Validation of Hostaalata (Asparagaceae) as a new species and its phylogenetic affinity

Molecular phylogenetic studies of Hostapulchella (Asparagaceae) and its relatives, which are native to Japan, have been conducted and resulted in a highly resolved phylogeny. Specifically, the relationship of H.pulchella to H.alata Hatusima, nom. nud. is investigated. These data include genome-wide SNPs obtained through conducting multiplexed ISSR genotyping by sequencing (MIG-seq). Based on these phylogenetic results, morphological observations, distribution, and differences in flowering periods of H.alata collections sympatric with H.pulchella, we find the two species closely related, but distinct. As such, we formally describe Hostaalatasp. nov. from the Oita Prefecture of Kyushu island, southwestern Japan.