SANIELLA AND ITS RELATION TO OTHER SOUTH AFRICAN GENERA OF HYPOXIDACEAE

Abstract

A re-examination of the status of the monotypic genus Saniella Hilliard & Burtt (Hypoxidaceae) was inspired by the rediscovery of Empodium occidentale on Hantam Mountain in Calvinia Division, SW Cape. This plant does not belong to Empodium, and has critical features that show that it is better placed as a second species of Saniella, but at the same time it lessens the gap between Saniella and Spiloxene. It is concluded that the whole question of the interrelations of Saniella, Spiloxene and Pauridia needs to be studied in depth. In the interim these three genera should all be maintained. Empodium occidentale is accordingly transferred to Saniella.