A SURVEY OF THE RUBUS SPECIES (ROSACEAE) DESCRIBED FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS

Abstract

Taxonomy, nomenclature and distribution of the bramble species (Rubus L., subgen. Rubus) described from the Canary Islands are studied. Apart from the widespread Mediterranean R. ulmifolius Schott two species occur: R. bollei Focke (Syn.: R. canariensis Focke, R. suspiciosus Menezes) and R. palmensis A. Hansen. The latter is not an endemic of La Palma as assumed by its discoverer, but is recorded for the first time also in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Complete descriptions are provided, and illustrations of distinctive features often lacking in herbarium specimens are presented. Problems concerning the typification are discussed. Rubus x wolfredoi-wildpretii H. E. Weber nothospec. nov., the frequent hybrid between Rubus bollei and R. ulmifolius is described as new to science. Rubus bommuelleri Focke from Gran Canaria is based on a specimen dubium and has to be deleted from the list of Canarian species.