A new species of Pearsonia (Fabaceae) from dolomites in Northern Province, South Africa

Abstract

The Wolkberg Centre of endemism (northeastern Drakensberg escarpment) has a high proportion of species endemic to dolomite‐ and quartzite‐derived soils. The Legalameetse Nature Reserve falls largely within the Chuniespoort Formation, which constitutes the dolomite component of the Wolkberg Centre. A number of species that occur within Legalameetse do not match existing material. Among the new taxa discovered is a species of Pearsonia Dümmer, which also occurs on the Wolkberg and in the Ribbokkop area. Pearsonia callistoma is most closely related to P. uniflora. In this paper, the new species is described and its geographical distribution, habitat, flowering time and conservation status are discussed. We also present a revised key for the genus Pearsonia.