A new Delphinium subsp. from Formentera (Balearic Islands)

A new subspecies, Delphinium pentagynum subsp. formenteranum N. Torres, L. Saez, Rossello and C. Blanche, is described from the island of Formentera (Pytiusic Islands, Balearic archipelago). The new plant differs from typical D. pentagynum by the narrower sepals and smaller size of the corolla, spur, and follicles. Both D. pentagynum subsp. pentagynum and D, pentagynum subsp. formenteranum have 2n = 16 chromosomes and share similar karyotypes. The new taxon is regarded as a schizoendemic and dry island vicariant of Iberian and North African populations of D. pentagynum subsp. pentagynum which probably evolved under insular isolation. After revision of its conservation status, it should be considered as critically endangered (CR) following the IUCN criteria. (C) 2000 The Linnean Society of London.