ARS | Publication request: Lotus alianus, a new species from Cabo Verde and nomeenclatural notes on Lotus section Pedrosia (Fabaceae)

Submitted to: Pakistan Journal of Botany
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: September 1, 2010
Publication Date: December 10, 2010
Citation: Kirkbride, J.H. 2010. Lotus alianus, a new species from Cabo Verde and nomeenclatural notes on Lotus section Pedrosia (Fabaceae). Pakistan Journal of Botany. 42:1-10.

Interpretive Summary: A rare, new species of bird’s foot trefoil from the Cape Verde Islands is described for the first time. It is found in dry habitats on just two islands, Ilha de Santo Antao and Ilha de Sao Vicente. The Cretan bird’s foot trefoil is a widespread species in the Mediterranean region, and two other species were discovered to be the same as it. A characteristic collection is designated for the false Cretan bird’s foot trefoil. The restriction of the St. James’ trefoil to the Cape Verde Islands is discussed, and a new characteristic collection is designated for the linear leafed bird’s foot trefoil of the Cape Verde Islands. The correct scientific name for Oliveira’s bird’s foot trefoil is discussed.

Technical Abstract: Lotus alianus J.H. Kirkbr., sp. nov., is described and illustrated. It is a rare endemic species from the Republic of Cape Verde, and is found in dry habitats on just two islands, Ilhas de Santo Antao and Sao Vicente. In addition, two species names are synonymized with L. creticus L., and a lectotype is designated for L. pseudocreticus Maire, Weiller & Wilczek. The distribution of L. jacobaeus L. is clarified as endemic to Cape Verde, and a neotype is designated for L. linearis Walp. Lotus oliveirae A. Chev. is the correct name for the species previously known as L. latifolius Brand.