A new Delphinium subsp from formentera (Balearic Islands)

A new subspecies, Delphinium pentagynum subsp. formenteranum N. Torres, L. Saez, Rossello & C. Blanche, is described from the island of Formentera (Py tiusic 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 ne w taxon is regarded as a schizoendemic and dry island vicariant of Iberian and North African populations of D. pentagynum subsp. pentagynum which prob ably evolved under insular isolation. After revision of its conservation st atus, it should be considered as critically endangered (CR) following the I UCN criteria. (C) 2000 The Linnean Society of London.