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Aloes and Lilies of Ethiopia and Eritrea

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202 HYACINTHACEAE<br />

Fig. 96. Albuca abyssinica, from between Mega <strong>and</strong> Megado, Sidamo floristic<br />

region.<br />

Albuca tenuis<br />

Description<br />

abyssinica, <strong>and</strong> sometimes glabrous <strong>and</strong> pubescent forms<br />

are found in the same population. Albuca chaetopoda<br />

Chiov. was described from Somalia, characterised by<br />

fibrous remains from old leaves surrounding the basal<br />

leaves. This trait is not clearly correlated with other traits,<br />

<strong>and</strong> it is here not regarded as important enough to justify<br />

specific rank. More studies in the field are needed to sort<br />

out <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong> the variation in this very variable<br />

species. Possibly subspecies might be justified.<br />

2. Albuca tenuis Knudtzon<br />

The species epithet ‘tenuis’ refers to the relatively tiny<br />

size <strong>of</strong> this plant. It was described based on Kenyan<br />

material by Knudt zon in 1986. Compared to the former<br />

species, it is recognised by the filiform <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>ten spirally<br />

twisted leaves.<br />

Small plants up to 15 cm. Bulbs c. 2 cm in diameter, with or without<br />

fibrous remnants <strong>of</strong> old leaves. Leaves filiform, <strong>of</strong>ten spirally<br />

twisted, 10 × 0.1cm. Pedicels 2 mm long. Tepals 10–11 mm long.<br />

Style about as long as the ovary. Capsules <strong>and</strong> seeds not known.

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