Annesorhiza tilneyae (Apiaceae), a new species from the Western Cape, South Africa, validation of the name Annesorhiza asparagoides, and an updated identification key to the species in the genus

Annesorhiza Cham. & Schltdl. (Apiaceae) comprises ca. 23 species endemic to South Africa. The genus is centred in the Greater Cape Floristic Region, with only four species occurring in the summer rainfall regions. In the two decades since Annesorhiza was last revised, the number of recognised species has almost doubled, with 8 species subsequently described and another two transferred to the genus. The high number of new species in the genus can be attributed to the hysteranthous habit, with plants leafless at the time of flowering and fruiting, and that these species are rare, highly localised endemics. Species of Annesorhiza are often overlooked as they flower largely during the dry summer months, and multiple visits are required in order to recover a complete collection for accurate identification. Here we describe another new species from the Bokkeveld Mountains, Annesorhiza tilneyae Magee & Maswoliedza. We also validate the name Annesorhiza asparagoides B. -E. van Wyk with reference to the previously and effectively published descriptions and diagnoses. With several Annesorhiza species described since the last revision, we also provide an updated identifi- cation key to all species within the genus. (c) 2024 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.