A taxonomic revision of the genusHydnora(Hydnoraceae)

Abstract

SummaryA systematic monograph is presented for Hydnora (Hydnoraceae), a poorly known genus of holoparasitic plants distributed across Africa, Madagascar and southern Arabia. Species ofHydnoraare characterised by their underground habit, unusual fleshy flowers and complete absence of leaves or photosynthetic tissue. This is the first detailed monograph of the genus Hydnora since 1935 and is informed by a comprehensive survey of herbarium specimens and literature. Detailed descriptions, full synonymy, distribution maps and discussion concerning confusable taxa are provided for each species, along notes on ethnobotany, ecology and conservation. We place particular emphasis on the taxonomic value of osmophore geometry and positioning in living and dried material, which are highly consistent within species. We also provide the first detailed assessment of host range across the genus.Hydnora hanningtoniiRendle andH. solmsianaDinter are reinstated from synonymy, andH. boliniiHatt is newly described here. The infrageneric classification is reviewed and a key is provided for both living and dried material. Species are accompanied by both illustrations and photographs of living and dried material where possible.