Lithops gracilidelineata subsp. mopane (Aizoaceae): a new subspecies from Mopane-Pachypodium shrubland in northwestern Namibia.
Name
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Description
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Format
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Resource type
Journal article
Date published
December 2, 2025
Abstract
During a comprehensive survey and conservation assessment of populations of Lithops gracilidelineata (Aizoaceae), a population at the northern limit of its distribution was identified as profoundly morphologically and ecologically distinct. Following a taxonomic revision of the infraspecific limits of Lithops gracilidelineata, a new subspecies is described from Mopane-Pachypodium shrubland in northwestern Namibia. Lithops gracilidelineata subsp. mopane S.Hatt can be distinguished by its completely smooth leaf surface relief (vs distinctly rugose), that is very pale, whitish-grey, occasionally with a very pale. pinkish-yellowish tint (vs pale pinkish-beige to very pale, greyish-beige in subsp. gracilidelineata; or pinkish or reddish-brown, rarely more beige or yellowish in subsp. brandbergensis) and being almost exclusively 1-headed (vs often 2 – 3 headed). It differs from all other Lithops species by growing in Mopane shrubland of Colophospermum mopane, with interspersed Pachypodium lealii, amongst quartz pebbles and gravel. Descriptions, photographic illustrations and preliminary conservation assessments are provided for all accepted subspecies of Lithops gracilidelineata. An infraspecific key is also given, completing a revised classification of this threatened and horticulturally important succulent species.
Project(s)
Priority 4: Accelerated Taxonomy
Funder
| Funder name | Awards |
Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, United Arab Emirates | Grant no. 232531392 |
British Cactus and Succulent Society, United Kingdom | Conservation grant |
Internation Organisation for Succulent Plant Study, Switzerland | Research Fund |
Journal title
Kew Bulletin
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Place of publication
Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany
ISSN
0075-5974
eISSN
1874-933X
Date accepted
March 31, 2025
Official URL
Rights statement
In Copyright
Additional information
IF = 0.9 (2024)