A new cryptic species in Behria (Asparagaceae, Brodiaeoideae), from the Baja California peninsula, Mexico

Abstract

Behria is a genus of petaloid geophytes endemic to the Cape Region of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It belongs to the Milla clade within the subfamily Brodiaeoideae of the Asparagaceae family. Currently, Behria tenuiflora is the only recognized species within this genus. In our methodological approach, we considered two distinct floral morphotypes: Group A consists of populations found at lowland elevations (10–150 m), while Group B comprises plants growing at mid to high elevations (400–2060 m). The aim of our study was to investigate whether there are discernible morphological differences and correlations with climate variables between Behria Group A and Group B. To address this, we measured nine quantitative characters for 94 plants from seven populations of Behria tenuiflora. Our findings revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in pedicel length, perianth length, perianth base diameter, and perianth aperture diameter of the analyzed Behria groups. Based on these results, we propose the recognition of Behria leonis as a new species. Additionally, we provide a morphological key for distinguishing Behria and Bessera genera, along with illustrations, a distribution map, and photographs.