667. HEMIPOGON ABIETOIDES

An illustration and a complete description of Hemipogon abietoides E. Fourn. are provided. Until recently this species was known only from the type, collected in 1825 by Riedel, during the first part of Baron Langsdorff's legendary expedition. Now rediscovered after more than 180 years, Hemipogon abietoides is a beautiful example of how a combination of micro-endemism and uneven collecting effort may distort our perception of the distribution of species and their conservation status. The importance of conserving particular areas of high endemism is emphasised.