Summary

Galanthus subalpinus (Amaryllidaceae), a new snowdrop species endemic to the Western Balkans (North Macedonia and Kosovo) is described and illustrated. Morphological differences between the new species and the similar Galanthus species, G. nivalis and G. graecus, are reported and discussed, in combination with DNA sequence data from plastid (trnL-trnF, matK) and nuclear (ribosomal ITS) markers and genome size. Line drawings, photographs of habitat and morphology, a distribution map and a preliminary conservation assessment are provided. The genome size (1C-value) of G. bursanus, G. samothracicus and G. × valentinei nothosubsp. subplicatus are reported for the first time.

Key Words: Balkan flora, conservation, genome size, 1C-value.

Galanthus subalpinus.  A habit, flowering; B habit, flower bud stage; C young emerging leaves, showing applanate vernation; D flower; E outer perianth segment, abaxial view (right) and adaxial view (left); F inner perianth segments, with alternative marking types (below), all in abaxial view; G inner perianth segment, adaxial view. Scale bar: A – C = 4 cm; D = 2.5 cm; E – G = 1 cm.  All from McEnery s.n. drawn by Lucy T. Smith.

Galanthus subalpinus in situ and in cultivation. A habitat, subalpine grassland; B small clump, situated in an ephemeral water pool; C flowers; D leaves at early fruiting stage. A – B North Macedonia; C – D UK, in cultivation. photos: I. Mcenery.

Galanthus subalpinus A.P.Davis & I.McEnery sp. nov.