A taxonomic revision of Boerhavia (Nyctaginaceae) in southern Africa

The genus Boerhavia in southern Africa is revised. Eight species and one infraspecific taxon are recognized for the Flora of Southern Africa region, with Boerhavia orbicularifolia Struwig described as new. Four of the species are indigenous, with three endemic to semi-arid parts of Namibia and north...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSouth African journal of botany Vol. 86; pp. 116 - 134
Main Authors Struwig, M., Siebert, S.J.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 01.05.2013
Subjects
Anthocarp
Boerhavia
ecology
flora
fruits
geographical distribution
indigenous species
magnesium
Morphology
Nyctaginaceae
soil
Soil chemistry
Southern Africa
taxonomic revisions
Taxonomy
South Africa
Namibia
Soil chemistry
Taxonomy
Morphology
Southern Africa
Boerhavia
Nyctaginaceae
Anthocarp
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Summary:The genus Boerhavia in southern Africa is revised. Eight species and one infraspecific taxon are recognized for the Flora of Southern Africa region, with Boerhavia orbicularifolia Struwig described as new. Four of the species are indigenous, with three endemic to semi-arid parts of Namibia and north-western South Africa. The eight species can be distinguished from one another by the shape and indumentum of the anthocarp. The majority of taxa have no edaphic preferences but Boerhavia repens subsp. repens is associated with high Mg levels. This is a first attempt at a comprehensive taxonomic revision for the genus in southern Africa, and includes a key to the species, complete nomenclature, and a description of all the infrageneric taxa. Taxon accounts are supplemented with geographical distribution records, notes on the ecology, soil preferences and known traditional uses.
Bibliography:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2013.02.172
ISSN:0254-6299
1727-9321
DOI:10.1016/j.sajb.2013.02.172