Ecogeographic survey of the genus Coffeain the Mascarene Islands

An ecogeographic survey is required for the development of a strategy for the conservation and use of plant genetic resources. An herbarium-based ecogeographic survey is presented, supplemented by detailed field surveys of wildCoffeaspecies in the Mascarene Islands. The geographical and ecological distribution of the different Coffeaspecies in the Mascarene Islands, principally in Mauritius, is determined, and an assessment is made of the IUCN conservation status of native Coffeaspecies. Ecogeographic data were collated from herbarium specimens from four major herbaria holding collections of Mascarene Coffea. The geography, ecology, phenology and conservation status of the Coffeaspecies from Mauritius are discussed.