Two new species of Oxalis (Oxalidaceae) from the greater cape floristic region

Abstract

Two new multifoliolate species of Oxalis L. (Oxalidaceae) from the Hantam Karoo region of South Africa are described and illustrated: Oxalis carolina and O. filifoliolata. Both species occur in single populations in the extremely geophyterich area on the Bokkeveld Plateau in the Northern Cape Province. Morphological characteristics, phylogenetic position, habitat description and conservation status of the new species are provided, in addition to a diagnostic comparison with other phenotypically similar Cape species. Fifteen multifoliolate Oxalis species are currently recognized in South Africa, disregarding multifoliolate varieties of otherwise trifoliolate species. A key for multifoliolate Oxalis species known from the Bokkeveld Plateau is presented. © 2013 Magnolia Press.