Redefining taxonomic boundaries of the genus <i>Galtonia</i> (Hyacinthaceae) and a new genus, <i>Stellifloris</i> , described

Abstract Genera form the basis for higher taxonomic classification and should be easily recognizable, predictive, and stable, and should reflect the evolutionary history of their constituents, with monophyly as a key principle of modern classification. Despite this, their delimitation frequently remains more subjective than species‐level classifications. This challenge is particularly evident in the Ornithogaloideae, wherein the genus Galtonia has undergone multiple revisions. Recently, the monophyly of Galtonia was achieved only via the inclusion of Ornithogalum saundersiae , despite this being supported by only a few shared morphological traits. However, previous phylogenetic studies included only two of the four Galtonia species. In this current study, the circumscription of Galtonia is re‐evaluated using a DNA sequence‐based phylogeny and optimization of key diagnostic morphological traits. Nuclear ITS and plastid ( trnL‐trnF , matK ) phylogenies, incorporating all Galtonia species and 12 outgroup taxa from major Ornithogaloideae clades, reveal that Galtonia is strongly supported as monophyletic, with Ornithogalum saundersiae placed as its sister taxon. Significant differences in floral and reproductive traits, unique cytology and ecology support the recognition of O. saundersiae as a new monotypic genus, Stellifloris saundersiae , in the framework of a multigeneric treatment of Ornithogaloideae. This study emphasizes the need to maximize ease of recognition in generic classification to maintain stability and predictability.