Bulbine alooides (Asphodelaceae), a revision of a misunderstood succulent from the Western Cape

Abstract

Several species of Bulbine resemble an Aloe. This paper clarifies over a century of confusion surrounding application of the name Bulbine alooides, first published by Linnaeus as Anthericum alooides. It is a perennial leaf succulent from the Little Karoo region of South Africa. A very different, deciduous, tuberous species to which this name has been applied in recent decades is given a new name, Bulbine neo-nutans. A key is provided for identification that includes other broad-leaved Bulbines from sur-rounding areas. Three synonyms are reallocated. The fieldwork sheds new light on historical literature.