Thonningia alba (Balanophoraceae), a new root holoparasitic species from Madagascar

Abstract

A new species of Thonningia is described. T. alba is the third species to be recognised in the genus, and the fourth in the family Balanophoraceae from Madagascar. It is apparently endemic to rainforests of the west coast of the Masoala Peninsula. A description, detailed illustrations, taxonomic notes, an identification key to the genus Thonningia, a distribution map and a preliminary assessment of risk extinction for this new species are provided.