[Botany • 2016] Kericodon (Campanulaceae s.s.), A New Monotypic Wahlenbergioid Genus from South Africa

Fig. 5: Kericodon crispus in situ on flats near Clanwilliam.

photo: Christopher N. Cupido. 
DOI: 10.1007/s12225-016-9671-4 

Summary

Evidence is presented to support the exclusion of Prismatocarpus crispus from Prismatocarpus and placing it in a new monotypic genus, Kericodon. It is distinct from Prismatocarpus in its annual growth form, three or rarely two or four pairs of style glands, capsule dehiscence via numerous longitudinal segments not corresponding to the calyx lobes, pericarp sclerenchyma arranged in discrete bundles and a rugose-like Type 1E seed coat sculpturing pattern. The closely related P. hildebrandtii is placed in synonymy with Kericodon crispus.

Key Words: New taxon; pericarp anatomy; Prismatocarpus crispus; seed coat; Wahlenbergia; Western Cape

Kericodon Cupido gen. nov. 

Type: Kericodon crispus (L’Hér.) Cupido

Etymology. The name, Kericodon, is derived from Greek, keri = candle and codon = bell. It refers to the general appearance of the flowering plants in the field, resembling candles in a candlestick.

Christopher N. Cupido and Frans M. Weitz. 2016. Kericodon (Campanulaceae s.s.), A New Monotypic Wahlenbergioid Genus from South Africa.
 Kew Bulletin. 71(4); 56. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-016-9671-4