On the real identity of the Strelitzia cultivated in Sicily’s historic gardens

Abstract

The authors, on the basis of field observations and literature search, conclude that all tree-like plants of Strelitzia grown in Sicily belong to Strelitzia nicolaii. Therefore Strelitzia alba (= Strelitzia augusta), which was generally considered to be commonly cultivated in Sicily since the nineteenth century, if it ever was cultivated on the island, is not currently found there. The Lectotypes of the names S. nicolaii and S. alba are here designated.