Ornithogalum christiniae (Asparagaceae): a new species from an offshore islet on the Cretan area (S. Aegean, Greece).

Abstract

Ornithogalum christiniae sp. nov., collected from the offshore islet of Agria Gramvousa (northwestern Crete, Greece), is described and illustrated as a locally endemic species. It is related to Ornithogalum montanum, O. atticum and O. pumilum, however, it differs from these in having wrinkled and corrugated leaf surface, fruiting pedicels thickened at base, flexuose rachis of infructescence and winged capsules. The relationships between the new species and the aforementioned are discussed, while information regarding its ecology, conservation status and karyotype is also given.