Latest Articles from PhytoKeys Latest 17 Articles from PhytoKeys https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 03:47:12 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from PhytoKeys https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/ Phylogenomic inference of the African tribe Monodoreae (Annonaceae) and taxonomic revision of Dennettia, Uvariodendron and Uvariopsis https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/103096/ PhytoKeys 233: 1-200

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.233.103096

Authors: Léo-Paul M. J. Dagallier, Frank M. Mbago, Marie Couderc, Myriam Gaudeul, Aurélie Grall, Caroline Loup, Jan J. Wieringa, Bonaventure Sonké, Thomas L. P. Couvreur

Abstract: Monodoreae (Annonaceae) is a tribe composed of 11 genera and 90 species restricted to the tropical African rain forests. All the genera are taxonomically well circumscribed except the species rich genera Uvariodendron and Uvariopsis which lack a recent taxonomic revision. Here, we used a robust phylogenomic approach, including all the 90 currently accepted species, with several specimens per species, and based on more than 300 Annonaceae-specific nuclear genes, to infer the phylogenetic tree of the Monodoreae and test the limits between the genera and species. We recover all the genera as monophyletic, except the genus Uvariopsis for which the species Uvariopsis tripetala falls outside this clade. We thus reinstate the monotypic genus Dennettia for its single species Dennettia tripetala. We also erect a new tribe, Ophrypetaleae trib. nov., to accommodate the genera Ophrypetalum and Sanrafaelia, as we recover them excluded from the Monodoreae tribe with good support. Below the genus level, the genera Isolona, Monodora, Uvariastrum, Uvariodendron and Uvariopsis show weakly supported nodes and phylogenetic conflicts, suggesting that population level processes of evolution might occur in these clades. Our results also support, at the molecular level, the description of several new species of Uvariodendron and Uvariopsis, as well as several new synonymies. Finally, we present a taxonomic revision of the genera Dennettia, Uvariodendron and Uvariopsis, which contain one, 18 and 17 species respectively. We provide a key to the 11 genera of the Monodoraeae and describe four new species to science: Uvariodendron kimbozaense Dagallier & Couvreur, sp. nov., Uvariodendron mossambicense Robson ex Dagallier & Couvreur, sp. nov., Uvariodendron pilosicarpum Dagallier & Couvreur, sp. nov. and Uvariopsis oligocarpa Dagallier & Couvreur, sp. nov., and provide provisional descriptions of three putatively new species. We also present lectotypifications and nomenclatural changes implying synonymies and new combinations (Uvariodendron citriodorum (Le Thomas) Dagallier & Couvreur, comb. et stat. nov., Uvariodendron fuscum var. magnificum (Verdc.) Dagallier & Couvreur, comb. et stat. nov., Uvariopsis congensis var. angustifolia Dagallier & Couvreur, var. nov., Uvariopsis guineensis var. globiflora (Keay) Dagallier & Couvreur, comb. et stat. nov., and Uvariopsis solheidii var. letestui (Pellegr.) Dagallier & Couvreur, comb. et stat. nov.).

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Monograph Fri, 22 Sep 2023 08:03:22 +0300
Flora of Cameroon – Annonaceae Vol 45 https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/61432/ PhytoKeys 207: 1-532

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.207.61432

Authors: Thomas L. P. Couvreur, Leo-Paul M. J. Dagallier, Francoise Crozier, Jean-Paul Ghogue, Paul H. Hoekstra, Narcisse G. Kamdem, David M. Johnson, Nancy A. Murray, Bonaventure Sonké

Abstract: Annonaceae is a major pantropical family with 113 genera and about 2550 species. Cameroon is one of the most biodiverse countries in Africa but its flora remains incompletely known. In this volume of the Flora of Cameroon, we describe 166 native taxa representing 163 species in 28 native genera within the family Annonaceae. A total of 22 species (about 13%) are endemic to the country. We provide keys to all native genera, species, and infraspecific taxa. For each species a detailed morphological description and a map of its distribution in Cameroon are provided. Distribution maps and diversity analyses are based on a taxonomically verified database of 2073 collections. Across Africa, Cameroon is a center of diversity for Annonaceae harboring one of the highest numbers of species and genera. For example, Cameroon harbors the highest number of African species for the only pantropical genus of Annonaceae, Xylopia. Annonaceae are found across all 10 administrative regions of Cameroon but diversity is concentrated within the tropical rain forest areas situated in the south and South-West. The areas around Bipindi and Mount Cameroon show the highest levels of diversity, but this is correlated with collection effort. Line drawings and/or photographs accompany most species. One species new to science Uvariopsis etugeana Dagallier & Couvreur sp. nov. is described. We also undertake a number of nomenclatural changes such as lectotypifications, six new synonymies and two new combinations (Uvaria anisotricha (Le Thomas) Couvreur, comb. nov.; Uvariodendron fuscum var. giganteum (Engl.) Dagallier & Couvreur, comb. nov.).

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Flora Tue, 20 Sep 2022 09:28:33 +0300
The ECAT dataset: expert-validated distribution data of endemic and sub-endemic trees of Central Africa (Dem. Rep. Congo, Rwanda, Burundi) https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/77379/ PhytoKeys 206: 137-151

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.206.77379

Authors: Wesley Tack, Henry Engledow, Nuno Veríssimo Pereira, Christian Amani, Steven P. Bachman, Patricia Barberá, Henk J. Beentje, Gaël U. D. Bouka, Martin Cheek, Ariane Cosiaux, Gilles Dauby, Petra De Block, Corneille E. N. Ewango, Eberhard Fischer, Roy E. Gereau, Serene Hargreaves, Yvette Harvey-Brown, Davy U. Ikabanga, Edouard Ilunga wa Ilunga, James Kalema, Peris Kamau, Olivier Lachenaud, Quentin Luke, Ithe Mwanga Mwanga, Sydney T. Ndolo Ebika, Jacques Nkengurutse, Aimable Nsanzurwimo, Salvator Ntore, Sophie L. Richards, Reddy Shutsha Ehata, Murielle Simo-Droissart, Tariq Stévart, Marc S. M. Sosef

Abstract: In this data paper, we present a specimen-based occurrence dataset compiled in the framework of the Conservation of Endemic Central African Trees (ECAT) project with the aim of producing global conservation assessments for the IUCN Red List. The project targets all tree species endemic or sub-endemic to the Central African region comprising the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Rwanda, and Burundi. The dataset contains 6361 plant collection records with occurrences of 8910 specimens from 337 taxa belonging to 153 genera in 52 families. Many of these tree taxa have restricted geographic ranges and are only known from a small number of herbarium specimens. As assessments for such taxa can be compromised by inadequate data, we transcribed and geo-referenced specimen label information to obtain a more accurate and complete locality dataset. All specimen data were manually cleaned and verified by botanical experts, resulting in improved data quality and consistency.

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Data Paper Fri, 16 Sep 2022 16:29:40 +0300
A checklist of rheophytes of Cameroon https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/29924/ PhytoKeys 121: 81-131

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.121.29924

Authors: Felix Kuetegue, Bonaventure Sonké, Gabriel K. Ameka

Abstract: Rivers in Cameroon were surveyed to collect and document rheophytic plants. Rheophytes are the dominant aquatic macrophytes in tropical river systems, where they are adapted to extreme environments of rushing water (e.g., river rapids, waterfalls and flash floods). Rheophytic plants are useful indicators of river health. However, their habitats are threatened by human activities such as agriculture, plantation development, alluvial mining and dam construction, particularly in tropical countries. In this survey we documented 66 rheophytic species in 29 genera and 16 families. Two ferns, 8 monocotyledons and 56 dicotyledons were listed. Apart from the Podostemaceae family in which all species are rheophytic, the other 15 families have few species which are rheophytic. Five of these families have up to four species and the remaining 10 have only one member as a rheophytic species. The conservation status of each species is assessed and discussed. This work urges botanists, conservationists, and policy makers to do more to protect the habitats of rheophytes and put in place strategies and action plans for the conservation of this important biological group.

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Checklist Thu, 9 May 2019 08:41:51 +0300
Nothodissotis (Melastomataceae), a new genus from Atlantic Central Africa, including the new species N. alenensis from Equatorial Guinea https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/31572/ PhytoKeys 118: 89-103

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.118.31572

Authors: Marie Claire Veranso-Libalah, Olivier Lachenaud, Robert Douglas Stone, Gudrun Kadereit

Abstract: Based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, a new genus of Melastomataceae (Melastomateae), Nothodissotis Veranso-Libalah & G.Kadereit, gen. nov., is described from Atlantic Central Africa. Nothodissotis is distinguished from other African Melastomateae genera by its calyx-lobes that are notched at apex and asymmetrical (vs. entire and symmetrical). Nothodissotis includes two species: the type species N. barteri (Hook.f.) Veranso-Libalah & G.Kadereit, comb. nov. (syn. Dissotis barteri Hook.f.), and the new species N. alenensis Veranso-Libalah & O. Lachenaud, sp. nov., described and illustrated here. Both species are restricted to open vegetation on rock outcrops within the forested region of Atlantic Central Africa. Nothodissotis barteri has a scattered distribution in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Príncipe Island, while N. alenensis is endemic to the Monte Alén massif in Equatorial Guinea, an area where N. barteri does not occur. Nothodissotis alenensis differs from N. barteri by its hypanthium bearing sessile appendages with penicillate hairs (vs. stalked stellate appendages) and its staminal appendages that are much smaller in antepetalous than in antesepalous stamens (vs. subequal in all stamens). The conservation status of both N. barteri and N. alenensis is assessed as Vulnerable in accordance with IUCN criteria.

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Research Article Thu, 7 Mar 2019 12:21:38 +0200
Two new species of Raphia (Palmae/Arecaceae) from Cameroon and Gabon https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/27175/ PhytoKeys 111: 17-30

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.111.27175

Authors: Suzanne Mogue Kamga, Raoul Niangadouma, Fred W. Stauffer, Bonaventure Sonké, Thomas L.P. Couvreur

Abstract: Raphia (Arecaceae, Calamoideae) is the most diverse genus of African palms with around 20 species. Two new species from Cameroon and Gabon, Raphia gabonica Mogue, Sonké & Couvreur, sp. nov. and Raphia zamiana Mogue, Sonké & Couvreur, sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Their affinities are discussed and the conservation status of each species is assessed. For both species, distribution maps are provided. Raphia gabonica is restricted to two small populations from central Gabon, where it occurs on hillsides on tierra firme soil, and close to small streams. Its preliminary IUCN status is Endangered, being amongst the five most threatened palm species in Africa. Raphia gabonica potentially belongs to the moniliform section. Raphia zamiana is largely distributed from south Cameroon to south Gabon and is very common. It is also a multi-used palm, from which wine, grubs and construction material are extracted and sold. It generally occurs in large stands in a wide range of ecosystems such as swamps, coastal forests on partially inundated sandy soils and inundated savannahs. Its large stature, hard to access habitat (swamps) and abundant presence might have discouraged botanists to collect it until now. Raphia zamiana belongs to the taxonomically complex raphiate section.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Nov 2018 10:58:26 +0200
New species of Uvariopsis (Annonaceae) and Laccosperma (Arecaceae/Palmae) from Monts de Cristal, Gabon https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/9576/ PhytoKeys 68: 1-8

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.68.9576

Authors: Thomas L.P. Couvreur, Raoul Niangadouma

Abstract: Monts de Cristal National Park in northwest Gabon is one of the most species rich places in Central Africa. Here, we describe two new species, one in Annonaceae and one in palms. Uvariopsis citrata Couvreur & Niangadouma, sp. nov. is unique in the genus by emitting a strong lemon scent from the crushed leaves and young branches. Laccosperma cristalensis Couvreur & Niangadouma, sp. nov. is a rattan that lacks acanthophylls on the cirrus and has few pinnae. Complete descriptions, photographic illustrations, ecological information and preliminary IUCN conservation status are provided. For both species a data deficient (DD) status is proposed. These new species underline once again that the Monts de Cristal National Park is yet incompletely known botanically.

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Research Article Tue, 2 Aug 2016 14:17:37 +0300
Taxonomy of Atlantic Central African orchids 5. A new species of Angraecum sect. Conchoglossum (Orchidaceae, Angraecinae) from Gabon and Cameroon https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/7017/ PhytoKeys 61: 61-71

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.61.7017

Authors: Vladimir Ječmenica, Vincent Droissart, Nausicaa Noret, Tariq Stévart

Abstract: Recent field inventories and taxonomic research in Central Africa have resulted in the discovery of many new orchid species. Five specimens of an apparently new Angraecum species were collected in Gabon and Cameroon. They stand out for their hanging habit and short zig-zag stem. Morphology of leaves and habit is somewhat comparable to A. cultriforme and A. stolzii, two species from East Africa. Flowers of the novelty share the general morphology of A. pyriforme from which the new species is distinguished by being smaller and with a different lip-spur ratio. Here we show that these five specimens represent a new species, described here as Angraecum lanceolatum. The distinguishing traits include thin lanceolate leaves, convolute distally, with a rhombic lip shape. Dichotomous key to four Central African species of sect. Conchoglossum and a table of the diagnostic characters of the seven related Continental African Angraecum taxa are included here. A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of A. lanceolatum is provided, using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

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Research Article Thu, 25 Feb 2016 13:32:26 +0200
Monograph of Coccinia (Cucurbitaceae) https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/5797/ PhytoKeys 54: 1-166

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.54.3285

Authors: Norbert Holstein

Abstract: This monograph deals with all 95 names described in the Cucurbitaceae genus Coccinia and recognizes 25 species. Taxonomic novelties are Coccinia adoensis var. aurantiaca (C.Jeffrey) Holstein, stat. nov., C. sessilifolia var. variifolia (A.Meeuse) Holstein, stat. nov., and C. adoensis var. jeffreyana Holstein, var. nov. For the 25 species 3157 collections were examined, of which 2024 were georeferenced to produce distribution maps. All species are distributed in sub-Saharan Africa with one species, C. grandis, extending from Senegal in West Africa east to Indonesia and being naturalized on Pacific Islands, in Australia, the Caribbean, and South America. Coccinia species are dioecious creepers or climbers with simple or bifid tendrils that occupy a range of habitats from arid scrubland, woodlands to lowland rainforest and mist forest. The corolla of Coccinia species is sympetalous, usually pale yellow to orange, and 1 to 4.5 cm long. Pollination is by bees foraging for pollen or nectar. After pollination, the developing ovary often exhibits longitudinal mottling, which usually disappears during maturation. All species produce berries with a pericarp in reddish colors (orange-red through to scarlet red), hence the generic name. The globose to cylindrical fruits contain numerous grayish-beige flat to lenticular seeds. Chromosome numbers are 2n = 20, 24, and 22 + XX/XY. Many Coccinia species are used for food, either as roasted tubers, greens as spinach, or the fruits as vegetables. Medicinal value is established in C. grandis, of which leaves and sap are used against diabetes.

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Monograph Mon, 3 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Sirdavidia, an extraordinary new genus of Annonaceae from Gabon https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/4665/ PhytoKeys 46: 1-19

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.46.8937

Authors: Thomas L.P. Couvreur, Raoul Niangadouma, Bonaventure Sonké, Hervé Sauquet

Abstract: A distinctive new monotypic genus from Gabon is described in the tropical plant family Annonaceae: Sirdavidia, in honor to Sir David Attenborough. Molecular phylogenetic analyses confirm that Sirdavidia, which is very distinct from a morphological standpoint, is not nested in any existing genus of Annonaceae and belongs to tribe Piptostigmateae (subfamily Malmeoideae), which now contains a total of six genera. The genus is characterized by long acuminate leaves, fully reflexed red petals, 16–19 bright yellow, loosely arranged stamens forming a cone, and a single carpel topped by a conspicuous stigma. With just three known collections, a preliminary IUCN conservation status assessment is provided as “endangered” as well as a distribution map. The discovery of Sirdavidia is remarkable at several levels. First, it was collected near the road in one of the botanically best-known regions of Gabon: Monts de Cristal National Park. Second, its sister group is the genus Mwasumbia, also monotypic, endemic to a small area in a forest in Tanzania, some 3000 km away. Finally, the floral morphology is highly suggestive of a buzz pollination syndrome. If confirmed, this would be the first documentation of such a pollination syndrome in Magnoliidae and early-diverging angiosperms in general.

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Research Article Wed, 4 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0200
Dorstenia luamensis (Moraceae), a new species from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/4190/ PhytoKeys 42: 49-55

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.42.7604

Authors: Miguel Leal

Abstract: A new species of Dorstenia L. (Moraceae), D. luamensis M.E.Leal, is described from the Luama Wildlife Reserve, west of Lake Tanganyika and north of the town of Kalemie in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This species is endemic to the region and differs from any of the other species by its fernlike lithophytic habit and lack of latex. A description and illustration of this species is presented here. Dorstenia luamensis M.E.Leal inhabits moist and shady vertical rock faces close to small waterfalls in the forest; the species is distributed in small populations within the type locality, and merits the conservation status of endangered (EN).

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Research Article Fri, 24 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Taxonomy of Atlantic Central African orchids 2. A second species of the rare genus Distylodon (Orchidaceae, Angraecinae) collected in Cameroon https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/1523/ PhytoKeys 36: 27-34

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.36.7225

Authors: Vincent Droissart, Phillip J. Cribb, Murielle Simo-Droissart, Tariq Stévart

Abstract: While conducting field inventories in South Cameroon, we collected two specimens of a new species that we considered to belong to the genus Angraecopsis. Afterwards, a careful examination of specimens housed at main herbaria, along with the nomenclatural types, allows us to place it in Distylodon, a monotypic genus previously known from East Africa. Distylodon sonkeanum Droissart, Stévart & P.J.Cribb, sp. nov. was collected in the lowland coastal forest of Atlantic Central Africa. It is known from a single locality in the surroundings of the Campo-Ma’an National Park. The species differs from D. comptum, by its several-flowered inflorescences, longer leaves and spur, and shorter pedicel and ovary. The species appears to be rare and is assessed as Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(iii)] according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. New field investigations are required to attempt to find it in the low-elevation parts of the Campo-Ma’an National Park in Cameroon.

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Research Article Wed, 9 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Bergbambos and Oldeania, new genera of African bamboos (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/1548/ PhytoKeys 25: 87-103

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.25.6026

Authors: Chris Stapleton

Abstract: Two new monotypic genera, Bergbambos and Oldeania are described for African temperate bamboo species in the tribe Arundinarieae, after a comparison of their morphological characteristics with those of similar species from Asia. Morphological differences are supported by their isolated geographical distributions. Molecular evidence does not support the inclusion of these species in related Asian genera, recognising them instead as distinct lineages. New combinations Bergbambos tessellata and Oldeania alpina are made.

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Research Article Fri, 23 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0300
The Flora of Chad: a checklist and brief analysis https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/1546/ PhytoKeys 23: 1-18

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.23.4752

Authors: Giuseppe Brundu, Ignazio Camarda

Abstract: A checklist of the flora of Chad has been compiled by the authors, based on literature, on-line data-bases, herbarium collections and land surveys (1998-2011). It counts 2,460 records, i.e. 2,288 species (including 128 autonyms), 83 subspecies, 81 varieties, 8 forms, while all the previous available information reported 1,600 species. They belong to 151 Families, with 48.7% of the taxa belonging to the 6 largest families, i.e. Poaceae (14.6%), Fabaceae (13.6%), Cyperaceae (7.0%), Asteraceae (6.2 %), Malvaceae (3.9%) and Rubiaceae (3.4%).A total number or 2,173 species (88.3%) are native to Chad, including 55 (2.2%) endemic species, while 274 (11.0%) are alien to Chad, and 13 (0.5%) are considered cryptogenic, i.e. of uncertain status. It represents a considerable update on previous knowledge on the alien flora of Chad that counted for 131 taxa (5.3%). There are 657 therophytes (26.7%), 546 phanerophytes (22.2%), 378 hemicryptophytes (15.4%), 256 chamaephytes (10.4%), 160 geophytes (6.5%), 107 helophytes (4.3%), 104 hydrophytes (4.2%). A total of 252 taxa (10.2) may have different life forms (e.g. terophytes or chamaephytes).

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Research Article Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Costus loangensis, an exciting new species from Gabon, Africa https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/1447/ PhytoKeys 18: 11-18

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.18.3713

Authors: Hiltje Maas-van de Kamer, Paul J.M. Maas, Chelsea Specht

Abstract: A new species of spiral ginger (Costus: Costaceae) from Gabon, Africa is described. Costus loangensis H. Maas & Maas is found in the coastal region on white sand soils under a tropical rain forest canopy. It is morphologically distinct from all other African species of Costus but shows some similarities in floral form with the savanna-inhabiting Costus spectabilis (Fenzl) K. Schum. and similarities in vegetative form with Costus ligularis Baker. Only one population of the new species is documented. Photographs of the new species are included as is a preliminary phylogeny indicating its position within the African Costaceae.

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Research Article Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200
Contribution to the taxonomy of Garcinia (Clusiaceae) in Africa, including two new species from Gabon and a key to the Lower Guinean species https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/1438/ PhytoKeys 17: 41-62

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.17.3114

Authors: Marc Sosef, Gilles Dauby

Abstract: Garcinia has some 260 species and is often regarded as a genus with a difficult taxonomy. No recent treatment is available for the botanically rich Lower Guinea phytogeographical region. This study aims at partly filling this gap. First, several taxonomic problems are solved. G. chromocarpa is reduced to a variety of G. quadrifaria. G. gnetoides and G. granulata are both synonyms of G. quadrifaria. G. zenkeri is a synonym of G. densivenia and lectotypes are being designated for both names. G. brevipedicellata is a synonym of G. afzelii, as is G. antidysenterica for which a lectotype is designated. Second, two new species endemic to Gabon are described: Garcinia gabonensis Sosef & Dauby and Garcinia obliqua Sosef & Dauby. Finally, an identification key to all species present in the Lower Guinea region is provided. A few remaining West African species names could not be placed with certainty, because the type material was lost or not traced yet. One is a Rutaceae while the remaining three are provisionally to be regarded as synonyms of G. smeathmannii.

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Research Article Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300
A third species of Polyspatha, an endemic African genus of Commelinaceae https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/1367/ PhytoKeys 3: 9-20

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.3.1181

Authors: Robert Faden

Abstract: Polyspatha oligospatha Faden, the third species in a small African endemic genus of Commelinaceae, is described. It is widespread but has been overlooked because of its small stature and resemblance to small plants of P. paniculata. It differs from both P. paniculata and P. hirsuta, the two other species, by its leaf pubescence, fewer, more widely spaced and usually patent spathes, deeply ridged seeds with numerous knobby, transversely interrupted ridges, and morning anthesis. It occurs throughout the Congolian forests from Cameroon to Uganda, but it is also disjunct in Ivory Coast, across the Dahomey gap.

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Research Article Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300