taxonID	type	description	language	source
03E287C9FFE9980CDACCF8D75FB6F7D2.taxon	materials_examined	Type: — SPAIN. Castellón: Peñíscola, Sierra de Irta, Cerromar, 31 SBC 5695, 5 m, 29 July 2012, cliffs and coastal rocky outcrops, Navarro, Rosselló, Pérez & Laguna 013001 (holotype VAL- 226810!, isotype BC- 879803!).	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFE9980CDACCF8D75FB6F7D2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: — Planta perennis 40 – 60 (– 70) cm alt., glabra, paucicaulis, foliis ovatis – spatulatis orbiculatis, obtusis et apiculatis, inflorescentia triangulatis – lanceolatis et non ramulis sterilis, spiculis (8 –) 10 – 20 mm longis, bractea inferiore 0.9 – 1.0 × 1.0 mm longa, bractea media 1.0 – 1.3 × 0.9 mm longa, bractea superiore 3.0 – 3.2 × 1.9 – 3. 2 mm longa, calyce 3.6 – 4.2 mm, calyce ex bractea superiore 1.0 – 1.6 mm exserto, petalo violaceo 7.2 – 7.5 × 2.4 – 2.5 mm, semina 1.5 × 0.5 mm. Combinatione pollen / stigma “ B / papillate ”. Chromosomatum numerum 2 n = 26.	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFE9980CDACCF8D75FB6F7D2.taxon	description	Description: — Perennial plant 40 – 60 (– 70) cm tall, with 1 (– 3) stems, glabrous, caudice thick and woody. Stem (20 –) 25 – 45 cm long, smooth, erect, straight, glabrous, 1.3 – 1.5 mm thick. Branching starts from the lower third of the total length of the stem. Basal leaves (3 –) 4 – 7 (– 9) × (0.5 –) 0.7 – 1.7 (– 2.5) cm, the upper ones green at anthesis, sometimes withered, the lower ones withered and persistent. Leaf margin ovate-spathulate to orbicular-elliptic, green, surface slightly rough with numerous papillae; marked and visible midrib to the apex of the leaf, 2 – 3 lateral nerves also visible but slenderer and less marked, reaching the upper third of the blade; apex obtuse to subobtuse; mucro (apiculum) quite visible, up to 2 mm; membranous margin, 0.1 mm; petiole up to 1.2 – 2.2 mm wide (½ ‒ ¾ the length of the blade). Inflorescence (10 –) 15 – 30 cm long, open or with spikelets loosely arranged; shape type C (according to the forms indicated by Erben 1993), triangular-lanceolate, without sterile branches. Spikes (8 –) 10 – 20 mm, loose, straight or slightly arched downwards, erect-patent. Spikelets 1 – 2 (– 3) flowered, 4 – 6 mm long, 3 – 6 per cm; outer bract 0.9 – 1.0 × 1.0 mm, ovate to subcircular, blunt and obtuse apex, wide membranous margin; fleshy inner part and apex nearly reaching (occasionally reaching) the upper margin; middle bract 1.1 – 1.3 × 0.9 mm, oblong, membranous, emarginated; inner bract 3.0 – 3.2 × 1.9 – 3.2 mm, obovate to orbicular (occasionally even wider than longer), with blunt to rounded apex; margin widely membranous, central part 2.5 × 1.9 – 2.0 mm, fleshy, oblong-elliptical, with broad chestnut-coloured margin and apex 0.2 – 0.4 mm, not reaching the margin. Flowers 3 – 5 mm diameter; calyx 3.6 – 4.2 mm, surpassing 1.0 – 1.6 mm the inner bract; tube covered with hairs in all sides except in one of them, hairs densely arranged in one side, teeth 0.4 – 0.5 × 0.6 – 0.7 mm, widely triangular-ovate, obtuse; tube ribs not reaching the base of the teeth; petals 7.0 – 7.5 × 1.8 – 2.5 mm, emarginated, cuneiforms, violet; stigma papillate. Pollen showing a fine reticulum and narrow mesh, B type. Fruit 1.5 × 0.5 mm.	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFE9980CDACCF8D75FB6F7D2.taxon	etymology	Etymology: — The specific epithet refers to the locus classicus, Irta mountains (Spain).	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFE9980CDACCF8D75FB6F7D2.taxon	biology_ecology	Phenology: — Flowering time: June ‒ September. Fruiting time: July ‒ October.	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFE9980CDACCF8D75FB6F7D2.taxon	description	Chromosome number: — 2 n = 26.	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFE9980CDACCF8D75FB6F7D2.taxon	discussion	Taxonomic remarks: — Limonium irtaensis is closely related to the polyploid species L. perplexum, L. virgatum, L. thiniense, and to some members of the L. delicatulum (Girard 1844: 327) Kuntze (1891: 395) complex. On the basis of the cytogenetic grounds, the new species shows the same chromosome number of L. thiniense only, while L. delicatulum has 2 n = 25 and L. perplexum, and L. virgatum have 2 n = 27. According to Palacios et al. (2000) the 2 n = 25, 2 n = 26 and 2 n = 27 chromosome complements did not arise by aneuploidy events in Limonium, but from a contrasting hybrid origin involving reduced and unreduced x = 8 and x = 9 gametes. Thus, the origin of the new species should be traced from ancient hybridogenic processes (diploids with 2 n = 16 and 2 n = 18 are absent from the area where L. irtaensis occurs) or from anagenetic events involving 2 n = 26 ancestors. However, no closely related species having 2 n = 26 chromosomes has been identified. Morphological features from the related L. thiniense, L. girardianum and L. gibertii (Sennen 192 3: 113) Sennen (1936: 271) (all with 2 n = 26 chromosomes) did not support a progenitor-derivative origin from any of these species. From the morphological point of view, L. irtaensis can be distinguished from the related species by 1) its orbicular elliptical leaves, always green at anthesis, and with an obtuse apex, tapering in a long and conspicuous apiculum, and 2) a different inflorescence shape (type C), triangular – lanceolate, with first order branches up to 15 cm long, forming an angle of 50 º – 90 º (Table 1). On the other hand, Limonium irtaensis is morphologically close to L. delicatulum, an endemic species from south-eastern Spain. The aggregate of L. delicatulum is highly diversified in the western Mediterranean region and specifically in the Iberian Peninsula (Erben 1993; Palacios et al. 2000; Lledó et al. 2005). Limonium irtaensis can be distinguished from L. delicatulum by the inflorescence type and its smaller size, as well as by the outer, middle and inner bracts which are always less. Therefore, both morphological and cytogenetical differences allows recognition of L. irtaensis at specific rank (Table 1).	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFE9980CDACCF8D75FB6F7D2.taxon	distribution	Distribution, habitat and ecology: — Limonium irtaensis was found for the first time in July 2012, at Cerromar cliffs (Peñíscola), about 200 m northward to the site where specimens attributed to L. perplexum were formerly recorded (F. Royo, pers. comm.). It grows on an outcrop of calcareous conglomerate belonging to the Quaternary alluvian fans of gravels and clays (IGME 1973) rich in fossils and finely angulated gravels.	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFE9980CDACCF8D75FB6F7D2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status: — During field investigations (2013 ‒ 2014), a total of 19 individuals of Limonium irtaensis were found. Furthermore, a new growing site with 3 specimens was found in 2013 in Cala Ordí (Peñíscola), growing on a similar geological substrate but less rich in gravels. Taking into account the very scarce number of specimens and populations, both located a few meters from buildings or roads, the species is here classified as “ Critically Endangered ” (CR) according to IUCN Red List Category and Criteria (2001, 2011). According to the Valencian threatened species list provided by Aguilella et al. (2009), it should be added to the Valencian vascular species facing an extremely high risk of extinction. It should also be listed at first place according to the absolute Valencian endemism. In order to ensure its surviving, the Centre for Applied Forest Research (CIEF) started in 2012 a recovery programme for this species through the propagation by seeds in order to obtain new seeds / plants for its conservation in the Germplasm Bank at the CIEF.	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFED980ADB8BFDC45B93FA89.taxon	materials_examined	— SPAIN. Alicante: Benidorm, Sierra Helada, 14 April 1982, Aguilella & Mateo s. n. (VAL- 821125); Elche, Balsares del Altet, 8 May 1955, Rigual s. n. (MA- 374703); Elche, cauce del Vinalopó, 28 May 1957, Rigual s. n. (MA- 374676); El Campello, Playa de San Juan, 29 October 1956, Rigual s. n. (MA- 374660); Santa Pola, circa de la Salinera Catalana, 30 Juny 1957, Rigual s. n. (MA- 374665); Novelda-Villena, talud de la vía ferrea, 13 August 1982, Mansanet & al. s. n. (VAL- 743); Villena, Salero de Penalba, 23 August 1961, Rigual s. n. (MA- 374258).	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFED980ADAF9FC195BDEF8A6.taxon	materials_examined	— SPAIN. Formentera (Balearic Islands): Las Salinas, 27 July 1920, Gros s. n. (MA- 701923); Estay Pudent, Les Salines, 9 November 1986, Luceño & Pedrol 1613 (MA- 333456); Sa Pedrera, April 1973, Tarazona s. n. (MA- 507270). Ibiza (Balearic Islands). La Canal (playa), 3 May 1980, Rivas Martínez, Costa & Regueiro s. n. (MA- 421103); ibidem (MA- 421105); Ibiza, Es Codolar, 28 September 1995, Rosselló, Sáez & Torres s. n. (MA- 597409); Ibiza, salinas de Llevant, 28 October 1995, Rosselló, Sáez & Torres s. n. (MA- 597420). Mallorca (Balearic Islands). Palma de Mallorca, Santa Ponsa, 11 October 1989, Erben 826, Morales Valverde & Rosselló (MA- 489228); Palma de Mallorca, Coll d’En Rabossa-San Juan de Dios, 11 October 1989, Rosselló s. n. (MA- 489231); San Juan de Dios, Palma de Mallorca, 2 September 1993, Rosselló. & Sáez s. n. (MA- 597415). Tarragona. Ametlla de Mar, c. estany Tort, May 1997, Sáez s. n. (MA- 597709); Ampolla, cap Roig, May 1997, Sáez s. n. (MA- 597707); Falaises du vieux Château de Salou, 14 July 1924, Gonzalo s. n. (MA- 92301); L’Ampolla, Cap Roig, 27 August 2003, Arán 5674 & Tohá (MA- 711702); Punta de la Creueta, 26 July 1993, Hernández s. n. (MA- 541705); Punta de la Mora, May 1997, Sáez s. n. (MA- 597708); Falaise de la Presqu’ Île de Salou, June 1918, Irlide 4477 (MA- 92298); ibidem (MA- 92300); Tamarit, 9 August 1935, Sennen 9925 (MA- 162718), (MA- 92299); Tarragona, bei Tarragona, Felsküste, 4 September 1972, Erben 51 (MA- 212596).	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFED9809DAF9FE045F41FE0D.taxon	materials_examined	— SPAIN. Alicante: Santa Pola (El Baix Vinalopó), platja Llissa, 30 SYH 1129, 8 October 1998, Güemes, Riera & Estrelles s. n (VAL- 39811); Teulada (La Marina Alta), Moraira, 15 November 1991, Pérez s. n. (VAL- 149652). Castellón. Peníscola (El Baix Maestrat), Penyasegats de la Torre Badún, 31 TBE 76, 17 July 1996, Villaescusa & Tirado 4664 (VAL- 35402); Peníscola (El Baix Maestrat), Penyasegats de la Torre Badún, 31 TBE 76, 17 July 1996, Villaescusa & Tirado 4665 (VAL- 35403); Penyiscola (Baix Maestrat), Cap d’Irta, 31 TBE 76, 27 July 1988, Aguilella, Baeza & Riera AAP- 1878 (VAL- 21247); Penyiscola (Baix Maestrat), Cap. d’Irta, 31 TBE 76, 27 July 1988, Aguilella, Baeza & Riera AAP- 1877 (VAL- 21246); Penyiscola (Baix Maestrat), Cap. d’Irta, 31 TBE 76, 27 July 1988, Aguilella, Baeza & Riera AAP- 1879 (VAL- 21248); Penyiscola (Baix Maestrat), Cap. d’Irta, 31 TBE 76, 27 July 1988, Aguilella, Baeza & Riera AAP- 1881 (VAL- 21250); Penyiscola (Baix Maestrat), Cap. d’Irta, 31 TBE 76, 27 July 1988, Aguilella, Baeza & Riera AAP- 1880 (VAL- 21249). Tarragona. Delta de l’Ebre, July 1980, Boisset s. n. (VAL- 176324); Delta de l’Ebre, July 1980, Boisset s. n. (VAL- 118351); Delta del Ebro, 30 July 1986, Aguilella & Boisset s. n. (VAL- 175883). Valencia. Canet d’En Berenguer (El Camp de Morvedre), platja de L’Almardà, 30 SYJ 49, 18 July 1982, Aguilella, Mansanet & García-Fayos s. n. (VAL- 175885); Puçol (L’Horta), platja, 30 SYJ 38, 23 July 1982, Aguilella s. n. (VAL- 175884); Valencia (Horta), El Saler, Mallà de la Venta, 30 SYJ 35, 28 October 1981, Costa, Beltrán & Peris s. n. (VAL- 200022); Valencia (L’Horta), Devesa de l’Albufera, Mallà del Garrofer, July 1984, Mateu s. n. (VAL- 118352).	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFEE9809DAF9F89D596FFDC4.taxon	materials_examined	— SPAIN. Castellón: Peñíscola, Sierra de Irta, Cerromar, 29 July 2012, Navarro, Rosselló, Pérez & Laguna 013001 (VAL- 226810); ibidem (BC- 879803!).	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFEE9809DAF9FB275850FD7A.taxon	materials_examined	— SPAIN. Castellón. Serra d’Irta, ubi loco dicto Torre Badum, pr. Peñíscola, 30 May 1997, Mayol & Sáez s. n. (MA- 611342, holotype).	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFEE9809DAF9FBE858B1FC81.taxon	materials_examined	— SPAIN. Alicante. Elche, Balsares del Altet, 8 May 1956, Rigual s. n. (MA- 374679); Los Balsares del Altet, El Altet, 8 May 1956, Rigual s. n. (MA- 374679). Albacete: Corral Rubio, laguna Hoya Rasa, 23 June 1995, Cirujano & al. s. n. (MA- 593320); entrada al pueblo de Pétrola, 22 July 1976, Cirujano & Castroviejo 58 (MA- 458775); Higueruela, laguna de Salobrejo, 24 September 1996, Cirujano & al. s. n. (MA- 593318); Los Llanos, 18 September 1996, Cirujano & al s. n. (MA- 593321); Pétrola, laguna de Pétrola, 18 September 1996, Cirujano & al s. n. (MA- 593319). Almería. Mojácar, pr. locum dictum Lomos cantal, ad 5 m, secus viam, 16 April 1976, Fernández Casas 1086 & García Guardia (MA- 394531).	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
03E287C9FFEE9809DAF9FAE25FB7FC1B.taxon	materials_examined	— SPAIN. Castellón. Cabanes, Prat de l’Albalat dels Ànecs, 30 November 1983, Aguilella s. n. (VAL- 2645); Ribera de Cabanes, 23 July 1983, Mansanet & al. s. n. (VAL- 787); Torreblanca, 23 July 1982, Mansanet & al. s. n. (VAL- 783). Valencia: Cullera, Faro de Cullera, 24 November 1993, Güemes s. n. (VAL- 1352).	en	Ferrer-Gallego, P. P., Navarro, A., Pérez, P., Roselló, R., Rosselló, J. A., Rosato, M., Laguna, E. (2015): A new polyploid species of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) from the Western Mediterranean basin. Phytotaxa 234 (3): 263-270, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.234.3.7
