A new species of Commelina (Commelinaceae) from Tanzania

Commelina polhillii Faden &- Alford, a new annual species of Commelina with buff-orange flowers. is described from Tanzania. It differs from the similar C. subulata primarily in seed morphology. However, staminode shape, the presence of basal lobes on the medial anther connective, and differences in spathe pubescence also serve to varying extent to distinguish the two taxa. Leaf anatomy reveals one major difference but primarily helps to unite the two species with a group of approximately seven other species. A preliminary chromosome count. 2n = ca. 30, is recorded.