Search

SummaryWe revise and update the records of strict and near-endemic species of Mt Kupe, Cameroon respectively from 31 strict endemics in 2004, to 25 today, and with near-endemic species 30, unchanged in number but with turnover. The changes result from new collections, discoveries and taxonomic changes in the last 16 years. While 15 of the provisionally named putative endemic species have now been formally published, a further 18 have not. The majority of the 30 near-endemic species (18) are shared with the adjacent Bakossi Mts, far exceeding the numbers shared with the more distant Mt Etinde-Mt Cameroon, Rumpi Hills and Ebo forest areas (sharing three near-endemic species each with Mt Kupe). We test the hypothesis that a further one of the provisionally named putative Mt Kupe species,Veprissp. 1 from submontane forest near the summit, is indeed new to science. We compare it morphologically with the two other bicarpellate high altitude Cameroon Highland tree speciesV. montisbambutensisOnana andV. baliCheek, concluding that it is a new undescribed species here named asVepris zapfackii. The new species is illustrated and its conservation status assessed as Critically Endangered using the 2012 IUCN standard, due to habitat clearance from agricultural pressures at its sole location which is unprotected.Vepris zapfackiiandV. baliappear unique in African trifoliolate species of the genus in having opposite leaves.Vepris zapfackiidiffers in having hairy petiolules and midribs and petiolules with the blade decurrent distally, narrowing towards a winged-canaliculate base (vs glabrous and petiolule long, terete), and sparsely golden hairy pistillodes and a glabrous calyx (vs densely black hairy pistillodes, and sepals hairy).

SummaryFour species of Rinorea are described as new to science; all four species are endemic to evergreen rain forest in Cameroon. Rinorea villiersii Achound. and R. amietii Achound are placed in Rinorea [unranked] Crassiflorae M.Brandt, while, R. dewildei Achound. and R. faurei Achound. fall in Rinorea [unranked] Dentatae Engl. The first species appears to be endemic to the Solé Forest Reserve northeast of Yabassi in Littoral Region. The second and the third species are found mainly in Littoral and South Regions, R. amietii extending to South West Region and R. dewildei extending to Central Region. The fourth species, R. faurei is an endemic of the Santchou Forest Reserve at the foot of Dschang Plateau in West Region. The taxonomic affinities of the four species are discussed, illustrations and a distribution map are provided, and their conservation status is assessed. All four species are threatened with extinction according to the 2012 IUCN categories and criteria.

SummaryThis paper reports a further discovery of a new endemic threatened species to science in the context of botanical surveys in the lowland coastal forests of Mount Cameroon in the Cross River-Sanaga interval of west-central Africa. These studies now focus on species discovery and conservation through the Tropical Important Plant Areas programme. New species to science continue to be discovered from Mt Cameroon. Most of these species are rare, highly localised, and threatened by habitat destruction, increasing the justification for improved conservation management of surviving habitat. Drypetes burnleyae is placed in and keyed out in Drypetes sect. Stipulares, a group mostly confined to Lower Guinea, here adjusted to accommodate nine species. The conservation status of Drypetes burnleyae is assessed as Endangered (EN B1+2ab(iii)) according to the 2012 criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. An updated overview of the plant endemics of Mt Cameroon is presented.

An aromatic alkaloid-rich 'absolute' extract from inhibited at 62.5 μg.mL and at 500 μg.mL A loss of activity upon fractionation indicated possible synergistic effects. Three new acridones, gossweicridone A ( ), B ( ) and C ( ) and known compounds from the extract were inactive. Combinations of compounds showed that a sub-fraction containing mixtures of minor compounds with ( )-caryophyllene augmented activity by 50-folds, with MIC values of 19.6 μg.mL for and 375.0 μg.mL for , demonstrating potent ΣFIC values of 0.02 and 0.375 respectively. From the active sub-fraction, three compounds were assigned as tecleanatalensine B, 13 -hydroxy-9 ,11 ,15 -octadecatrienoic acid and normelicopine. In combination with ( )-caryophyllene they separately demonstrated MIC values of 18 μg.mL , 34 μg.mL and 16 μg.mL respectively against . The synergistic combinations were more potent with addition of pheophytin A, suggesting that the synergistic antifungal effect of the extract is multi-layered.

Background and aims – This paper reports a further discovery during preparation for a monograph of the genus Cola, and also in the context of a long-term botanical survey in the Cross River-Sanaga interval of west-central Africa, focussing on species discovery and conservation through the Tropical Important Plant Areas programme.Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study the material collected. The relevant collections are stored in the Herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London (K) and at the Institute of Research in Agronomic Development – National Herbarium of Cameroon (YA). Key results – Two species new to science, small trees or shrubs of cloud forest, are formally named from the Bakossi tribal area and assessed for their conservation status. Cola etugei, is endemic to the western slopes of Mt Kupe with conservation status assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B1+2ab(iii)) according to the 2012 criteria of IUCN. Cola kodminensis from the Bakossi Mts is also assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B1+2ab(iii)). This publication increases the number of documented narrowly endemic, threatened species in the Bakossi tribal area, and helps make the case for formal protection of Mt Kupe, which with 33 endemic and near-endemic plant species remains an extremely high candidate for such protection. Further effort is needed to publish the remaining informally named species of this location, and investment to support the protection of the mountain by local communities.

SummaryTwo tree species are described as new to science: Rinorea spongiocarpa Achound. sp. nov (placed in Rinorea [unranked] Brachypetalae) and Rinorea dimakoensis Achound. sp. nov.( placed in Rinorea [unranked] Ilicifolieae). Both species are endemic to Cameroon, occurring south of the Sanaga river, the first from South and East Regions, occurring in evergreen forest from Ebolowa to Dja, while the second occurs in the northern part of East Region in semi-deciduous forest towards the interface with woodland habitats in the Dimako-Bertoua area. The two species are illustrated, and their affinities and conservation status according to the 2012 IUCN categories and criteria are discussed. Both species are threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction, the first is assessed as Vulnerable, the second Endangered.

SummaryWe revise and update the records of strict and near-endemic species of the Bali Ngemba Forest Reserve, the largest known surviving patch (c. 8 km2in area) of submontane or cloud forest in the Bamenda Highlands, Cameroon which have lost >96 % of their original forest due to human activities. Nine strict endemics, and 11 near endemics are now documented, a drop from the number recorded after the first survey in 2004, since when five of the provisionally named species have been formally published.We test the hypothesis that a further one of the provisionally named putative Bali Ngemba new species,Veprissp. A, an 8 – 20 m tall tree from cloud forest in the 1310 – 1600 m altitudinal band, is indeed new to science. We compare it morphologically with other multicarpellate, apocarpous, trifoliolate Cameroon tree species formerly placed in the genusOriciaPierre until they were subsumed intoVeprisby Mziray (1992). These areVepris trifoliolata(Engl.) Mziray andV. gabonensis(Pierre) Mziray. We conclude thatVeprissp. A is a new undescribed species here named asVepris onanae. The new species is illustrated, mapped and its conservation status assessed as Endangered using the 2012 IUCN standard due to the threats of habitat clearance from agricultural pressures at its three locations all of which remain formally unprotected.Vepris onanaeappears unique among the Guineo-Congolian African oricioid species ofVeprisin occurring in cloud forest, the other species, apart fromV. renieriiof the Albertine Rift, occurring in lowland forest. It also differs in the very broad, (7.8 –) 11.3 – 18 cm wide leaflets of the flowering stems which have a 6-18(−30) mm long, narrowly triangular acumen (vs leaflets We report for the first time on stage-dependent leaf heteromorphy inVeprisand characterise a level of sexual dimorphism more advanced than usual in the genus.We highlight the importance of protecting Bali Ngemba and other forest patches in the Bamenda Highlands if species such asVepris onanaeare not soon to become extinct.

Continuing a survey of the chemistry of species of the largely continental African genusVepris, we investigate a species previously referred to asVeprissp. 1 of Congo. From the leaves ofVeprissp. 1 we report six compounds. The compounds were three furoquinoline alkaloids, kokusaginine(1), maculine(2), and flindersiamine(3), two acridone alkaloids, arborinine(4)and 1-hydroxy-3-methoxy-10-methylacridone(5), and the triterpenoid, ß-amyrin(6). Compounds1-4are commonly isolated from otherVeprisspecies, compound5has been reported before once, from MalagasyVepris pilosa, while this is the first report of ß-amyrin fromVepris. This combination of compounds has never before been reported from any species ofVepris. We test the hypothesis thatVeprissp.1 is new to science and formally describe it asVepris teva, unique in the genus in that the trifoliolate leaves are subsessile, with the median petiolule far exceeding the petiole in length. Similar fleshy-leathery 4-locular syncarpous fruits are otherwise only known in the genus inVepris glaberrima(formerly the monotypic genusOriciopsisEngl.), a potential sister species, but requiring further investigation to confirm this phylogenetic position. We briefly characterise the unusual and poorly documented Atlantic coast equatorial ecosystem, whereVepris tevais restricted to evergreen thicket on white sand, unusual in a genus usually confine to evergreen forest. This endemic-rich ecosystem with a unique amphibian as well as plants, extends along the coastline from the mouth of the Congo River to southern Rio Muni, a distance of about 1000 km, traversing five countries. We map and illustrateVepris tevaand assess its extinction risk as Endangered (EN B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii)) using the IUCN standard. Only three locations are known, and threats include port and oil refinery construction and associated activities, with only one protected location, the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Reserve. Initial evidence indicates that the seeds ofVepris tevaare dispersed by chimpanzees, previously unreported in the genus

SummaryWe revise and update the records of strict and near-endemic species of Mt Kupe, Cameroon respectively from 31 strict endemics in 2004, to 25 today, and with near-endemic species 30, unchanged in number but with turnover. The changes result from new collections, discoveries and taxonomic changes in the last 16 years. While 15 of the provisionally named putative endemic species have now been formally published, a further 18 have not. The majority of the 30 near-endemic species (18) are shared with the adjacent Bakossi Mts, far exceeding the numbers shared with the more distant Mt Etinde-Mt Cameroon, Rumpi Hills and Ebo forest areas (sharing three near-endemic species each with Mt Kupe). We test the hypothesis that a further one of the provisionally named putative Mt Kupe species,Veprissp. 1 from submontane forest near the summit, is indeed new to science. We compare it morphologically with the two other bicarpellate high altitude Cameroon Highland tree speciesVepris montisbambutensisOnana andVepris baliCheek, concluding that it is a new undescribed species here named asVepris zapfackii. The new species is illustrated, mapped and its conservation status assessed as Critically Endangered using the 2012 IUCN standard due to habitat clearance from agricultural pressures at its sole location which is unprotected.Vepris zapfackiiandV. baliappear unique in African trifoliolate species of the genus in having opposite leaves.Vepris zapfackiidiffers in having hairy petiolules and midribs and petiolules with the blade decurrent distally, narrowing towards a winged-canaliculate base (vs glabrous and petiolule long, terete), and sparsely golden hairy pistillodes and a glabrous calyx (vs densely black hairy pistillodes, and sepals hairy).

The achlorophyllous mycotroph Afrothismia kupensis (Thismiaceae), formerly misidentified either as A. pachyantha or as A. gesnerioides, is described from Mt Kupe in South West Region, Cameroon and assessed as Critically Endangered using the IUCN (2012) categories and criteria. It is threatened by forest clearance due to small-holder agriculture. Mt Kupe, with four of the 16 described species of Afrothismia, three of which are site endemics, is now the most species-diverse location known globally for the genus. Observations of floral visitors over seven days resulted in the identification of the likely pollinator as being females of an unknown species of Phoridae (scuttle fly) probably of the genus Megaselia. This is the first record of pollination known in the Thismiaceae, and may represent a mutualism between plant and animal partners.

SummaryA new genus, Lukea Gosline & Cheek (Annonaceae), is erected for two new species to science, Lukea quentinii Cheek & Gosline from Kaya Ribe, S.E. Kenya, and Lukea triciae Cheek & Gosline from the Udzungwa Mts, Tanzania. Lukea is characterised by a flattened circular bowl-shaped receptacle-calyx with a corolla of three petals that give the buds and flowers a unique appearance in African Annonaceae. Both species are extremely rare shrubs of small surviving areas of lowland evergreen forest under threat of habitat degradation and destruction and are provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered and Endangered respectively using the IUCN 2012 standard. Both species are illustrated and mapped. Material of the two species had formerly been considered to be possibly Uvariopsis Engl. & Diels, and the genus Lukea is placed in the Uvariopsis clade of the Monodoreae (consisting of the African genera Uvariodendron (Engl. & Diels) R.E.Fries, Uvariopsis, Mischogyne Exell, Dennettia Bak.f., and Monocyclanthus Keay).The clade is characterised by often conspicuous, finely reticulate quaternary nervation and incomplete or absent connective shields (in Annonaceae the connective shield is usually complete). Morphologically Lukea is distinct for its broad, turbinate, fleshy pedicel, a synapomorphy. It appears closest to the West African monotypic Monocyclanthus, sharing a trait unusual in the Annonaceae: the calyx in both genera forms a shallow bowl (calyx lobes are absent or vestigial), barely enclosing the base of the petals at anthesis, and persisting as a living, leathery disc at least until the fruit is mature. The placement of Lukea within the Uvariopsis clade is discussed.

SummaryA new species to science of evergreen forest tree,Uvariopsis ebo(Annonaceae) is described, illustrated, mapped, and compared morphologically with the other cauliflorous species of the genus. Restricted so far to a single site in evergreen lowland forest in the Ebo Forest, Yabassi, Littoral Region, Cameroon, this species is Critically Endangered using the IUCN 2012 standard, because the forest habitat of this species remains unprotected, and there exists threats of logging and conversion to plantations. This species adds to the growing list of threatened species resulting from anthropogenic pressure on Cameroon forests. Observations on the unusual corolla structure of the new species are made. A revised key to the 14 Cameroonian species ofUvariopsisis presented. Notes are given on other narrowly endemic and threatened species in the Ebo forest area, a highly threatened centre of diversity in Littoral Region, globally important for conservation.

The genus Chassalia (Gentianales: Rubiaceae-Palicoureeae) in Borneo is revised based on a morphological survey of herbarium specimens using classical taxonomic methods. The tribal placement and probable paraphyly of Chassalia as currently delimited is reviewed. Previously, four described species of Chassalia were known from Borneo, with only one endemic species, Chassalia psychotriformis I.M.Turner nom. nov. (≡ Cephaelis psychotrioides Valeton). A key is given to the 18 species of the genus recognised from Borneo in this study. In total, 14 new species are described, all of them endemic to Borneo. These are: Chassalia atropurpurea T.Y.Yu sp. nov., Chassalia beamanii T.Y.Yu sp. nov., Chassalia calamus T.Y.Yu sp. nov., Chassalia chewii T.Y.Yu sp. nov., Chassalia involucrata T.Y.Yu sp. nov., Chassalia kinabaluensis T.Y.Yu sp. nov., Chassalia lancifolia T.Y.Yu sp. nov., Chassalia lancifolioides T.Y.Yu sp. nov., Chassalia longipes T.Y.Yu sp. nov., Chassalia macrocarpa T.Y.Yu sp. nov., Chassalia muluensis T.Y.Yu sp. nov., Chassalia muscicola T.Y.Yu sp. nov., Chassalia northiana T.Y.Yu sp. nov. and Chassalia ramosa T.Y.Yu sp. nov. Circumscriptions and discussions are given for all Bornean species recognised. A morphological glossary for Asian species of Chassalia is provided. Three separate species groups are recognised, the Chassalia curviflora and C. javanica groups, represented by a single species each in Borneo, and a new informal group, the ‘Involucrate group’, which is proposed and circumscribed to encompass the majority (16) of the Bornean species. Proposals for further work on Asian Chassalia are given.

This is the first revision in more than 100 years of the African genus Pseudohydrosme, formerly considered endemic to Gabon. Closely related to Anchomanes, Pseudohydrosme is distinct from Anchomanes because of its 2-3-locular ovary (vs. unilocular), peduncle concealed by cataphylls at anthesis and far shorter than the spathe (vs. exposed, far exceeding the spathe), stipitate fruits and viviparous (asexually reproductive) roots (vs. sessile, roots non-viviparous), lack of laticifers (vs. laticifers present) and differences in spadix: spathe proportions and presentation. However, it is possible that a well sampled molecular phylogenetic analysis might show that one of these genera is nested inside the other. In this case the synonymisation of Pseudohydrosme will be required. Three species, one new to science, are recognised, in two sections. Although doubt has previously been cast on the value of recognising Pseudohydrosme buettneri, of Gabon, it is here accepted and maintained as a distinct species in the monotypic section, Zyganthera. However, it is considered to be probably globally extinct. Pseudohydrosme gabunensis, type species of the genus, also Gabonese but probably extending to Congo, is maintained in Sect. Pseudohydrosme together with Pseudohydrosme ebo sp.nov. of the Ebo Forest, Littoral Region, Cameroon, the first addition to the genus since the nineteenth century, and which extends the range of the genus 450 km north from Gabon, into the Cross-Sanaga biogeographic area. The discovery of Pseudohydrosme ebo resulted from a series of surveys for conservation management in Cameroon, and triggered this article. All three species are morphologically characterised, their habitat and biogeography discussed, and their extinction risks are respectively assessed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct), Endangered and Critically Endangered using the IUCN standard. Clearance of forest habitat for logging, followed by agriculture or urbanisation are major threats. Pseudohydrosme gabunensis may occur in a formally protected area and is also cultivated widely but infrequently in Europe, Australia and the USA for its spectacular inflorescences.

SummaryThe spectacular new species with horticultural potential described in this paper, Hibiscus hareyae L.A.J.Thomson & Cheek, was identified during an assessment of online digitised botanical specimens of H. schizopetalus (Dyer) Hook.f. as part of a review of species in Hibiscus sect. Lilibiscus Hochr. A short updated description and delimitation of the horticulturally important sect. Lilibiscus is presented. Flowering and fruiting specimens of Hibiscus hareyae are readily distinguished from H. schizopetalus by their short (0.4 – 2 (– 4.5) cm long, non-articulated peduncle-pedicels vs (6 –) 8 – 11 (– 14) cm long, articulated peduncle-pedicels, and larger, broader epicalyx bracts (1.5 – 4 × 1 – 1.2 mm vs 0.6 – 1.5 × 0.1 – 0.3 (– 0.5) mm), the epicalyx forming a shallow cup 0.5 – 1 × 2 – 3 mm vs bracts appearing free. The absence of an articulation of the peduncle-pedicel of H. hareyae is unique within sect. Lilibiscus. The species is also well-marked from H. schizopetalus by other morphological differences in corolla and foliage, and in ecology and geography. Hibiscus hareyae has a restricted natural distribution as an element in deciduous coastal thicket, usually on coral rag formations, sometimes in or near mangrove, in Lindi Province, southern Tanzania. It ranges from the Indian Ocean coast to as much as 20 km inland, from about 8.5oS to 10oS (c. 140 × 20 km) and is assessed as Vulnerable (VU B2ab(iii)). Hibiscus hareyae has high ornamental potential but is unknown in cultivation.

This is the first revision in nearly 130 years of the African genusPseudohydrosme, formerly considered endemic to Gabon. Sister toAnchomanes, Pseudohydrosmeis distinct fromAnchomanesbecause of its 2–3-locular ovary (not unilocular), peduncle concealed by cataphylls at anthesis and far shorter than the spathe (not exposed, far exceeding the spathe), stipitate fruits and viviparous (vegetatively apomictic) roots (not sessile, roots non-viviparous). Three species, one new to science, are recognised, in two sections. Although doubt has previously been cast on the value of recognisingPseudohydrosme buettneri, of Gabon, it is here accepted and maintained as a distinct species in the monotypic section,Zyganthera. However, it is considered to be probably globally extinct.Pseudohydrosme gabunensis, type species of the genus, also Gabonese, is maintained in Sect.Pseudohydrosmetogether withPseudohydrosme ebo sp.nov. of the Ebo Forest, Littoral, Cameroon, the first addition to the genus since the nineteenth century, and which extends the range of the genus 450 km north from Gabon, into the Cross-Sanaga biogeographic area. The discovery ofPseudohydrosme eboresulted from a series of surveys for conservation management in Cameroon, and triggered this paper. All three species ofPseudohydrosmeare morphologically characterised, their habitat and biogeography discussed, and their extinction risks are respectively assessed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct), Endangered and Critically Endangered using the IUCN standard. Clearance of forest habitat for logging, followed by agriculture or urbanisation are major threats. One of the species may occur in a formally protected areas and is also cultivated widely but infrequently in Europe and the USA for its spectacular inflorescences.

Societal Impact Statement Research and publication of the planet's remaining plant and fungal species as yet unknown to science is essential if we are to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 “Life on Land” which includes the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and halting of biodiversity loss. If species are not known to science, they cannot be assessed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and so the possibility to protect them from extinction is reduced. Furthermore, until species are known to science they cannot be fully scientifically evaluated for their potential as new foods, medicines, and products which would help address SDGs 1,2,3, and 8. Summary Scientific discovery, including naming new taxa, is important because without a scientific name, a species is invisible to science and the possibilities of researching its ecology, applications and threats, and conserving it, are greatly reduced. We review new scientific discoveries in the plant and fungal kingdoms, based largely on new names of taxa published in 2019 and indexed in the International Plant Names Index and Index Fungorum. Numbers of new species in both kingdoms were similar with 1942 new species of plant published and 1882 species of fungi. However, while >50% of plant species have likely been discovered, >90% of fungi remain unknown. This gulf likely explains the greater number of higher order taxa for fungi published in 2019: three classes, 18 orders, 48 families and 214 genera versus one new family and 87 new genera for plants. We compare the kingdoms in terms of rates of scientific discovery, globally and in different taxonomic groups and geographic areas, and with regard to the use of DNA in discovery. We review species new to science, especially those of interest to humanity as new products, and also by life‐form. We consider where future such discoveries can be expected. We recommend an urgent increase in investment in scientific discovery of plant and fungal species, while they still survive. Priorities include more investment in training taxonomists, in building and equipping collections‐based research centers for them, especially in species‐rich, income‐poor countries where the bulk of species as yet unknown to science are thought to occur.

SummaryThree new species of Inversodicraea (Podostemaceae), I. senei from the Memv’ele falls of the Ntem River, Cameroon, I. tanzaniensis from the Ruhudji River near Lupembe, Southern Highlands, Tanzania, and I. botswana from the Kasane rapids on the Chobe River, Botswana, are described and illustrated. All three species are known from single sites. All three are assessed as Critically Endangered using the IUCN standard. With 35 species, Inversodicraea is the most species-diverse genus of Podostemaceae in continental Africa, to which it is endemic. Four species of Inversodicraea are now known to be sympatric and point endemics at Memv’ele Falls in Cameroon where a hydro-electric dam is being constructed, threatening them with global extinction. Equally, I. tanzaniensis is threatened by proposed hydro-electric projects in Tanzania. In contrast, I. botswana is threatened by sewage discharge and also by bridge construction.

SaxicolellaEngl., an African genus of the waterfall specialist plant family Podostemaceae, was shown to be polyphyletic as currently delimited. One clade, sampled from species in Ghana, is sister to AmericanCeratolacis(Tul.)Wedd.,PodostemumMichx. and all Old World Podostemoideae (podostemoids). The second clade, sampled from Cameroonian material, was embedded within the major clade of African podostemoids. In this paper the generic nomenclature applied toSaxicolellasensu lato (Saxicolella, PohliellaEngl., AuleaLebrun & Stork nom. inval.), is reviewed and the morphological support for the two clades and their correct generic names is determined.Pohliellais shown to be the correct name for the first clade (based onPohliella laciniataEngl., Cameroon) and a synoptic treatment of its three published species is given, one of which is extinct, and two are threatened. However, a fourth, unpublished species exists. The new combinationsPohliella submersa(J.B.Hall) Cheek andPohliella amicorum(J.B. Hall) Cheek are made for the two published Ghanaian species. The recently described New World genusCipoiaC.T. Philbrick, Novelo & Irgang is revealed as being morphologically identical toPohliella, but in view of the geographical disjunction, confirmation from molecular evidence is awaited before its two species are also transferred toPohliella. The correct name for the second clade, embedded in African podostemoids, isSaxicolella(sensu stricto), now with two known species,Saxicolella nanaEngl. (type ofSaxicolella,Cameroon) andSaxicolella flabellata(G.Taylor) C. Cusset (Nigeria).

Background and aims – This paper reports a further discovery in the context of a long-term botanical survey in the Cross River-Sanaga interval of west-central Africa, focussing on species discovery and conservation.Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study the material collected. The relevant collecting data are stored in the Herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London. Key results – The growing number of endemic species being discovered from the Ebo forest of Cameroon points to the importance of its conservation. Palisota ebo Cheek (Commelinaceae) is described as an additional new species to science and is compared with P. flagelliflora Faden. Restricted so far to the Ebo Forest its conservation status is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B1+2ab(iii)) according to the 2012 criteria of IUCN.

The history, taxonomic placement, relationships, mode of trapping and cultivation of Nepenthes dubia Danser, an epiphytic fly-eater from the cloud forests of the Bukit Barisan range of the west coast of Sumatra, are discussed. This is one of the eight species of Sect. Montanae Danser with ‘egg-cup’ like pitchers. A key is provided to the eight species and they are formally named as Nepenthes Sect. Montanae subsect. Poculae-ovis.

SummaryVepris verdoorniana(Rutaceae) has long been regarded as a widespread and variable species occurring from Guinea to Gabon. Recent evidence has shown that the original material from the type locality in Cameroon consists of two different species,V. verdoornianain the strict sense, endemic to Lower Guinea (Cameroon, Gabon and C.A.R. in W-C Africa) andV. letouzeyiOnana, which was thought to occur from Guinea to Cameroon. In this paper we show that the West African (Upper Guinea) material previously referred to asV. letouzeyi/V. verdoornianais separate morphologically from that in Cameroon (Lower Guinea). In fact the West African material referred to comprises two distinct species, here described asV. occidentalisCheek & Onana (Guinea to Ghana, but probably extending to Benin) a tree of lowland marginal dry evergreen and semi-deciduous forest, andV. ferCheek, a species restricted to four mainly lower submontane forest locations on iron substrates in Liberia and Sierra Leone (also Upper Guinea).Vepris occidentalisis here assessed as Least Concern due to its wide range and high frequency, whilstV. feris assessed as Endangered due to the low number of locations and threats from iron ore mining projects. Both new species are illustrated and mapped.

Background and aimsThis paper reports a further discovery in the context of a long-term botanical survey in the Cross River-Sanaga interval of west-central Africa, focussing on species discovery and conservation.MethodsNormal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study the material collected. The relevant collections are stored in the Herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London and at the Institute of Research in Agronomic Development – National Herbarium of Cameroon.Key resultsNew species to science continue to be discovered from the cloud (submontane) forests of the Cameroon Highlands in Cameroon. Most of these species are rare, highly localised, and threatened by habitat destruction. These discoveries increase the justification for improved conservation management of surviving habitat.Tricalysia elmarCheek (Coffeeae-Rubiaceae) is described as an additional species new to science and is compared with similar species of the genus. Restricted so far to four locations, Mt Kupe, Bali Ngemba, Lebialem and Nta Ali, its conservation status is assessed as Endangered (EN B1+2ab(iii)) according to the 2012 criteria of IUCN.

Species delineation and taxonomic status of three species of Coleus Lour. from the Guinean Highlands, West Africa, are discussed in the context of related taxa. A new species, C. ferricola Phillipson, O.Hooper & A.J.Paton, is found on iron-rich substrates. The related C. splendidus A.Chev. is recognised as a distinct species with C. djalonensis A.Chev. and C. peulhorum A.Chev. var. violacea A.Chev. placed in synonymy. The new combination, Coleus lateriticola (A.Chev.) Phillipson, O.Hooper & A.J.Paton, based on Solenostemon lateriticola A.Chev., but frequently treated at subspecific rank under Plectranthus monostachyus (P.Beauv.) B.J.Pollard, is established. These taxa are described and discussed, and distribution data, illustrations and IUCN Red List assessments are also provided.

SummaryMesanthemum is a genus comprising 16 species in the family Eriocaulaceae and is native to Africa and Madagascar. Eriocaulaceae are characterised by a basal tuft or rosette of narrow leaves and small flowers in heads. Mesanthemum can be recognised by diplostemonous flowers and fused glandular pistillate petals. While most Mesanthemum species are large perennial herbs, two small ephemeral species from West Africa, M. albidum and M. auratum differ from the rest of the genus by their shorter life cycle, smaller size, simpler floral structures and different seed surface patterning. A molecular phylogenetic study, morphological comparisons and scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of seed coat sculpture were carried out to determine whether they should be separated as a new genus. The molecular results indicate that the two ephemeral species are nested in the Mesanthemum clade. However, they are not closely related to each other. All species of Mesanthemum are here revised, including the description of a new species M. alenicola from Equatorial Guinea. An identification key is provided, together with taxonomic descriptions, synonymy and notes. Images of the seeds as seen under SEM are provided where available. Lectotypifications are provided for Mesanthemum albidum, M. bennae, M. pilosum, M. prescottianum, M. pubescens and M. variabile. A neotype is selected for M. rutenbergianum, which is synonymised with M. pubescens.

A new species of Gymnosiphon Blume (Burmanniaceae), G. mayottensis Cheek, sp. nov. is formally described from Mount Benara and Mount Mtsapere on the island of Mayotte in the Comores. This is the first named species of the genus published from the Comoro Islands. The new species resembles G. longistylus (Benth.) Hutch. in the six long, filamentous, stigma appendages, two arising from each of the three styles, also in the absence of an underground tuber or thickened rhizome; it differs in that the bracts are appressed to the rhachises, and about equal in length to them (not patent, and < ¼ as long), the outer tepals turn rapidly from white to translucent at anthesis (not remaining white), the inner perianth lobes are absent (not present and conspicuous), the stigmas are broader than long, held horizontally and are united along their lateral margins (not longer than broad, pendulous, free from each other along their lateral margins). The new species is known from two forest sites, both with threats, and less than 50 individuals are known. Accordingly, it is assessed as Critically Endangered (B1ab(i-iv), B2ab(i-iv), D) using the IUCN 2012 standard. The new species is illustrated by colour photos and line drawings, and mapped.

Cola dorrii Cheek sp. nov. is described from Maputaland Sand and Northern Coastal Forest types in KwaZulu-Natal of South Africa. Formerly treated as Cola greenwayi Brenan, it differs in much shorter leaf-blades and petioles, and in the fruitlets which are stipitate, with apices that are rounded and forward-facing. The indumentum has stellate hairs which are soft, with sinuate arms, rather than subscabrid with stiff arms. The species is assessed as Vulnerable using the IUCN 2012 standard due to habitat modification and loss due to humans, elephants and due to the invasive shrub Chromolaena odorata.

Mesanthemum prescottianum is a West African species occurring in the uplands extending from Guinea to Ivory Coast. Variation within the species is discussed and the synonym M. tuberosum Lecomte is raised to specific status. The conservation status of the first species is assessed using the IUCN 2012 standard as Least Concern, and the second as Vulnerable. Lectotypes are selected for both names. The type location of M. prescottianum, claimed to be Brazil, is shown to be an error.

Warneckea ngutiensis R. D. Stone sp. nov. (Melastomataceae-Olisbeoideae) is described from near Nguti in SW Region, Cameroon. Unique in section Strychnoides in having only a vestigial staminal oil gland, this rainforest shrub is Critically Endangered due to an oil palm plantation project.

Two new coffee relatives (tribe Coffeeae, Rubiaceae), discovered during botanical expeditions to Cameroon, are examined for generic placement, and the placement of three previously known species (Argocoffeopsis fosimondi, A. spathulata and Calycosiphonia pentamera) is reinvestigated using plastid sequence (accD-psa1, rpl16, trnL-F) and morphological data. Seed biochemistry of the new species and pollen micromorphology (only one of the two species) are also studied. Based on the plastid sequence data, the new taxa are nested in a well-supported monophyletic group that includes Argocoffeopsis and Calycosiphonia. Within this clade, three well-supported subclades are recovered that are morphologically easy to diagnose: (1) Calycosiphonia (excluding C. pentamera), (2) Argocoffeopsis (excluding A. fosimondi and A. spathulata), and (3) a clade including the above excluded species, in addition to the new species. Based on the results, Kupeantha, a new genus of five species, is described, including two new Critically Endangered taxa from the Highlands of Cameroon: Kupeantha ebo and K. kupensis. Phytochemical analysis of Kupeantha seeds reveals compounds assigned as hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, amino acids and ent-kaurane diterpenoids; caffeine was not detected. Kupeantha is the first new genus described in tribe Coffeeae in 40 years., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Keetia susu Cheek and K. futa Cheek from the Republic of Guinea, and K. abouabou Cheek from Ivory Coast are described here. Each species is assessed using the IUCN standard as, respectively, Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered. Each species is illustrated and mapped. A key to the 16 species of Keetia in West Africa (Senegal to Benin) is provided. The number of species of Keetia currently accepted is now known to total 35.

Background Although many new species to science have been discovered from thousands of specimens resulting from botanical inventories to support conservation management in Cameroon in recent years, additional species remain to be formally evaluated taxonomically and described. These include species from genera which have been taxonomically neglected for many decades in Africa, such as Microcos. Methods This study is based mainly on herbarium specimens and field observations made in Cameroon during a series of botanical surveys. Herbarium material was examined with a Leica Wild M8 dissecting binocular microscope fitted with an eyepiece graticule. Principal Findings Microcos magnifica Cheek (Malvaceae-Grewioideae or Sparrmanniaceae) is described as an Endangered (EN B2 ab(iii)) new tree species from the submontane forests of Cameroon. It is illustrated and described, and its conservation status and taxonomic affinities are assessed. It is the first new Microcos described from Africa in more than 90 years and is unique on the continent in having sculptured fruits. Discussion A systematic revision, with a molecular phylogenetic study, of Microcos Burm. ex L. in Africa is necessary if the affinities of the species, including M. magnifica, are to be reliably established.

Ledermanniella yiben Cheek is described from the Seli (Rokel) river bed at a single rapid to be flooded by the proposed Yiben hydroelectric dam and reservoir in Sierra Leone. It is assessed as Critically Endangered using the IUCN categories and criteria. The species appears to be unique among African Podostemaceae in bearing dimorphic shoots having either cupuliform or short ribbon-like leaves.

Two new African species of Salacia (Salacioideae, Celastraceae) are described. Salacia arenicola is a scandent shrub endemic to a restricted white sand habitat in coastal Republic of Congo. It is assessed as IUCN 2012 category Vulnerable (VU). Salacia nigra is an erect shrub or small tree with dark purple flowers and large leaves found in the wet coastal forests of Cameroon and Nigeria and is also assessed as Vulnerable. A key to nonlianescent tropical African Salacias is given.

Cheek M., Kami E. & Kami T.: Baphia vili (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae), a new species from coastal thicket in the Republic of the Congo and Gabon. — Willdenowia 44: 39–44. 11 March 2014. — Version of record published online ahead of inclusion in April 2014 issue; ISSN 1868-6397; © 2014 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3372/wi.44.44106 Baphia vili Cheek is described as a new species from coastal thicket on white sand in Gabon and the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville). It is distinguished from other species of the genus by its small, glossy, shallowly cordate leaves and is unusual in its winged fruit. Its taxonomic placement near B. letestui Pellegr. is discussed. It is assessed as Vulnerable using the IUCN standard. Based on observations of the species near Pointe Noire in the months of October, December and July, an account of its phenology is presented.

Inversodicraea, shown by previous workers to merit resurrection, is restored here, to include all those species previously included in Ledermanniella subg. Phyllosma. The final seven species remaining in subg. Phyllosma are formally transferred to Inversodicraea as I. mortonii, I. gabonensis, I. boumiensis, I. harrisii, I. paulsitae, I. torrei and I. thollonii. A new species from the submontane forest of Mt Ziama, in Guinea-Conakry is formally described as I. pepehabai. Similar to I. adamesii, it is assessed as Endangered according to the IUCN 2012 standard.

Allophylus samoritourei from the lowland and submontane forests of the Loma-Man highlands in Guinea-Conakry and Liberia, Africa and Allophylus bertoua from lowland eastern Cameroon are described and illustrated as part of a synoptic revision of the four spiny African species of Allophylus. IUCN conservation assessments are given for all species. The phenomena of androgynophores and of spiny structures in the Sapindaceae, and the possibility of monophyly of spiny Allophylus are discussed.

Ternstroemia guineensis is described from a sandstone table mountain at Kounounkan, possibly the last in the Fouta Djallon (Guinea Highlands) to remain largely unimpacted by humans and to have mainly intact natural habitats. It occurs about 2400 km westward of the nearest existing record (Nigeria) of the genus in Africa. It is confined to cloud (submontane) forest in galleries along watercourses. Its conservation status is assessed as Endangered using the IUCN 2012 criteria. The species differs from the other two African highland species, T. cameroonensis and T. polypetala, in having hermaphrodite flowers with a long subcylindric style and punctiform stigmas, and petals connate at the base into a tube (not dioecious, with a short style and cone-like stigmas, and free petals) resembling in these features the neotropical Ternstroemia species, as does also the lowland wetland T. africana of Nigeria, Gabon and Angola. Citation: Cheek M., Haba P. M., Konomou G. & Burgt X. M. van der 2019: Ternstroemia guineensis (Ternstroemiaceae), a new endangered cloudforest shrub with neotropical affinities from Kounounkan, Guinea, W Africa. – Willdenowia 49: 351–360. doi: https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.49.49306 Version of record first published online on 26 November 2019 ahead of inclusion in December 2019 issue.

The name Leptonychia kamerunensis Engl. & K. Krause is resurrected for an understorey tree of submontane forest in the Cameroon Highlands. L. subtomentosa K. Schum. is resurrected for a tree of the hilly semi-deciduous forests around Yaounde in Central Province, Cameroon. L. moyesiae Cheek, a shrub of lowland coastal evergreen forest of SE Nigeria, SW Province Cameroon and Bioko, is newly described. The taxonomic affinities and conservation status of these three species are assessed.

In the course of studies to typify what has been regarded as the most widespread and common of the endemic Philippines species of Nepenthes, N. alata Blanco, we were able to review the morphological variation in what we previously regarded as a polymorphic species. This led us to redelimit that species in a narrower sense, to resurrect N. graciliflora Elmer, and to recognise N. negros sp. nov., here assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) using the IUCN standard. The Nepenthes alata group is characterised and a key to its species is provided.

Keraunea Cheek & Simao-Bianchini gen. nov. (Convolvulaceae) from Brazil is described and illustrated as the third known neuropeltoid genus. It appears allied to the Old World genera of Neuropeltis Wall and Neuropeltopsis Ooststr. in having wind-dispersed fruits not by enlarged sepals, but subtended by an enlarged papery bract to which the pedicel is adnate, and flowers in which the bracteoles are absent or usually very inconspicuous. Keraunea brasiliensis, the single species thus far known, is here assessed as ‘Endangered’.

Cheek M. & Jebb M.: Nepenthes ramos (Nepenthaceae), a new species from Mindanao, Philippines. — Willdenowia 43: 107–111. June 2013. — Online ISSN 1868-6397; © 2013 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. Stable URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3372/wi.43.43112 Nepenthes ramos Jebb & Cheek, sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Surigao Province, Mindanao, Philippines, and placed in the N. alata Blanco group. An updated key to the species of the group is provided. The new species is characterized by the subcylindric upper pitchers which are more or less equally wide at base and apex, only slightly and gradually constricted in the middle and lacking in fringed wings, and by the lower surface of the lid having a well-developed basal appendage almost lacking glands, the lid surface having dimorphic nectar glands, large perithecoid glands along the midline and much smaller non-perithecoid but bordered glands on the rest of the lid. The species is assessed as Critically Endangered using the IUCN 2001 standard. Logging and op...

Calophyllum africanum Cheek & Q. Luke is described and illustrated from Mali, in that part close to the Fouta Djalon of Guinea. Plant species present in its gallery forest habitat are listed in detail. Threatened by gold and uranium mining activities, C. africanum is here assessed as Critically Endangered according to the categories and criteria of IUCN. This is the first native Calophyllum known from continental Africa apart from the indo-pacific littoral C. inophyllum. The affinities of C. africanum appear to lie with the Neotropics and it is most similar to the Caribbean species C. antillanum.

Psychotria samoritourei Cheek is described from the submontane forests of the Loma-Man highlands in Upper Guinea, West Africa. It is the sixth known lianescent African species of its genus. The distinguishing characters and taxonomic affinities of the species are analysed and its conservation status is assessed. An overview of the Loma-Man highlands and their forests is presented.

Ardisia ebo Cheek sp. nov. (Myrsinaceae) is described as a creeping African subshrub. Its taxonomic affinities are discussed and its conservation status assessed using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (2001) as Endangered.

Phyllanthus kidna, the only tree species of Phyllanthus from Cameroon, is described and analysed. Its combination of bilocular berries and two connate stamens indicate no clear affiliation with any known species or infrageneric group within Phyllanthus. Molecular phylogenetic analyses place it as sister to the Indian and East African species Phyllanthus pinnatus and it is also closely related to the New World species of P. acidus and P. chacoensis. Only five individuals are currently known and the species is assessed as critically endangered. The proposed Mefou National Park near Yaounde could save this species from extinction.

Striga magnibracteata Eb. Fisch. & I. Darbysh. is newly described from the Guinean savannas of eastern Guinee and southwestern Mali. Its affinity to S. klingii (Engl.) Skan, S. dalzielii Hutch. and S. macrantha (Benth.) Benth. is discussed and its conservation status is assessed.

Lebbiea grandiflora (Podostemaceae), a rheophytic herb from the Sewa River rapids in Sierra Leone, is described as a new species. It is the first new African genus of Podostemaceae published for 30 years. First collected in May 2017, the species is assessed as Critically Endangered using the IUCN 2012 standard. It is on the edge of extinction with a small population at a single site threatened by deposition of gravel and sand from alluvial gold and diamond mining upstream, and a planned hydro-electric dam. The new genus is unique in Podostemaceae in a) its highly developed and robust style-stigma structure in which the bases of the two style-stigmas unite to form a bifurcate funneliform-cylindrical structure, with a reflexed, blade-like apex that extends half-way around the perimeter of the ovary-fruit towards the base of the ovary-fruit, b) a specialised andropodium, with robust, self-supporting capacity, having differentiated thickened central, and angled, thinner marginal areas (in other Podostemaceae the andropodial structures are undifferentiated), c) the pillar-like haptera which completely elevate the crustose root above the substrate. Lebbiea is placed in Podostemoideae, necessitating amplification of the delimitation of that subfamily in which it is additionally unique in having the foliose tepals characteristic of the basal subfamilies Weddellinoideae and Tristichoideae.