A photograph taken by a German tourist in Monchique has led to the discovery of a new plant species when the image, posted on a nature photography website, caught the attention of botanist João Farminhão, who suspected that the plant was a previously unidentified species of toadflax.
The photograph had been taken in March 2023 during the tourist’s trip around Portugal, and was initially identified as a different species. A year later, botanist João Farminhão travelled to Cerro do Castelo de Alferce, in the municipality of Monchique, where he found a small population of the plant, which had never previously been described in the scientific literature, the Público newspaper has reported.
The new species has been named Alferce toadflax, or Linaria alfercensis, after the locality where it grows. Its flowers are distinguished by yellow petals marked with spots and two dark stripes on the lower part, as well as an upright growth habit that differs from that of its closest relatives.
The initial suspicion was subsequently confirmed through a review of herbarium material, citizen science records, and DNA analysis. The research placed the new species on its own distinct branch, close to two other toadflax species endemic to the Algarve: Linaria algarviana and Linaria bimaculata.
According to João Farminhão, the distribution of these plants is closely linked to the soils in which they grow. Linaria alfercensis is found mainly in poor, acidic soils associated with nepheline syenites, a rare rock formation belonging to the Monchique Igneous Complex.
Researchers have proposed that it be classified as “Endangered”, as only a few dozen flowering plants are currently known to exist. Among the threats identified are eucalyptus plantations, invasive mimosa acacia, and the risk of wildfires affecting the Monchique area. Officials have introduced conservation measures at the site where the population is concentrated.
The new species will also be the subject of a talk by João Farminhão as part of the European Heritage Days programme.
Source: Público
Photo credit: christiane40 / iNaturalist
