Notes on the genus Frithia (Mesembryanthemaceae) and the description of a new species, F-humilis, in South Africa

Frithia N.E.Br. (Mesembryanthemaceae), formerly thought to be a monotypic g enus, has been found to comprise two species. Populations from the eastern parts of the distribution range of Frithia pulchra N.E.Br. are recognised a s a distinct species, Frithia humilis P.M. Burgoyne. The genus has a limite d distribution, although present in three provinces of South Africa, namely Gauteng, North-West and Mpumalanga. The two window-leaved species are allo patric and morphological differences between the roots, leaves, flowers, po llen, capsules and seeds are discussed. A formal description of the new spe cies, an identification key and a distribution map of the two species are p rovided.