Loncomelos Raf.
Loncomelos is a segregate of Ornithogalum L. (see under the latter genus for additional information on the generic boundaries within Ornithogaloideae). Long and narrow, multi-flowered inflorescences, triangular capsules and entirely green leaves (i.e., without a central white stripe) separate it from the other segregates of Ornithogalum s.l. in Belgium. It is confined to Eurasia and counts ca. 20 species (Martínez-Azorín & al. 2011). A single species, Loncomelos pyrenaicum (L.) Holub (syn.: Ornithogalum pyrenaicum L.), is originally native in Belgium (Lambinon & Verloove 2012). Outside of its native distribution range it is occasionally naturalized elsewhere in Belgium (e.g. Adriaens & al. 2000, Van Landuyt 2006). At present it is known in Flanders from three localities where it seems well established (Boortmeerbeek, Ranst and Stekene; see: http://waarnemingen.be/soort/view/26620). Two others species have been recorded as aliens. All species in this account, native as well as non-native, are also cultivated as ornamentals (e.g. Jäger & al. 2008, Graham 2012).
1 Perianth pale yellowish-greenish inside, greenish outside. Leaves usually withered at anthesis (native) === Loncomelos pyrenaicum
Perianth milky-white inside. Usually at least some green leaves present at anthesis === 2
2 Ovary 2-2,5 mm, style usually shorter than ovary, thickened at base === L. brevistylus
Ovary (2,5-)3,5-5 mm, style distinctly longer than ovary, filiform throughout === L. narbonense
Literature:
Adriaens D., Verheyen K., De Keersmaeker L. & Hermy M. (2000) Het kluizenaarsbestaan van Ornithogalum pyrenaicum (L.) in het Muizenbos te Ranst (prov. Antwerpen). Dumortiera 76: 11-17.
Cullen J. (1986) Ornithogalum. In: Walters S.M. & al. (eds.), The European Garden Flora, vol. 1: 216-218. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Graham C. (2012) An overview of Ornithogalum. The Plantsman N.S. 11(1): 16-19.
Jäger E.J., Ebel F., Hanelt P. & Müller G. (eds.) (2008) Rothmaler Band 5. Exkursionsflora von Deutschland. Krautige Zier- und Nutzpflanzen. Springer Verlag, Berlin: 880 p.
Kushnir U, Galil J. & Feldman M. (1977) Cytology and distribution of Ornithogalum in Israel: 2. Section Beryllis (Salisb.) Bak. Israel J. Bot. 26(2): 83-92.
Lambinon J. & Verloove F. (avec coll. Delvosalle L., Toussaint B., Geerinck D., Hoste I., Van Rossum F., Cornier B., Schumacker R., Vanderpoorten A. & Vannerom H.) (2012) Nouvelle Flore de la Belgique, du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg, du Nord de la France et des Régions voisines (Ptéridophytes et Spermatophytes). Sixième édition. Jardin botanique national de Belgique, Meise: CXXXIX + 1195 p.
Martínez-Azorín M., Crespo M.B. & Juan A. (2009) Taxonomic revision of Ornithogalum subg. Beryllis (Hyacinthaceae) in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Belg. J. Bot. 142(2): 140-162. [available online at: http://scilloideae.e-monocot.org/sites/alienplantsbelgium.bescilloideae.e-monocot.org/files/Mart%C3%ADnez-Azor%C3%ADn%20et%20al.%202009.%20Taxonomic%20revision%20of%20Ornithogalum%20subg.%20Beryllis%20(Hyacinthaceae)%20in%20the%20Iberian%20Peninsula%20and%20the%20Balearic%20Islands.%20Belg.%20J.%20Bot.%20142(2),%20140-162.pdf]
Martínez-Azorín M., Crespo M.B., Juan A. & Fay M.F. (2011) Molecular phylogenetics of subfamily Ornithogaloideae (Hyacinthaceae) based on nuclear and plastid DNA regions, including a new taxonomic arrangement. Ann. Bot. 107(1): 1-37. [available online at: http://aob.oxfordjournals.org/content/107/1/1.full]
Moret J., Couderc H., Hubac J.M. & Gorenflot R. (1986) Contributions of numerical taxonomy to Ornithogalum subg. Beryllis (Hyacinthaceae) in Morocco. Pl. Syst. Evol. 154(1-2): 103-110.
Speta F. (2006) Die Gattung Loncomelos Raf. (Hyacinthaceae - Ornithogaloideae), vorgestellt anhand dreier neuer Arten. Phyton (Austria) 46(1): 1-25.
Tornadore N. (1983) Gen. Ornithogalum L. subgen. Beryllis (Salisb.) Baker: prime contributo alla conoscenza citotassonomica. Giorn. Bot. Ital. 117 (suppl): 103-104.
Van Landuyt W. (2006) Ornithogalum pyrenaicum. In: Van Landuyt W., Hoste I., Vanhecke L., Van den Bremt P., Vercruysse W. & De Beer D., Atlas van de Flora van Vlaanderen en het Brussels Gewest. Instituut voor natuur- en bosonderzoek, Nationale Plantentuin van België en Flo.Wer: 635.
Zahariadi C. (1980) Ornithogalum. In: Tutin T.G. & al. (eds.), Flora Europaea, vol. 5. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge: 35-40.