Taxonomic resurrection of Muscari wallii (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae)

Abstract

In this study, the taxonomic status of Muscari wallii, considered as a synonym of Muscari tenuiflorum in previous studies, is re-evaluated based on morphological and chorological studies. Muscari wallii is morphologically similar to M. tenuiflorum and M. babachii. However, it is discussed that M. wallii differs mainly by its seed characteristics, posture of pedicels of sterile flowers at maturity and bulb shape from both taxa. It is also distinguished from M. tenuiflorum by the colour of shoulders of fertile flowers and colour of young intermediate flowers, and from M. babachii by the fruit shape, colour of sterile and young intermediate flowers, shape and length of fertile flowers and scabrid leaf margin. A comprehensive description, diagnostic characters, original photographs, geographical distribution, identification key, observations, and taxonomic comments on the resurrected species are presented.