New species native to Portuguese flora confirmed: Ononis varelae (Fabaceae)

Last July, the scientific article entitled “Ononis varelae (Fabaceae), a new species to the Portuguese flora” was published in the journal Acta Botanica Malacitana (University of Malaga), authored by MARE researcher André Carapeto and the Herbarium of the University of Algarve.

The study confirms for the first time the presence of the species Ononis varelae in Portugal, based on two specimens collected in 2024 in the Odeleite river valley, in the Serra do Caldeirão (Algarve). In addition, an in-depth analysis of herbarium collections has identified a previous specimen, dating from 1969, from the same region—which reinforces the evidence of the species' natural occurrence in Portugal.

Ononis varelae, until now considered endemic to the Sierra Morena in southwestern Spain, is thus officially included in the Portuguese vascular flora as a native and endemic Iberian species. The article emphasizes that the Portuguese specimens occur in habitats identical to those described for the Spanish populations, namely areas with schistose, stony substrate and a semi-arid Mediterranean influence.

Given its extremely limited distribution in Portugal, the authors propose a preliminary assessment of the species as “Endangered” according to the IUCN Red List criteria, highlighting the urgency of monitoring, ex situ conservation, and habitat preservation actions.

The publication represents a significant contribution to knowledge about biodiversity in Portugal, highlighting the importance of taxonomic research and the ongoing study of the country's natural heritage.

To access the article, click HERE