Chlorophytum undefined-1

31. Chlorophytum sp. 1 Figs 6A, 46–47 Material examined MADAGASCAR – Sofia Region [Mahajanga Prov.] • Col d’Andavakaka, Befandriana (Nord); [15°21′ S, 47°40′ E]; 24 Dec. 1942; fl; J. Botanique 5668; P [P06169906]!. Description Underground parts and leaves unknown. Inflorescence unbranched, robust with a smooth, truncate peduncle, bearing two very long bracts up to 12.5 × 0.3 cm, that resemble leaves, terminating in a fine apex, with 18 prominent, closely-spaced veins, and with scabrous margins; flowering rachis, 12–13 cm long, floral bract 13.5 × 2.5 mm, similar to the inflorescence bract but shorter, longer than the pedicel, the latter, 5.5 mm long, articulation medial, flowers 1–2 per node, flower 16 mm long, tepals white, ovate, with 5 veins, the central 3 converging at the apex, unequal; outer tepals 14 × 3 mm; inner 15 × 4 mm; stamens almost equaling the perianth in length, the filaments flattened, 6.5 mm long, narrowed at the top, the anthers long conical, 8–9 mm long, the margins of the dehiscence slit denticulate, and the apex rounded, with a hastate base and a flat heel, 0.6–0.7 mm long at the base of the connective; gynoecium: ovary 2.2 × 2.0 mm, narrowed at the base, ovules 10 per locule; immature capsule taller than wide. Phenology The specimen flowered in December in cultivation at the Tsimbazaza Botanical Garden in Antananarivo (altitude of 1500 m). A young fruit was also formed. Distribution and ecology The plant was collected in northern Madagascar, in the region of Befandriana, on a rocky substrate consisting of granite and metamorphic rocks at an altitude of approximately 500 m. No further information was provided by the collector about its habitat. Remark The plant was collected in Befandriana Nord and subsequently cultivated in the gardens of Tsimbazaza, where it flowered and herbarium specimens were prepared. The herbarium specimen, composed of the dried floral parts, lacks underground organs and leaves. This collection appears clearly distinct from other species. However, its fragmentary condition provides only for an incomplete description, that we consider insufficient for formally establishing a new taxon. Nonetheless, the specimen clearly belongs to Perrier de la Bâthie's Group 2, and a targeted search for adequate material in the Befandriana Region is needed.