News of a new species of Trillium described to add to the list of these "bulbs" ( in the widest sense!)
Trillium delicatum A. Floden & E. E. Schill., just published, February 2019 .
Comments from Aaron Floden : "A very rare species, much rarer than the federally endangered
T. reliquum which is now known from over 50 populations. This new species is tiny, gregarious in the wild and cultivation forming extensive clumps from thin branching rhizomes. The scale shown is cm. It is also very rare with 4 known sites which could easily be wiped out with some land alteration so delicate in many senses. Its odor is not delicate and is very horse manure like."
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/aspt/sb/pre-prints/content-1800002?fbclid=IwAR3GRzv8le97mffj0dBt_cniIu_G_yS0uAYHV9zDIL2ZL9VmJ_rk64PYs6YA New Species of Trillium (Melanthiaceae) from Central Georgia and its Phylogenetic Position in subgenus Sessilium
Authors: Edward E. Schilling; Aaron Floden; Jayne Lampley; Thomas S. Patrick; Susan B. Farmer
Source: Systematic Botany
Publisher: American Society of Plant Taxonomists
Abstract:
Analysis of molecular phylogenetic data was used to reveal the existence of a novel species of Trillium subgen. Sessilium.
Trillium delicatum sp. nov. differs from the two other low-growing species of the subgenus,
T. decumbens and
T. reliquum, in features such as straight stems and dung-scented flowers. It occurs in wet floodplain forests in the Oconee and Ocmulgee river drainages in central Georgia, and has a distinct floral scent compared to the wide spectrum in Trillium. The molecular phylogenetic results based on four markers (nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid trnHpsbA, trnL-trnF, and rpl32-trnL spacers) included samples of all species of the subgenus, and documented the distinctiveness of b>
T. delicatum as a distinct taxon and also provided resolution of species relationships that suggested that the subgenus originated in southeastern North America with two migrations to western North America. The molecular results also suggested the need for closer examination of
T. cuneatum and
T. lancifolium, and also to assess whether
T. decipiens and
T. underwoodii are distinct species. Based on the few known populations and susceptibility to damage by hogs,
Trillium delicatum is a rare species requiring protection.
Systematic Botany - Systematic Botany is the scientific journal of the American Society of Plant Taxonomists and publishes four issues per year.
ISSN 0363-6445 (Print); ISSN 1548-2324 (Online)
