A review of Dilatris P.J.Bergius (Haemodoraceae: Haemodoroideae)

Dilatris P.J.Bergius is a genus of four species restricted to the Core Cape Floristic Region. It is diagnosed in the family by the bright red or orange coloration of its roots and rhizomes, the rounded or flat-topped inflorescence of bifurcate or trifurcate helicoid cyme units, flowers with long-lived tepals that are gland-dotted apically, an androecium of three dimorphic stamens with one (adaxial) short filament bearing a large anther and two (abaxial) longer filaments bearing smaller anthers, and a predominantly inferior, trilocular ovary with a solitary ovule in each locule, maturing into a septicidal or septifragal capsule. The species are all fully described and illustrated, and an identification key is provided. The new subgenus Paradilatris S.D. Hopper ex J.C. Manning is described for D. viscosa to emphasise the several morphological differences between this species and the others.