Revision of the genus Faucaria (Ruschioideae: Aizoaceae) in South Africa

Abstract

Faucaria Schwantes is a small genus of succulents, concentrated in south-central Eastern Cape. Distinguishing features of Faucaria are the characteristically dotted and toothed leaves and the structure of the seed capsule. A taxonomic review of the genus is presented, including relationship, diagnostic features, variation, distribution and ecology. The revision reduces the number of species from 33 to six: F. bosscheana, F. felina, F. gratiae, F. nemorosa, F. subintegra, and F. tigrina. Two new subspecific combinations, F. felina subsp. britteniae and F. felina subsp. tuberculosa have been made. A cladogram is included. A key to the taxa is provided and each species is described and illustrated.