Three new species of Uvariodendron (Annonaceae) from coastal East Africa in Kenya and Tanzania

• Published in: PhytoKeys Vol. 174; no. 1; pp. 107 - 126
• Main Authors: Dagallier, Léo-Paul M J, Mbago, Frank M, Luke, W R Quentin, Couvreur, Thomas L P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers 12.03.2021
• Subjects: Annonaceae; Discovery and exploration; Identification and classification; Kenya; Magnoliidae; Physiological aspects; Tanzania; Taxonomy; Kenya; Tanzania; IUCN conservation status; bergamot; Annonaceae; Shimba Hills; Dzombo Hill; endemic
• ISSN: 1314-2011; 1314-2003; 1314-2011
• DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.174.61630

East Africa is a hotspot of biodiversity with many endemic plant species. We describe three new species of the genus (Annonaceae) from the coastal forests of Kenya and Tanzania. Dagallier & Couvreur, is endemic to Tanzania and unique within the genus by its strong bergamot scent and its tomentose fruits having regular tufts of higher hair density. Dagallier, W.R.Q. Luke & Couvreur, is endemic to Dzombo Hill in Kenya and is rendered distinct by its small leaves and very densely pubescent carpels. W.R.Q. Luke, Dagallier & Couvreur, is endemic to Shimba Hills in Kenya and differs by its small flowers and fused sepals forming a ring. Following IUCN criteria we assessed and as endangered (EN) while is assessed as Vulnerable (VU). We also propose a new combination: (Verdc.) Dagallier, The description of these three new species underlines the richness in endemics in East Africa and that new discoveries might arise from further botanical exploration of this region.