A new species and section of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) from northern Australia
Date
2008
Authors
Lowrie, A.
Cowie, I.
Conran, J.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Telopea: Journal of plant systematics, 2008; 12(1):31-46
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
A minute, reddish-purple-flowered, new species of Utricularia L. subgenus Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) is described and illustrated: Utricularia simmonsii Lowrie, Cowie & Conran from the western Top End of the Northern Territory and near Lockhart River and Tozer's Gap, Iron Range in far north Queensland. The species represents possibly the world's smallest-flowered carnivorous plant. It shows some affinities to Utricularia sections Enskide and Pleiochasia, but possesses a combination of features not found in any other Utricularia species. The tiny flowers have an open, gullet throat, virtually lack a spur (both unusual features in the genus), the traps lack obvious trigger or guiding hairs, and the seeds have almost fingerprint-like swirled sculpturing. Because of its distinctness, it is placed into a new section: Minutae Lowrie, Cowie & Conran. A key to the Utricularia taxa found in Northern Australia is also provided.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
© 2008 Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust.