Dracaena laxissima Engl. forma aureilicia Wiland & Q.Luke, 2018

Damen, T. H. J., Burg, W. J. van der, Wiland-Szymańska, J. & Sosef, M. S. M., 2018, Taxonomic novelties in African Dracaena (Dracaenaceae), Blumea 63 (1), pp. 31-53 : 39-40

13. Dracaena laxissima Engl. forma aureilicia Wiland & Q.Luke , forma nov. — Plate 4; Map 12

A form differing from the typical form of D. laxissima by distinctive, white cream or yellowish, irregularly undulating bands along transversal veins of the leaves. Flowers greenish white, usually with no pinkish taint, as in the typical form of D. laxissima . — Type: Lisowski, S 80127 (holo POZG 2 sheets), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Orientale, route Kisangani-Lubutu, km 189, près du village Mengwe, S0°26' E26°13', 6 Dec. 1981.

Etymology. The transversal bands on the leaves of this form reminds of a golden thread in a green fabric.

Distribution — Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania.

Map 12 Distribution of Dracaena laxissima Engl. forma laxissima (●) and Dracaena laxissima Engl. forma aureilicia Wiland & Q.Luke (▲).

Plate 4 Dracaena laxissima Engl. forma aureilicia Wiland & Q. Luke , habit and young inflorescence showing typical variegation, Luke s.n. — Photo: WRQ Luke .

Ecology — Primary, riverine and swamp forest; foodplant for Artitropa sp. (S. Collins, pers. comm.), at 300–1600 m altitude. Flowering: February, March.

Other specimens examined. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, Bandundu, Mushie, Bomongo , c. S2°10' E16°14', Feb. 1951, Flamigni, A 10269 ( BR, WAG) ; Equateur, Ikela, Yalikungu , c. S0°42' E22°36', 28 Nov. 1958, Evrard, CM 5258 ( BR) . – TANZANIA, Iringa, Kilolo District, Iyai village, Image Forest Reserve , Mountains Range , Selebu Mountain Base , Ihongole valley , S7°33.4' E36°09.9',alt. 1510–1600 m, 2 Sept. 2011, Kayombo, CJ 6963 ( TAN, WAG) ; Morogoro, Kilombero District, top end of Kihanzi Gorge , S8°34' E35°51', alt. 1000–1100 m, 17 Apr. 2008, Bidgood, GS 6462 ( K, P, WAG) ; culta in Steve Collins’ garden Nairobi, Kenya ,ex Kihansi Gorge ,c. S8° 35149' E35° 505916', alt. 910 m, 5 Mar. 2010, Luke Q s.n. (WAG-photo); Tanga, Muheza District, Kwezitu public forest along path to peak between Mkalamo and Gonja subvil- lages, S4°59.3' E38°40.2',alt. 825 m, 4Aug.2000, Mwangoka, MA 1594 ( MO, POZG) .