Revision of Asparagus L. sect. Myrsiphyllum (Willd.) Baker ex H.Perrier (Asparagaceae) from Madagascar, with the description of five new species and two new varieties

Asparagus L. sect. Myrsiphyllum (Willd.) Baker ex H.Perrier, which includes the members of the genus with phylloclades, is defined and revised for Madagascar and the Comoro Islands based primarily on morphological evidence. This builds on earlier treatments of the group, taking into account the wealth of new material now available. In this study, nine species are recognised, including five species and two varieties that are new to science: A. andriamihajarivoi M.Pignal & Phillipson sp. nov., A. bambusiformis M.Pignal & Phillipson sp. nov., A. laticladus M.Pignal & Phillipson sp. nov., A. messmerae M.Pignal & Phillipson sp. nov., A. simulans Baker var. falcicladus M.Pignal & Phillipson var. nov., A. simulans var. recticladus M.Pignal & Phillipson var. nov., and A. tsaratananensis M.Pignal & Phillipson sp. nov. Asparagus madagascariensis Baker is also reinstated, having previously been treated as a synonym of A. simulans by Perrier de la Bâthie. An identification key is provided for the currently recognised species along with a key to the varieties of A. simulans. A provisional IUCN Red List assessment is proposed for each taxon.