 |
| Eulophia edwardii Bytebier, in Bytebier, 2023. |
Abstract
Background and aims – Despite the fact that the orchid flora of South Africa is well documented, new species are still being discovered. The identity of an Eulophia subpopulation from near Port Edward in KwaZulu-Natal has been ambiguous. Some thought that it belongs to Eulophia schnelliae, currently considered a synonym of Eulophia macowanii, whereas others were of the opinion that it was potentially a new species. Both hypotheses are investigated here.
Material and methods – Plants were studied in the field and herbarium specimens, including types, were consulted. The relevant published literature was revised.
Key results – Eulophia schnelliae is confirmed as a synonym of Eulophia macowanii. The Port Edward subpopulation does not match any known Eulophia taxon and is newly described as Eulophia edwardii, endemic to the Pondoland Centre of Endemism. It is only known from one subpopulation of about 200 individuals, which is threatened by urban development. It is, therefore, assessed as Critically Endangered according to Criterion B2ab(i,ii,iii).
Conclusion – The newly described species increases the number of Eulophia species in South Africa to 29 and the number of endemic Eulophia species to 10. This discovery underlines the need for continued botanical inventories and protection of sensitive grasslands.
Keywords: Cymbidieae, Eulophiinae, KwaZulu-Natal, new species, Orchidaceae, Pondoland
 |
| Eulophia edwardii. A. Habit. B. Anther cap: side view and view from below. C. Pollinarium. D. Column: front and side view. E. Petal. F. Lip. G. Sepal. H. Pedicel, ovary, median sepal and part of lip showing spur. I. Apex of spur. J. Papillae on lip. K. Side view of flower. L. Front view of flower. M. Leaves. Figure drawn by Kate Grieve. |
 |
| Eulophia edwardii. A. Inflorescence. B. Flower. C. Plant in habitat. Photographs A and B by Florent Martos; C by Graham Grieve. |
Eulophia edwardii Bytebier, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Eulophia edwardii is morphologically most similar to E. macowanii, but differs from E. macowanii by having fully resupinate flowers at anthesis vs non-resupinate in E. macowanii, by having white petals vs creamy-yellow petals; and by having papery, overlapping sheaths on the peduncle vs more sturdy, non-overlapping sheaths or occasionally the tip of one sheath only just reaching the bottom of the next one. It differs from E. ovalis by having spreading petals instead of petals that cover the column and are bent over the lip.
Etymology: Named in honour of Edward (Ted) George Hudson Oliver for his lifelong dedication to botany, particularly the study of Ericaceae and Orchidaceae. Indirectly, it also refers to Port Edward, so far, the only place where this taxon is known to occur.
Benny Bytebier. 2023. Eulophia edwardii (Orchidaceae), A New Species from the Pondoland Centre of Endemism in South Africa. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 156(3): 326-332. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.105931
