Three new species of Metalasia (Asteraceae–Gnaphalieae) from the Western Cape and an updated key to the genus

Three new species of Metalasia from the Western Cape of South Africa are described; Metalasia tristis A.Bengtson & P.O.Karis, a small shrublet from the Groot Winterhoek Mountains, and Metalasia formosa A.Bengtson & P.O.Karis and Metalasia eburnea A.Bengtson & P.O.Karis both found in the Langeberg Mountains. The morphology and relationships of the three new species are discussed, and an updated key to the genus is provided. ► Three new species of Metalasia have been discovered during recent fieldwork. ► Metalasia tristis, a shrublet from the Groot Winterhoek Mountains is described. ► Metalasia formosa, a shrub found in the Langeberg and in Tuinskloof is described. ► Metalasia eburnea, a shrub growing in renosterveld on the Langeberg is described. ► An updated key to the genus Metalasia is provided.