Pinguicula filifolia subsp alba (Lentibulariaceae), a new subspecies with an extremely restricted distribution in Pinar del Rio, Cuba

Abstract

The carnivorous plant Pinguicula filifolia occurs in western Cuba and shows a restricted distribution due to habitat specificity associated with poor wet soils. Its populations are distributed mainly in south Pinar del Rio (Cuba) and in Isla de la Juventud. Plants from one isolated location in NW Pinar del Rio shows morphological differences with respect to the rest of the known populations observed in nature. Subsequent detailed morphological analysis of specimens led to the description of Pinguicula filifolia subsp. alba as a new subspecies. It differs from the typical subspecies in several reproductive traits involving flower, fruit and seed characters and is so far known only from the type locality.