Pinguicula lithophytica is not conspecific with Pinguicula jaraguana or a variety of Pinguicula jackii

Abstract

The taxonomic status of Pinguicula lithophytica had been challenged both in publications and in discussions. It was proposed that P. lithophytica is conspecific with Pinguicula jaraguana. Both taxa represent Cuban endemics but they are from widely separate locations. Comparison with P. jaraguana was not considered by Panfet Valdés and Temple as the taxon was unknown to the authors; subsequent awareness did not cause the authors to question their original decision that assigned species status to P. lithophytica that some individuals later perceived demonstrated no significant differences to P. jaraguana. Recently published and even more recent unpublished information concerning P. jaraguana has allowed comparison with previously unpublished information about P. lithophytica. Comparison of the morphology of both species, especially of newly described seeds and new or enhanced measurement of leaf length and width and flower characteristics reveals sufficient differences to attest to their being separate taxa. The name Pinguicula lithophytica was also presented as synonymous with P. jackii var. parviflora but this is rejected as the latter name has no valid publication