance of the leaf blade base to grass leaf ligules.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – **Sofia Region [Mahajanga Prov.]** • Masakoamena, bassin moyen du Bemarivo (Boina); [16°17′59.6″ S, 47°59′19.3″ E]; Dec. 1910; fl; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie 10976*; gneiss dénudés; lectotype: P [P01046107]!, **here designated**; isolectotype: P [P01046108]!.

**Description**

*Herbaceous plant*, 60 cm tall, somewhat caespitose; *roots* strongly thickened, 1–2 mm in diam., bearing a few fusiform tubers, 15–20 × 4 mm; *rhizome* present; *leaves* 7–10, linear, graminoid, 16.5–50 × 0.5–1 cm, leaf margin distinctly scabrous, base sheathing, 8–18 cm long, straw-yellow, transitioning to the green leafblade with a marked edge and an outward fold of the leaf, pseudo-midrib, veins 29–32, clearly visible, tip tapered; *inflorescence* solitary, erect, unbranched, up to 65 cm in height; peduncle 43 cm long, inflorescence bracts 1(–2), placed very high, just below the rachis, 2.5–5.4 × 0.35 cm, triangular, subulate, veins 20, margins smooth, *rachis* 7–12 cm long, flowers 1–3 per node; floral bracts basal, broadly triangular, 7 × 4 mm, the margins scabrous (in contrast to the inflorescence bracts), longer than the pedicel, the latter 1–5 mm long, with a sub-basale articulation; *perianth* white, 12–13 mm long, *tepals* subequal, oblong, 11–12 × 0.50–0.55 mm, veins 6, sometimes only 3 for the petals, all closely spaced at the centre; *stamens* as long as the tepals, filaments flattened, 4.5–5.0 × 1 mm at the base, distinct margin at the base of the connective, anthers yellow, 6.5 × 1.5 mm, oval, lanceolate, basifixed; *gynoecium*: ovary 0.2 × 0.12, ovules 16 per locule, style 12 mm long; *capsule* unknown.

**Phenology**

The only known collection was in flower in December.

**Distribution and ecology**

The only known collection of *C. subligulatum* comes from Boina, in the mid-Bemarivo basin. It was recorded growing on bare gneissic rocks, the post-facto georeference we have established is based on the recorded elevation.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum subligulatum* is known only from the type collection that was collected more than 100 years ago, representing a single known occurence. The area in which it was collected appears to be highly degraded on satellite images, and largely given over to agricultural activities. It is possible that the species
persists in the area, few plant collections have been made in the vicinity of the type and a targeted search for *C. subligulatum* in this area, which is poorly known, would be useful to assess its current status. Based on current information the species is assessed here as DD (Data Deficient).

**Illustrations**

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig. IX 9-12.

**Nomenclatural remarks**

1) We designate the Paris herbarium sheet with the barcode P01046107 as the lectotype of *Chlorophytum subligulatum* H.Perrier because this specimen has more flowers than the only other known specimen, P01046108.

2) The type locality is uncertain. Perrier de la Bâthie places the plant in the "Bassin moyen du Bemarivo" [Middle Basin of the Bemarivo], specifying the locality: Masakoamena, which is a settlement located to the south of the river basin (we note that 'Masakoamena' means 'Place with many ripe *Sclerocarya caffra* fruits', which could be applied to many localities in western Madagascar). We have provided a post-facto approximate estimated georeference based on this information.

<figure><img src="image_151.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 42.** Known distribution of *Chlorophytum subligulatum* H.Perrier (blue dot).</figcaption></figure>
**28. Chlorophytum sylvestre** Bard.-Vauc.
Figs 2J–K, 4I, 43

*Chlorophytum sylvestre* Bard.-Vauc. (Bardot-Vaucoulon 1997: 152).

**Etymology**

The specific epiphet refers to the occurrence of the species in forest habitats.

**Type material**

**Type**

MADAGASCAR – DIANA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Plateau calcaire de l'Ankarana, zone du Lac Vert; [12°55'10.14" S, 49°05'48.84" E]; Jan. 1991; fl, fr; *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon* 383; holotype: P [P00078336]!; isotype: P [P00078337]!, TAN!.

**Paratypes**

MADAGASCAR – DIANA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • collines et plateaux calcaires de l'Ankarana, E Ambondrofe; [12°53'37" S, 49°14' E]; Dec. 1937-Jan. 1938; fl; *H. Humbert* 18980; P [P00078338, P00078339, P00078340, P00078341]!.

**Other material examined**

MADAGASCAR – DIANA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Antsiranana, Ambilobe, Mahamasina Réserve Spéciale d'Ankarana, chemin d'Ambohimalaza, grotte d'Ambahibe; [12°58' S, 49°07' E]; 27 Jan. 2003; fr; *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon, O. Andrianantoanina, A. Toly, T. Manasy* 1340; MO [MO-3020305]!, P [P00455649]!, TAN!.

**iNaturalist observations**

MADAGASCAR – DIANA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • 12°57'28.2" S, 49°07'25.9" E; 8 Jan. 2004; fl, fr; *Errol Vela (abounabat)*; iNaturalist 52799171 • 12°50'55.8" S, 49°15'59.1" E; May 2020; st.; *(*feno*); iNaturalist 61286825 • 12°52'06.3" S, 49°13'33.9" E; 10 Apr. 2022; st.; *A. Bour (botanarchiste)*; iNaturalist 140140162 • 12°56'47.8" S, 49°07'30.0" E; 11 Apr. 2022; fr; *A. Bour (botanarchiste)*; iNaturalist 140151596 • 12°56'58.5" S, 49°07'39.4" E; 11 Apr. 2022; st.; *D. Scherberich (dscherberich)*; iNaturalist 120482875.

**Description**

*Plant herbaceous*, 15–40 cm tall; *roots* numerous, fasciculate, fibrous, mostly with fleshy fusiform tubers below, 10–18 × 1–4 mm, but some roots branched and lacking tubers; *leaves* 2(–3), ovate to narrowly ovate, spreading on the ground, or occasionally erect, 7–13(–15) × 1.8–5.0(–5.8) cm, narrowed and sheathing at the base, 1.2–3.2 cm long, buried for 1–2 cm, emerging from a short foliar sheath, white, 1.8–3.5 cm with a pointed triangular tip, margin surrounded by a thin hyaline border, pseudo-midrib variably visible (differing between individual plants), veins 8–16, clearly visible, the apex pointed; *inflorescence* solitary, axis slender, often simple, but sometimes branched, 16.0–37.5 cm long, peduncle (5–)7–15(–22) cm long, bracts 1–2 or absent, triangular, acute, with a reddish-violet base, 3–5 × 1–2 mm, upper part of the peduncle and of the flowering *rachis*, covered with small triangular transparent protuberances, flowers, 1–5 per node, floral bract dark, with a broad triangular base, 2.3 × 1 mm, veins 3, shorter than the pedicel, the latter, 4.5 mm long, articulation inframedial; *flowers* pendant at anthesis, white; *perianth*, 4 mm long, with subequal 3-veined segments, greenish-white turning violet with age, outer tepals, 4 × 0.5 mm, inner tepals, 4 × 0.7 mm; *stamens* equal, shorter than the perianth, filament, 2.5 mm long, papillose and thickened from the lower 1/3, anthers, 0.6–0.8 mm long, yellow-green, dorsifixed to submedifixed; *gynoecium*: ovary 0.6–1 mm in diam., ovule 1 per locule, style filiform, 3.5 mm long, stigma slightly
thickened; *capsule* broader than long, 2.5 × 3.5 mm, often with one or two atrophied locules, sutures thick, ornamented with 3-4 transverse veins; *seeds* 3, black, flattened, reniform, 2.5-3.0 × 2 mm, testa shiny, surface very finely granular, notched in the middle of the inner edge, with the radicle forming a conical protrusion at the bottom of the notch.

## Phenology

The species starts flowering as early as December, and the plants bear both flowers and fruits in January.

## Distribution and ecology

This species is found exclusively in the north of Madagascar, in the Réserve Spéciale d'Ankarana [Ankarana Special Reserve] (including one record in the buffer zone) and at the edge of the adjacent Andrafiamena Special Reserve. It grows in the undergrowth of the dry deciduous forest on limestone plateaus, between the rock slabs, in shallow calcareous clay soils.

## Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

*Chlorophytum sylvestre* is only known to occur within the Ankarana Special Reserve, where it has been collected recently three times and has been recorded by iNaturalists three times, and the available records are well distributed throughout the reserve, thus representing at least 5 occurrences. However, the species has a very restricted known range, with an EOO of 73 km² and an AOO of 28 km², but nevertheless the reserve is well established and not subject to major impacts. It is an important tourist site, and the reserve is largely inaccessible to livestock from surrounding areas, and of little use for shifting cultivation. It is assessed as Least Concern (LC).

<figure><img src="image_152.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 43.** Distribution of *Chlorophytum sylvestre* Bard.-Vauc. Known only from Ankarana Special Reserve, and from the edge of Andrafiamena Special Reserve, to the south-east of Ankarana.</figcaption></figure>
**29. Chlorophytum tolyanum** Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77324054-1

Figs 5B, 36, 44

**Diagnosis**

Planta herbacea 60 cm alta, radicibus fasciculatis, unum-tria fusiformia albaque tubercula, (10-15 mm × 2-3 mm), folia grandia (25.5-60 × 3.0-4.8 cm), duo externa minora, pseudopetiolus 12-17 cm, lamina attenuata ad basim et acuta ad apicem, inferna pagine triste viride (in vivo), margo scaberula, 32 nervis remotis manifestisque. Inflorescentia unica, erecta, ramosa, 42-52 cm alta, pedunculus 19-27 cm longus, bractea inflorescentiae triangularis, 12 × 4 mm, margine leviter scaberula nervisque paulo manifestis. Pedunculus ramificationesque inflorescentiae omnino obecti pilis brevibus hyalinisque.

Flores (1-4). Pedicellus articulatus infra medium. Bractea floris triangularis, 3-4 × 2.5 mm, base vaginata acuto apice, 3 nervis paulo manifestis, omnino obecta pilis brevibus hyalinisque. Perianthium, 5 mm altum. Tepala alba elliptica, subaequalia, 4.9-5.1 × 1 mm, trinervia apice acuminato.

Stamina 2 coacervati, 4 aequantia perianthum, 2 paulo breviora. Papilla 2/3 filamenti staminum obtegentia (longis staminibus 4.8 mm in longitudine, brevibus, 3.8 mm). Filamentum dorsifixum fere medifixum, antherae lutae, 0.7 × 0.2 mm. Ovarium globosum 0.8 × 0.8 mm. Ovulum 1 per loculum. Stylus filiformis, 6.3 mm.

**Etymology**

The species is dedicated to Aurélien Toly, ecotourist guide, who was, as ANGAP staff member (today MNP), one of the accompanying guides during the various missions carried out by MBV in the Special Reserve of Ankarana in 1997, 2003 and 2007. He is a co-collector of the material obtained in the field.

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – DIANA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Ambilobe, RS Ankarana, chemin Amposately au Lac Vert; 12°55' S, 49°05' E; 14 Jan. 2003; fl; M. Bardot-Vaucoulon, O. Andrianantoanina, A. Toly & T. Manesy 1193; holotype: P [P00455486]!; isotypes: K!, MO!, TAN!.

**Description**

Plant herbaceous, up to 60 cm tall; roots fasciculate, rigid, bearing 1-3 white fusiform tubers, 10-15 x 2-3 mm; leaves 7, lanceolate, 25.5-60 x 3-4.8 cm, but the 2 outer ones smaller, leaf base attenuate, pseudo-petiole broad, 12-17 cm long, base sheathing, blade dull green below, the margins scabrous, with 28-32, clearly visible, evenly-spaced veins, apices long-tapered and aristate; inflorescence solitary, erect, branched, 42-52 cm in length, peduncle 19-27 cm long; axes entirely covered with short, white, hyaline hairs; subtended by a solitary, triangular bract, 12 x 4 mm, with slightly scabrous margins and barely visible veins; rachis 22-27.5 cm long; flowers 2-4 per node, floral bract 3.5 x 2 mm, triangular, embracing the base, margins scabrous, apex pointed, shorter than the pedicel, veins 3, only faintly visible; pedicel 4.5 mm long, covered with hyaline hairs, the articulation inframedial; perianth 5 mm long, tepals elliptical, white, sub-equal, 4.9-5.1 x ca 1 mm, veins 3, close together; stamens in two unequal groups, 4 long (equaling the perianth), 2 short (slightly smaller), filaments papillose for ca 2/3 of their length, 4.8 mm long for the long ones, 3.8 mm long for the short ones, anthers yellow, 0.7 x 0.2 mm, dorsifixed to submedifixed; gynoecium: ovary 0.8 x 0.8 mm, ovules 1 per locule, style filiform, 6.3 mm long; fruit unknown.

**Phenology**

The only known collection was in early flower in January, corresponding to the start of the rainy season.
<figure><img src="image_153.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 44.** *Chlorophytum tolyanum* Bard.-Vauc. & M.Pignal sp. nov., holotype, *M. Bardot-Vaucoulon et al.* 1193, P [P00455486]. **A.** Habit. **B.** Flower. **C.** Stamen (long one). Drawing by Laurence Ramon.</figcaption></figure>
**Distribution and ecology**

The only known collection of this species is from the Réserve spéciale d'Ankarana [Ankarana Special Reserve] in the North of Madagascar. It occurs in the understory of dry deciduous forest, specifically growing in limestone scree, containing conspicuous large blocks of limestone, with pockets of smaller pieces and humic soil.

**Provisional IUCN Red List assessment**

*Chlorophytum tolyanum* sp. nov. is known only from a single recent collection in what is regarded as a well-managed Special Reserve, and it is naturally well-protected by its habitat which is difficult to access. However, it is known from only a single occurrence, and it is therefore presumed to be rare. A targeted survey of its occurrence at the site is needed to be able to assess any threats to the species, and in order to provide a meaningful conservation status, and at present it must be assessed as DD (data deficient).

A map showing the single occurrence of *Chlorophytum tolyanum* sp. nov. together with *C. ratovosonii* sp. nov., another poorly-known species from the north of Madagascar, is provided under the treatment of *D. nigrogranulosum* sp. nov. (Fig. 36).

**Taxonomical remark**

This species differs from other species by a mosaic of characters that makes it difficult to understand a differential diagnosis mentioning several other species. We prefer to present a descriptive diagnosis here.

**30. *Chlorophytum tripedale* (Baker) H.Perrier**
Figs 3G–H, 6J, 7B, 45

*Chlorophytum tripedale* (Baker) H.Perrier (Perrier de la Bâthie 1935: 51–52). – *Anthericum tripedale* Baker (Baker 1882: 269).

**Etymology**

The specific epithet refers to the height of the individuals, which is approximately 1 m (i.e., about three English feet).

**Type material**

MADAGASCAR – *Amoron'i mania* [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • Chiefly in Betsileo-land; s.d.; fr; *R. Baron* 74; holotype: K [K000432397] image!.

**Other material examined**

MADAGASCAR – *Amoron'i mania* [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • Ambatofinandrahana, Anjakely, route Itremo Amborompotsy, 23 km avant Amborompotsy; 20°35'19" S, 46°26'07" E; 1668 m; 20 Aug. 2010; fl; *B. Andrianaivoravelona, M. Rakotoarinivo, G. Ratovonirina & R. Rajaonarison* 349; K n.v., MO [MO-3187954] image!, TAN n.v. • Fianarantsoa, Ambatofinandrahana, Ampangabe, environ 3 km au sud ouest du village d'Itremo; 20°36'58" S, 46°37'07" E; 1371 m; 28 Apr. 2012; fl; *S. Andrianaivoravelona, M.J. Lazasoa & Andriamampionona* 629; G!, K n.v., MO [MO-3047189]!, P [P00967918]!, TAN n.v. • Ambatofinandrahana, Itremo, Andaobatofotsivava; 20°37'07" S, 046°35'55" E; 1371 m; 20 Dec. 2003; fl; *P. Antilahimena & Andriamihajarivo* 2445; G!, MO image!, P n.v., TAN n.v. • Itremo; [20°35' S, 46°37' E]; Jan. 1964; fl; *J. Bosser* 19068; P [P02071744]! • Entre Ambatofinandrahana et Itremo, 27 à 40 km à l'ouest d'Ambatofinandrahana; [20°33' S, 46° 40' E]; 26 Jan. 1975; fl; *T. Croat* 29824; MO [MO-2682023]!, P [P02071750]!, TAN! (2 parts), WAG [WAG.1151770] image! • Environs d'Ambatofinandrahana; [20°33' S, 46°48' E]; 1600–1800 m; 15 Feb. 1938; fr; *R. Decary* 12904; P [P02071746]! • same data
as for preceding; 16 Feb. 1938; fr; *R. Decary* 12978; P [P02071743]! • Ouest d'Ambatofinandrahana; [20°33' S, 46°48' E]; 20 Nov. 1939; fl; *R. Decary* 15150; P [P02071751]! • Ambatofinandrahana; [20°33' S, 46°48' E]; 4 Feb. 1943; fl bud; *R. Decary* 17393; P [P02071745]! • same data as for preceding; 3 Feb. 1942; fl bud; *R. Decary* 17413; P [P02071749]! • WC, Fianarantsoa Province, W of Ambositra, Eastern margin of the Itremo Massif; 20°35'11" S, 46°35'38" E; 22 Nov. 1993; fl; *D. Du Puy, J.-N. Labat & J. Andriantiana* M642; K n.v., MO [MO-3020348] image!, P [P016763]! • Filiarivo à l'Ouest d'Ambositra. Bois des pentes occidentales sur gneiss; [20°35' S, 47°10' E]; ca 1600 m; 15 Jan. 1955; fl, fr; *H. Humbert & R. Capuron* 28032; P [P02071752]! • Environs d'Ambatofinandrahana (Betsileo); [20°33' S, 46°48' E]; 16 Jan. 1955; fl, fr; *H. Humbert & R. Capuron* 28079 bis; BR [BR0000021762284] n.v., G!, K n.v., P [P02158249]!, TEF n.v. • W d'Itremo, montagnes (ouest Betsileo); [20°35' S, 46°37' E]; 17-22 Jan. 1955, 18-22 Apr. 1955; fl; *H. Humbert* 28381; P [P02158251]!, TAN n.v. • same data as for preceding; fl; *H. Humbert* 29997; L n.v., P [P02158250]!, TAN! • same data as for preceding; fl, fr; *H. Humbert* 29998; MO n.v., P [P02158252]!, TEF n.v. • Entre Ivato et Ambatofinandrahana; [20°33' S, 46°48' E]; 1 Dec. 1970; fl; *M. Keraudren-Aymonin et G. Aymonin* 25737; MO!, P [P02071748]! • Ibity Massif, northern sector. Slopes above cement factory. Tapia (*Uapaca bojeri*) woodland; 20°03'47" S, 47°00'02" E; 16 Feb. 1997; fl; *P.P. Lowry* 4819; G!, MO [MO-3020290] image! • Itremo massif, W of Ambatofinandrahana, ca 2 km before (NE of) bridge over Ambalarangolana creek; 20°33'57.996" S, 46°35'35.016" E; 10 Nov. 2002; fl, fr; *P.P. Lowry II, G.E. Schatz, T. Andriamihajarivo, C. Hong-Wa, S. Rapanarivo, H. Rabarison* 5911; G!, MO [MO-3020303] image!, P [P06169839]! • Forêt d'Ianasana, à 7 km à l'ouest d'Itremo, le long de la rivière Atsirakamhaity; 20°36.1' S, 46°34.3' E; 1630 m; 1 Feb. 1999; fl, fr; *N. Messmer & F. Andriatsiferana* 758; G!, MO [MO-3020299] image!, P [P06169893]!, WAG [WAG.1924756] image!. – Vakinankaratra [Antananarivo Prov.] • Ibity Massif; 20°04'10" S 047°00'16" E; 1700 m; 15 Feb. 2003; fl; *G. Schatz, P.P. Lowry II, T. Andriamihajarivo, C. Hong-Wa, D. Rabehevitra, S. Lowry* 4052; BR [BR0000009374294] n.v.?, G!, P [P06169842]!, WAG [WAG.1924728] image! • Mt Ibity, about 27 km SW of Antsirabe; 20°04'10" S, 47°00'16" E; 1530 m; 15 Mar. 2004; fl; *F. Almeda, H. Ranarivelo & T. Randriambololona* 8685; CAS n.v., MO [MO-3241816] image!, TAN n.v. • S-W d'Antsirabé, montagnes; [19°55' S, 46°59' E]; 1600 m; Jan. 1914; fl; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie* 10988; P [P02071361, P02071362, P02071359]! • S du Mont Ibity; [20°9' S, 47°1' E]; 1200 m; Apr. 1928; fl, fr; *H. Perrier de la Bâthie* 18508; P [P02071363]! • Itremo, RN 35, 19 km w d'Ambatofinandrahana; 20°4'10.02" S, 47°0'15.984" E; 11 Mar. 1992; fl, fr; *P.B. Phillipson* 3838; MO [MO-3020300] image!, P [P02071360]! • Ibity, massif de Maintsoankarana, 3 km S mairie Ibity; 20°04'28" S, 46°59'57" E; 1400 m; 17 Mar. 2011; fl; *R. Randrianaivo, S. Rakotonandrasana, A. Rakotondrafara, Zafisoa, D.M. Dominique, J.C.O. Andrianiaina & B. Rakotonindriana* 1816; CNARP n.v., MO [MO-3020429] image!, TAN n.v. • Ibity, Antanifotsy, formation savanicole de Kiboy; 20°03'52" S, 46°59'57" E; 1650 m; 9 Dec. 2004; fl; *M.F. Randriatsivery M. H. Rasoafaranaivo & Bruno* 1; MO [MO-3047199] image!, P [P01138922]!, TAN n.v. • Antsirabe District, Ibity mountain. Above the Faliandro gallery forest; 20°04'28S, 47°00'27" E; 1557 m; 18 Jan. 2017; fl; *S.G. Razafimandimbison, O. Thureborn, E. Larsén & V. Razafindrahaja* 1715; G!, MO [MO-3047190] image!, P [P02091352]!, S n.v. • Ibity massif west, Vohipisaka; 20°08'53" S, 46°58'57" E; 1482 m; 28 Feb. 2004; fl; *C.K. Skema & Chris Birkinshaw* 11; BH n.v., MO [MO-3020304] image!, TAN n.v. • Antsirabe district, commune Ibity, 25 km south Antsirabe, 1500 m, along the northern trail towards Mount Ibity; 20°04'01" S, 47°0'04" E; 9 Feb. 2018; fl; *U. Swenson, V. Razafindrahaja, A. Atalahy, S. Razafimandimbison* 1901; MELn.v., MO [MO-2682023] image!, P [P01182488]!, S n.v., TAN n.v.

## iNaturalist observations

MADAGASCAR – Amoron'i mania [Fianarantsoa Prov.] • 20°35'44.7" S, 46°37'58.7" E; 7 Nov. 2013; fl; *F. Rakotonasolo* (franck); iNaturalist 1873747 • 20°28'43.4" S, 46°23'01.8" E; 18 Dec. 2015; fl; *Fetra Randriatsara* (fetra); iNaturalist 2559733 • 20°31'36.4" S, 46°38'26.8" E; Jun. 2017; fl; *F. Rakotonasolo* (Franck) • 20°28'50.1" S, 46°27'45.3" E; Dec. 2018; fl; *Ramaro* (sederaramarom); iNaturalist 19061004 • 20°30'05.5" S, 46°33'35.5" E; 21 Feb. 2019; fl; *Landy Rita Rajaovelona* (landyrital); iNaturalist
21137874 • 20°32′45.6″ S, 46°34′24.8″ E; Dec. 2019. fl; *Ramaro (sederaramarom)*; iNaturalist 36521020 • 20°36′58.9″ S, 46°33′27.8″ E; 9 Dec. 2019; fl; *Andry.A.R (andryrakoto)*; iNaturalist 36793787 • 20°39′32.8″ S, 46°58′31.6″ E; 5 Jan. 2024; fl, fr; (*dennis-mada*); iNaturalist 196826090 – **Vakinankaratra** [*Antananarivo Prov.*] • 20°13′42.4″ S, 46°21′42.5″ E; Nov. 2010; fl; *T. Randriamboavonjy (tiana123)*; iNaturalist 911218.

**Description**

*Herbaceous plant*, 60–110 cm tall, *roots fleshy, thickened, 1.5–2.5 mm in diam.*; developing from a short *rhizome*; *leaves 5–8, linear, 32–80 × 0.3–0.7 cm, sheathing at the base; leaf margins and the veins on both surfaces scabrous, also with short hairs on the upper surface, and thick, dense indument forming a loose felt on the lower surface; midrib protruding on the adaxial surface, yellow in colour, long attenuate and tapered to the apex; veins 19–23, prominent, closed; *inflorescence solitary, simple or occasionally with a rudimentary branching at the base of the flowering part (Perrier de la Bâthie 10988 and Schatz et al. 4052)*, 73–125 cm tall, peduncle smooth (30–)40–76 cm long, bearing 2 or 3 bracts with a broad triangular base in the upper 2/3, the bracts sheathing, very variable in length, size and appearance, 1–13 × 0.4–0.8 cm, the largest bracts with scabrous margins; veins 18–20, tapered towards the apex, *rachis* 19–57 cm long, flowers 2–3 per node, floral bracts tinged red, ovate, 5 × 4 mm, cuspidate, shorter than the pedicel, the latter 10–12 mm long, articulation supra- or inframedial; *perianth* 1.5–2.5 cm long, with oblong segments,

<figure><img src="image_154.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 45.** Distribution of *Chlorophytum tripedale* (Baker) H.Perrier, including presence within the Itremo Massif Harmonious Protected Landscape (dark green hashed area visible in enlarged map).</figcaption></figure>
white; apex subacute; outer tepals 0.5–0.8 cm wide; veins 5–7(–8–9), inner narrower, 0.3–0.7 cm wide, veins 3(–5), closely-spaced, conspicuous, anastomosing near the apex, green in vivo, becoming brown when dried; *stamens* equal, shorter than the tepals at anthesis, deflected to one side of the ovary, filament white, flattened, 3–5 mm long, tapered at the top, connective with no heel (except for *Humbert 28381* which has a short rounded heel) anthers yellow, oblong, 5–8 × 1–2 mm, basifixed; *gynoecium*: ovary inclined, opposite the stamens, 3 × 2 mm, ovules 14–20 per locule; style curved, 4–12 mm long, widely deflected, stigma rounded; *capsule* taller than wide, 1.2–1.7 × 0.7–0.8 cm, terminating in a beak formed from the indurated remains of the style, with marked transverse ribs; *seeds* black, flat, 3 × 2 mm, generally angular, densely packed and deformed due to compression; radicle ca 1 mm long, protruding.

## Phenology

The flowering has been recorded from November to April, with a peak in January and February. Flowering outside this period was observed in two collections, respectively in June and August. Fruiting begins as early as January.

## Distribution and ecology

All the collections come from the central ‘high plateau’ of Madagascar, at altitudes ranging from 1200 m to 1600 m, mainly in the Itremo massif, on metamorphic rocks such as cipolins and quartzites. The distribution range appears to be closely linked to substrate, and with a preference, as reported several times, for moist areas.

## Provisional IUCN Red List assessment

*Chlorophytum tripedale* is endemic to Madagascar, where it is limited to the Vakinkaratra and Amoron'i Mania Regions in the central highlands. It is known from a total of 40 collections, representing ca 14 occurences, of which the majority were collected in the past 20 years, within either the Itremo Massif (which comprises two separate zones) or the Ibity protected areas, both of which are classified as Harmonious Protected Landscapes. *Chlorophytum tripedale* has an Extent of Occurrence (EOO) of 4683 km² and an Area of Occupancy (AOO) of 96 km². Much of the potential habitat for the species is given over to agricultural activities which likely impacts the species significantly, especially outside the protected area. However, the species is known to be represented by an estimated 10 locations where the effect of these impacts may be significant, so an assessment of Vulnerable is appropriate. The species is assessed as VU B1B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v). Documenting and monitoring of the species outside of the protected areas should be undertaken.

## Illustrations

Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]: fig. IX 4–8.

## Geographical remark

The type, *R. Baron 74* was collected in “Betsileo country”, which corresponds to a vast geographical area extending from the Mania River in the north to the Andringitra massif in the south. This distribution is consistent with the suggested range of other collections of this taxon.

### 31. *Chlorophytum* sp. 1

Figs 6A, 46–47

## Material examined

MADAGASCAR – **Sofia Region [Mahajanga Prov.]** • Col d'Andavakaka, Befandriana (Nord); [15°21' S, 47°40' E]; 24 Dec. 1942; fl; *J. Botanique 5668*; P [P06169906]!.
**Description**

*Underground parts* and *leaves* unknown. *Inflorescence* unbranched, robust with a smooth, truncate peduncle, bearing two very long bracts up to 12.5 × 0.3 cm, that resemble leaves, terminating in a fine apex, with 18 prominent, closely-spaced veins, and with scabrous margins; *flowering rachis*, 12–13 cm long, floral bract 13.5 × 2.5 mm, similar to the inflorescence bract but shorter, longer than the pedicel, the latter, 5.5 mm long, articulation medial, flowers 1–2 per node, *flower* 16 mm long, *tepals* white, ovate, with 5 veins, the central 3 converging at the apex, unequal; outer tepals 14 × 3 mm; inner 15 × 4 mm; *stamens* almost equaling the perianth in length, the filaments flattened, 6.5 mm long, narrowed at the top, the anthers long conical, 8–9 mm long, the margins of the dehiscence slit denticulate, and the apex rounded, with a hastate base and a flat heel, 0.6–0.7 mm long at the base of the connective; *gynoecium*: ovary 2.2 × 2.0 mm, narrowed at the base, ovules 10 per locule; *immature capsule* taller than wide.

<figure><img src="image_155.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 46.** Known locality for *Chlorophytum* sp. 1 (blue dot) at the Col d'Andavakaka, Befandriana, Sofia Region, *J. Botanique* 5668, and approximate locality of origin for *Chlorophytum* sp. 2 (red dot) from the vicinity of Antsiranana "Diego Suarez", DIANA Region.</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_156.png" /><figcaption>Fig. 47. Herbarium specimen of *Chlorophytum* sp. 1, *J. Botanique* 5668; P [P06169906].</figcaption></figure>
**Phenology**

The specimen flowered in December in cultivation at the Tsimbazaza Botanical Garden in Antananarivo (altitude of 1500 m). A young fruit was also formed.

**Distribution and ecology**

The plant was collected in northern Madagascar, in the region of Befandriana, on a rocky substrate consisting of granite and metamorphic rocks at an altitude of approximately 500 m. No further information was provided by the collector about its habitat.

**Remark**

The plant was collected in Befandriana Nord and subsequently cultivated in the gardens of Tsimbazaza, where it flowered and herbarium specimens were prepared. The herbarium specimen, composed of the dried floral parts, lacks underground organs and leaves. This collection appears clearly distinct from other species. However, its fragmentary condition provides only for an incomplete description, that we consider insufficient for formally establishing a new taxon. Nonetheless, the specimen clearly belongs to Perrier de la Bâthie's Group 2, and a targeted search for adequate material in the Befandriana Region is needed.

**32. *Chlorophytum* sp. 2**

Fig. 5E, 46, 48

**Material examined**

MADAGASCAR – DIANA Region [Antsiranana Prov.] • Diego Suarez [Antsiranana]; [12°19' S, 49°17' E]; Sep. 1843; fl, fr; *L. Boivin* 2338; P [P06169866]!.

**Description**

*Underground part and leaves* unknown. Collection limited to an *inflorescence*, ca 35.5 cm long, with its base truncated, the peduncle and rachis of the flowering portion covered with translucent hairs whose abundance and size increase gradually towards the apex, at the base, there are short, 0.10–0.15 mm, triangular-based hirsute trichomes, longer, finer and flatter towards the apex, up to 0.35–0.40 mm long; peduncle 15.5 cm long, bearing two large, closely-spaced triangular bracts towards the middle, 9–11 × 2.5 mm, veins 7, margins smooth; *flowering rachis* 18.5 cm long, with short sub-terminal branching; flowers 2–3 per node, floral bract long and narrowly triangular, tapered, ca 5.0 × 0.8 mm, pedicel ca 5 mm long, slender, articulation medial, with a few short, triangular hairs present below the articulation; *perianth* 5 mm long, with elliptical segments and acute apices; outer tepals slightly shorter, but wider, than the inners, 4 × 0.5 mm; inner tepals 5 × 0.4 mm, with 3 converging veins at the apex; *stamens* shorter than the tepals, with short, flattened filaments, 1.8 mm long, anthers yellow, 2 × 0.2 mm, elongated, tapering at the top; *gynoecium*: ovary 0.9 × 0.6 mm, with at least 5 ovules per locule (based on the number of seeds in a fruit), style very long, 7 mm; *capsule* wider than high, 3.5 × 5 mm, with thin walls and transverse veins, containing approximately 5 seeds; *seeds* black, compressed bilaterally, attached toward the middle of the inner angle of the locule “5 graines environ noires, comprimées bilatéralement, attachées vers le milieu de l’angle interne de la loge” (fide Boivin, and dating back to 1848).

**Remark**

This specimen was already considered by Perrier de la Bâthie to be a new species (fide note in herb.), that unquestionably belongs in Group 1. While we agree with Perrier's conclusion, due to the unique combination of the indument of the peduncle, the rachis, and floral parts, we refrain from formally describing it as a new species due to the incomplete state of the available material. Extant populations
<figure><img src="image_157.png" /><figcaption>Fig. 48. Herbarium specimen of *Chlorophytum* sp. 2, *L. Boivin* 2338; P [P06169866].</figcaption></figure>
should be sought near Antsiranana, but nevertheless, the chances of finding material of the species is
probably low due to habitat degradation in this region.

33. *Chlorophytum comosum* (Thunb.) Jacques

**Material examined**

MADAGASCAR – *Analamanga* [*Antananarivo Prov.*] • Antananarivo, Jardin Tananarive; 1923; fl;
*M. Waterlot 55bis*; P [P06169831]! • Antananarivo, Jardin botanique; ombrière; 21 Oct. 1935;
*Jardin botanique JB 1190*; TAN!.

**Remark**

A plant native to southern Africa (Bjorå & Nordal 2014), but widely cultivated in gardens and as an indoor
pot plant, including in Madagascar. Forms with variegated green and white foliage are most commonly
cultivated.

**Discussion**

Our study, based on collections made since the publication of the *Flore de Madagascar* (Perrier de la Bâthie 1937 [1938]), provides an update on the knowledge of the genus *Chlorophytum* in Madagascar. Given the gaps in the collection for certain taxa, this work represents just an intermediate step. The characterisation of certain species (and their infraspecific taxa) in Madagascar remains incomplete (notably for *C. madagascariense* and its varieties). Similarly, knowledge of the distribution of many taxa is still incomplete, and this has hindered the clarification of several IUCN status assessments, which we can only assess as data deficient. To facilitate fieldwork, Table 6 lists the taxa to be searched for as a priority.

Finally, phylogenetic studies remain to be undertaken for the Malagasy *Chlorophytum* to elucidate the
relationships between species. A broader phylogeny of the genus is needed to better understand the
relationships between the Malagasy and African taxa, taking into account other related genera.

**Acknowledgements**

The authors wish to extend their sincere thanks to the colleagues and curators of the relevant herbaria: Ann Bogaerts (BR), Fred Stauffer (G), Louis Nusbaumer (G) (for supplementary information on the populations observed at Loky Manambato), Christian Bräuchler (W), Michaela Grein (BREM), Jovita Yesilyurt and Norbert Holstein (BM), Gilles Thébaud (CLF), as well as other colleagues from the MO, P and TAN herbaria. Thanks also to Simon Verlynde, and the contributors to the iNaturalist site for their observations, the 71 volunteers who contributed to the 'Herbonautes' theme 'Les Chlorophytum de Madagascar'. Also to Jacques Florence who corrected the Latin diagnoses, and with whom we had valuable discussions on nomenclature which greatly improved the relevance of this work, and Valéry Malécot for his expertise in nomenclature. Thanks also go to Dario de Franceschi who made it possible to take images with a Hirox RH2000, MIRCOV (DIM MAP Appel AAP 2017-2- RECOLNAT) photomicroscope. Thanks to our graphic artists: Ludivine Longou (Atelier Iconographie Scientifique, UAR 2700 2AD MNHN CNRS) and Laurence Ramon, botanist, 'correspondante du MNHN'. Thanks finally to Florence Tessier, curator of the botanical library at the Paris herbarium. Thanks also to Rafael and Salomé Pignal. We also wish to thank the editorial team, in particular Natacha Beau, Chris Le Coquet, and Radka Rosenbaumová, for their meticulous review of the manuscript and their helpful suggestions. MNHN provided access to the collections within the framework of the National Research Infrastructure RECOLNAT (ANR-11-INBS-0004).
<table><caption>Table 6 (continued on next page). Lesser-known species of *Chlorophytum* Ker Gawl., with observations to encourage future research.</caption><thead><tr><th>Taxon</th><th>Type of environment</th><th>Region</th><th>Localities</th><th>Year of most recent collection</th><th>Remarks</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i>C. albociliatum</i> sp. nov.</td><td>Gneiss, wooded area, 1400–1500 m</td><td>Amoroni'mania</td><td>Ambatofinandrahana</td><td>1955</td><td>One collection only. Mature fruit unknown.</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. ankarense</i></td><td>Sand or limestone, in dry areas</td><td>Boeny, Androy, Atsimo-Andrefana</td><td>5 subpopulations: Parc National d'Ankarafantsika, Parc National de Namoroka, Aire Protégée de Ranobe PK32, Causse d'Ankara, Ampandrandava</td><td>1955</td><td>5 collections, somewhat incomplete</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. aspidistrifolium</i> sp. nov.</td><td>Sclerophyllous forest undergrowth</td><td>SAVA</td><td>Paysage harmonieux de Loky Manambato</td><td>2006</td><td>Single collection; flowers unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. basivaginatum</i> sp. nov.</td><td>Meadows and open areas, at 1600 m</td><td>Amoroni'mania</td><td>Ambatofinandrahana</td><td>2004</td><td>Single collection; mature fruit unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. candelabrum</i> sp. nov.</td><td>Undergrowth of dense forest, at 200 m</td><td>SAVA</td><td>Near Loky Manambato</td><td>2005</td><td>Single collection; flowers unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. darainense</i> sp. nov.</td><td>Dense secondary forest undergrowth</td><td>SAVA</td><td>Near Daraina</td><td>2006</td><td>Single specimen only; only detached leaves known, underground parts unknown, young fruit only known</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. distichum</i></td><td>Humid forest, at 100 m</td><td>Amoron'i Mania</td><td>Matitana Basin</td><td>1911</td><td>Single collection, mature fruit unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. graniticum</i> subsp. ambrense subsp. nov.</td><td>Moist forest on basalt, at 1000 m</td><td>DIANA</td><td>Parc National de la Montagne d'Ambre</td><td>1988</td><td>Known from only 2 collections; additional representative material needed</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. helvillae</i> sp. nov.</td><td>Unknown</td><td>DIANA</td><td>Nosy Be</td><td>1905</td><td>A single collection; fruit and underground parts unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. hypoxiforme</i></td><td>On a tampoketsa, in the rocks, at 900 m</td><td>Betsiboka</td><td>Tampoketsan'i Beveromay</td><td>1910</td><td>Mature fruit unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. madagascariense</i></td><td>Open areas or forest undergrowth</td><td>Analamanga, Boeny, DIANA</td><td>Manongarivo, causse Ankara, Nosy Be, Lac Kinkony, Mahajanga</td><td>2013</td><td>Additional material needed for a better understanding the infraspecific taxonomy and distribution</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. namorokense</i></td><td>Limestone rocks</td><td>Boeny</td><td>RN 8, Andranomavo</td><td>1904</td><td>Known from a single collection; fruit unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. nigr granulosum</i> sp. nov.</td><td>Limestone rock undergrowth dry forest</td><td>DIANA</td><td>Montagne des Français-Anosiravo</td><td>2007</td><td>Known from a single collection</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><caption>**Table 6 (continued).** Lesser-known species of *Chlorophytum* Ker Gawl., with observations to encourage future research.</caption><thead><tr><th>Taxon</th><th>Type of environment</th><th>Region</th><th>Localities</th><th>Year of most recent collection</th><th>Remarks</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i>C. nusbaumeri</i> sp. nov.</td><td>Slope forest undergrowth, at 300–400 m</td><td>DIANA</td><td>Daraina, Ampandrabe</td><td>2005</td><td>Known from a single collection; only flower buds and fruits known</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. parkeri</i></td><td>Grasslands, wetlands</td><td>Analamanga, Boeny</td><td>Ambohimanga, Mahajanga, Beanka</td><td>2011</td><td>Known from diverse localities, altitudes and substrates (with populations in the west and also on the ‘hauts plateaux’ more collections from intermediate areas could confirm the taxonomy</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. aff. parkeri</i></td><td>Grasslands, wetlands, at 1000 m</td><td>Ihorombe</td><td>Ihosy</td><td>2010</td><td>Known from a single collection (far from true C. parkeri), very few flowers and a single fruit known</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. ranirisoni</i> sp. nov.</td><td>Dense dry forest undergrowth, at 350 m</td><td>SAVA</td><td>Daraina</td><td>2005</td><td>Known from a single collection; fruit unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. ratovosonii</i> sp. nov.</td><td>Sparse, dry forests on sand</td><td>DIANA</td><td>Ambolobozokely</td><td>2006</td><td>Known from a single collection; flowers unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. softense</i> subsp. <i>softense</i></td><td>Rocks, damp woods</td><td>Sofia</td><td>Sofia, central basin</td><td>1907</td><td>A single collection; flowers unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. softense</i> subsp. <i>gautieri</i> subsp. nov.</td><td>Watersides in rainforest, 200 m</td><td>SAVA</td><td>Daraina</td><td>2004</td><td>A single collection; flowers unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. subligulatum</i></td><td>Bare gneissic rocks</td><td>Sofia</td><td>Bemarivo, central basin</td><td>1910</td><td>A single collection known; fruits unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. tolyanum</i> sp. nov.</td><td>Rocks under dry forest</td><td>DIANA</td><td>Spéciale Réserve Ankara</td><td>2003</td><td>A single collection known; fruits unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. sp. 1</i></td><td>Habitat unknown</td><td>Sofia</td><td>Befandriana (Col d'Andavaka)</td><td>1942</td><td>Known from an inflorescence fragment obtained from a plant in culture; habit unknown, fruits unknown</td></tr><tr><td><i>C. sp. 2</i></td><td>Habitat unknown</td><td>DIANA</td><td>Antsiranana</td><td>1843</td><td>Very old material, collected near Antsiranana; likely extinct?</td></tr></tbody></table>
## References

Anonymous 2001. *Plan de gestion du Réseau National des Aires Protégées de Madagascar 2000–2005*. ANGAP, Antananarivo.

Anonymous 2024a. Annotate-On. Available from https://www.recolnat.org/fr/annotate [accessed 3 Dec. 2024].

Anonymous 2024b. RECOLNAT infrastructure. Available from https://www.recolnat.org [accessed 3 Dec. 2024].

Baker J.G. 1877. Revision of the genera and species of Anthericeae and Eriospermeae. *The Journal of the Linnean Society, Botany* 15: 253–363. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8339.1876.tb00247.x

Baker J.G. 1878. Description of new and little known Liliaceae. *The Journal of Botany, British and Foreign, New Series* 7: 321–326. Available from https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/8956721 [accessed 21 Aug. 2025].

Baker J.G. 1882. Contributions to the flora of central Madagascar. *The Journal of Botany, British and Foreign, New Series* 11: 266–271. Available from https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/8947066 [accessed 21 Aug. 2025].

Baker J.G. 1883 [published 1884]. Contribution to the Flora of Madagascar – Part III. Incompletae, Monocotyledons, and Filices. *The Journal of the Linnean Society, Botany* 20 (128): 237–304. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8339.1883.tb00262.x

Baker J.G. 1887. Further contributions to the Flora of Madagascar. *The Journal of the Linnean Society, Botany* 22 (149): 441–537. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8339.1887.tb02431.x

Baker J.G. 1890. Further contributions to the flora of Madagascar. *The Journal of the Linnean Society, Botany* 25 (171): 294–351. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8339.1889.tb00799.x

Bardot-Vaucoulon M. 1997. Observations sur le milieu et la végétation du Massif de l'Ankarana (Nord de Madagascar) et description de trois nouvelles espèces de *Chlorophytum* (Liliaceae), *Tacca* (Taccaceae) et *Adenia* (Passifloraceae). *Adansonia* 19 (1): 139–163

Balard M. & Maestri E. 2001. Raymond Decary (1891–1973) ou Madagascar mis en collections. *Outre-mers. Collectes et collections ethnologiques: une histoire d'hommes et d'institutions* 88 (332–333): 207–229. https://doi.org/10.3406/outre.2001.3891

Barrère H. 1930. Madagascar (Paris) Carte Échelle(s): 1:6 000 000, 33 × 24 cm.

Bjorå C.S. 2008. *Phylogeny, speciation and biogeography – a study of Crinum and Chlorophytum (Asparagales) with focus on African taxa*. PhD thesis, University of Oslo, Oslo.

Bjorå C.S. & Nordal I. 2010. Anthericaceae. In: Sosef M.S.M., Florence J., Banak L.N. & Bourobou H.P.B. (eds) *Flore du Gabon, Vol. 41*: 1–10. Margraf Publishers, Weikersheim.

Bjorå C.S. & Nordal I. 2014. *Flore du Cameroun, Vol. 41: Anthericaceae*. Ministère de la Recherche Scientifique et de l'Innovation, Yaoundé.

Bjorå C.S., Elden M., Nordal I., Brysting A.K., Awas T., Demissew S. & Bendiksby M. 2017. Speciation in the genera *Anthericum* and *Chlorophytum* (Asparagaceae) in Ethiopia—a molecular phylogenetic approach. *Phytotaxa* 297 (2): 139–156. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.297.2.2

Callmander M.W., Phillipson P.B., Schatz G.E., Andriambololonera S., Rabarimanarivo M., Rakotonirina N., Raharimampionona J., Chatelain C., Gautier L. & Lowry II P.P. 2011. The endemic and non-endemic vascular flora of Madagascar updated. *Plant Ecology and Evolution* 144 (2): 121–125. https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.513
Coffin M.F. & Rabinowitz P.D. 1987. Reconstruction of Madagascar and Africa: evidence from the Davie Fracture Zone and Western Somali Basin. *Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth* 92 (B9): 9385–9406. https://doi.org/10.1029/JB092iB09p09385

Cornet A. 1972. *Essai de Cartographie Bioclimatique à Madagascar au 1/200 000e*. Centre ORSTOM de Tananarive, Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Cronquist A. & Takhtadjan A.L. 1981. *An Integrated System of Classification of Flowering Plants*. Columbia University Press, New York.

da Conceição Velloso J.M. 1825. *Florae Fluminensis, seu, Descriptionum Plantarum Praefectura Fluminensi Sponte Mascentium Liber Primus ad Systema Sexuale Concinnatus*. Typographia national I, Rio de Janeiro. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl title.745

Dahlgren R.M.T., Clifford H.T. & Yeo P.F. 1985. *The Families of the Monocotyledons: Structure, Evolution, and Taxonomy*. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-61663-1

Dorr L.J. 1997. *Plant Collectors in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands*. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Gautier L., Ranirison P., Nusbaumer L. & Wohlhauser S. 2006. Chapter 5. Aperçu des massifs forestiers de la région Loky-Manambato. *In*: Goodman S.G. & Wilmé L. (eds) *Inventaires de la Faune et de la Flore du Nord de Madagascar dans la Région Loky-Manambato, Analamerana et Andavakoera*. Recherches pour le Développement, Série Sciences biologiques, Antananarivo, Madagascar: 23: 81–99. Centre d’Information et de Documentation Scientifique et Technique, Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Global Plants 2024. JSTOR. Available from https://plants.jstor.org/ [accessed 1 Jul. 2024].

Heim R. 1967. Henri Humbert (1887–1967). *Journal d'Agriculture Traditionnelle et de Botanique Appliquée* 14 (12): 609–611.

Herbonautes Development Team 2024. RECOLNAT infrastructure. Available from http://lesherbonautes.mnhn.fr/missions/3388690 [accessed 1 Jul. 2024].

Humbert H. 1959. Origines présumées et affinités de la flore de Madagascar. *Mémoires de l'Institut Scientifique de Madagascar (série B, Biologie Végétale)* 9: 149–187.

iNaturalist 2024. iNaturalist. Available from https://inaturalist.org/ [accessed 3 Dec. 2024].

IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee 2022. Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria Version 15.1. Prepared by the Standards and Petitions Committee.

Kativu S. 1994. Synopsis of *Chlorophytum* (Anthericaceae) in the Flora Zambesiaca area. *Kirkia* 15 (1): 43–111.

Kativu S., Bjorå C.S., Kwembeya E.G., Klaassen E.S. & Nordal I. 2012. Anthericaceae. *In: Flora of Namibia, Occasionnal contributions 4*. National Botanical Research Institute, Windhoek.

Lowry II P.P., Phillipson P.B., Andriamahefarivo L., Schatz G.E., Rajaonary F. & Andriambololonera F. 2018. Chap. 8. Flora: Introduction. *In*: Goodman S.M., Raherilalao M.J. & Wohlhauser S. (eds) *The Terrestrial Protected Areas of Madagascar: Their History, Description, and Biota: 243–255*. Association Vahatra.

Marais W. & Reilly J. 1978. *Chlorophytum* and its Related Genera (Liliaceae). *Kew Bulletin* 32 (3): 653–663. https://doi.org/10.2307/4109671

Meerts P. & Bjorå C.S. 2012. Synopsis of the genus *Chlorophytum* (Asparagaceae) in Central Africa (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi). *Plant Ecology and Evolution* 145 (3): 373–409. https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2012.668
Morat P. & Lowry P.P. 1997. Floristic richness in the Africa-Madagascar region: a brief history and prospective. *Adansonia* 19 (1): 101–115.

Nordal I. & Bjorå C.S. 2016. Family delimitation in flowering plants, should we bother? – A case study of Asparagales. *Symbolae Botanicae Upsalienses* 38: 41–48.

Nordal I. & Thulin M. 1993. Synopsis of *Anthericum* and *Chlorophytum* (Anthericaceae) in the Horn of Africa, including the description of nine new species. *Nordic Journal of Botany* 13 (3): 257–280. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1756-1051.1993.tb00047.x

Nordal I., Kativu S., Poulsen A.D., Polhill R.M. & Beentje H.J. 1997. *Flora of Tropical East Africa - Anthericaceae*. East African Governments, Crown Agents for the Colonies. A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam/ Brookfield.

Nusbaumer L., Ranirison P., Gautier L., Chatelain C., Loizeau P.-A. & Spichiger R. 2010. Loky-Manambato: point de rencontre des principales unités phytogéographiques de Madagascar. In: van der Burgt X., van der Maesen J. & Onana J.-M. (eds) *Systématique et Conservation des Plantes Africaines*: 253–264. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Obermeyer A.A. 1962. A revision of the South African species of *Anthericum*, *Chlorophytum* and *Trachyandra*. *Bothalia* 7 (4): 669–767. https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v7i4.1679

Perrier de La Bâthie H. 1935. Notes sur les Liliacées de Madagascar. *Notulae Systematicae*. *Herbier du Muséum de Paris. Phanérogramie (Paris)* 5 (1): 17–72. Available from https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/6463333 [accessed 21 Aug. 2025].

Perrier de La Bâthie H. July 1937 [published 1938]. 40ᵉ famille. Liliacées (Liliaceae). In: *Flore de Madagascar*. Imprimerie Officielle, Tananarive, Madagascar. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.6600

Phillipson P. B., Andriambololonera S., Lowry II P. P., Manjato N., Rabarimanarivo M., Rakotonirina N., Ravololomanana N. & Schatz G.E. 2017. The Madagascar Catalogue, progress to date and prospects for the future. *Abstracts, XXI AETFAT Congress, Nairobi, Kenya*: 241.

Pignal M., Bertin G., Chupin L., Pérez Pimparé E., Klasnja S., Vignes-Lebbe R. & Dusoulier F. 2024. Récolnat Annotate-On: a tool to improve your experience with virtual collections. *Adansonia Ser. 3* 46 (13): 1336148. https://doi.org/10.5252/adansonia2024v46a13

Poisson H. 1911. François Geay, voyageur naturaliste (1859–1910). *Bulletin du Muséum d’Histoire naturelle* 3: 86–90.

QGIS Development Team 2024. QGIS Geographic Information System. Ver. 3.22. Open Source Geospatial Foundation. Available from https://qgis.org [accessed 12 Jul. 2024].

Rakotoary J.C. (coord.) 2021. Rapport de pré-diagnostic de l'érosion de la biodiversité à Madagascar et sélection de 2 secteurs prioritaires. In: BIOTOPE. Available from https://www.biodev2030.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BIODEV2030_Rapport-de-pre-diagnostic-des-moteurs-de-lerosion-de-labiodiversite-a-Madagascar.pdf [accessed 21 Aug. 2025].

Sævareid M., Carlsen T., Chapano C. & Bjorå C.S. 2023. Species delimitation in the *Chlorophytum andongense* complex. *Phytotaxa* 612 (3): 251–260. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.612.3.1

Schatz G.E. 2001a. *Flore Générique des Arbres de Madagascar*. Kew & Missouri Botanical Garden St Louis.

Schatz G.E. 2001b. *Generic Tree Flora of Madagascar*. Kew & Missouri Botanical Garden St Louis.

The Angiosperm Phylogeny Group 2009. An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG III. *Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society* 161 (2): 105–121. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8339.2009.00996.x
Thiers B. continuously updated. Index Herbariorum: A Global Directory of Public Herbaria and Associated Staff. New York Botanical Garden's Virtual Herbarium.

Available from https://sweetgum.nybg.org/science/ih/ [accessed 7 Jun. 2022].

Tofilski A. 2018. DKey software for editing and browsing dichotomous keys. *ZooKeys* 735: 131–140. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.735.21412

Vatke W. 1887. Reliquiae Rutenbergianae. *Abhandlungen herausgegeben vom Naturwissenschaftlichen Verein zu Bremen*. 9: 138.

White F. 1983. The vegetation of Africa, a descriptive memoir to accompany the UNESCO/AETFAT/UNSO vegetation map of Africa. *UNESCO, Natural Resources Research* 20: 1–356.

XPER3 Development Team 2024. Xper3. Laboratory of Informatics and Systematics of Sorbonne University. Available from https://app.xper3.fr/ [accessed 12 Jul. 2024].

Printed versions of all papers are deposited in the libraries of two of the institutes that are members of the *EJT* consortium: Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, France and Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium. The other members of the consortium are: Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium; Meise Botanic Garden, Meise, Belgium; Natural History Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, Madrid, Spain; Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Bonn – Hamburg, Germany; National Museum of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic; The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv, Israël.