Convolvulus hystrix subsp. inermis (Chiov.) J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland, 2015

Wood, John R. I., Williams, Bethany R. M., Mitchell, Thomas C., Carine, Mark A., Harris, David J. & Scotland, Robert W., 2015, A foundation monograph of Convolvulus L. (Convolvulaceae), PhytoKeys 51, pp. 1-282 : 130

104c. Convolvulus hystrix subsp. inermis (Chiov.) J.R.I.Wood & R.W.Scotland stat. nov.

Convolvulus hystrix forma inermis Chiov., Fl. Somala 1: 230. 1929. ( Chiovenda 1929: 230). Type. SOMALIA, Nogol, Puccioni & Stefanini 942 (holotype FT!).

Type.

Based on Convolvulus hystrix forma inermis Chiov.

Distinguishing features.

Plant virtually unarmed, the side branches long, relatively slender, spinescent when old, short lateral branchlets absent or, when present, neither rigid nor spine-like. Indumentum and flower heads similar to subsp. hystrix .

Distribution.

Bari and Nogol regions of NE Somalia (Hansen & Heemstra 6297, Becket 687, Nugent 33, Hemming 1866).

Notes.

Occasional specimens intermediate with subspecies hystrix are known from the same region (Lavranos & Carter 24645, Bally & Melville 15450).

Two other specimens from NE Somalia (Beckett 42, Thulin et al. 9488) are close to both Convolvulus hystrix subsp. inermis and Convolvulus scopulatus . They are similar in habit to both species but the stems and leaves are sericeous, the leaves oblong-lanceolate and the bracteoles similar to the leaves but acuminate to a fine point. They may represent an undescribed species or a form of Convolvulus hystrix or Convolvulus scopulatus .