The paper describes a new species, Escobaria abdita Řepka et Vaško, found in the Mexican state of Coahuila. It differs from similar and related species substantially by its crest-like arrangement of chalk-white, short, finger-like spines, which are four-layered in cross-section, and by rather small whitish flowers with light pink stripes on the tepals. Its fruits soon dry up into a parchment-like structure. The habitat ecology is very special: plants grow in temporarily flooded depressions, immersed in the loamy soil practically throughout the year.

A new miniature species in Hyacinthaceae, Drimia occultans G. Will. is described, from the arid southern Namib Desert. A diagnostic line drawing, photographs of the plant and flower and a locality map are included. The new species appears to be endemic to the schistose rock outcrop close to the Lower Orange River, about 12 km NE of the river mouth.