Callmander, M.w. & P.B. Phillipson (2018). New combinations and typifications in Vitex (Lamiaceae) from Madagascar. Candollea 73: 131–136. In English, English and French abstracts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2018v731a14
The genus Vitex L. (Lamiaceae) is pantropical and comprises c. 250 species, of which 42 are currently accepted for Madagascar, all endemic to the country, but one. A number of the Malagasy species of Vitex have been treated as comprising infraspecific taxa, including Vitex betsiliensis Humbert and Vitex cauliflora Moldenke (two subspecies and three varieties respectively), which are the subject of this note. We have undertaken a thorough review all of the available specimens in the herbaria at G, MO and P to gain a better understanding of the morphological variations of both species, and we conclude that the five intraspecific taxa each represent distinct species. We therefore provide the necessary new combinations: Vitex barorum (Humbert) Callm. & Phillipson and Vitex villossisima (Moldenke) Callm. & Phillipson, and the new name: Vitex humblotiana Callm. & Phillipson. Each of the five species is provided with notes on their morphological affinities and with risk of extinction assessments following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Introduction
The genus Vitex L. (Lamiaceae) is pantropical and comprises c. 250 species (Bramley et al., 2009). In Madagascar, the Flora treatment accepted 40 species (38 endemic and 2 indigenous non-endemic) (Moldenke, 1956). Three species were subsequently described from the island: V. menabeensis Capuron (Capuron, 1972), V. masoalensis G.E. Schatz (Schatz, 1990: 207) and V. lowryi Callm. et al. (Callmander et al., 2014). A new combination has been also established: V. hispidissima (Seem.) Callm. & Phillipson for Colea hispidissima Seem., an earlier name for Vitex congesta Oliv. (Phillipson & Callmander, 2013) which falls into synonymy , while V. pulchra Moldenke is considered to be a synonym of V. coursii Moldenke (see Madagascar Catalogue, 2018). A total of 42 native species are currently accepted in the genus for Madagascar, all but one of which is endemic to the country (Madagascar Catalogue, 2018).
With c. 1400 collections of Vitex from Madagascar now available — a 7-fold increase in the specimen-base available now as compared to that which existed when Moldenke published the Flora (see Callmander et al., 2014), a much better understanding of the diversity and distribution of the genus in Madagascar can be obtained. In the light of this, we have undertaken a much-needed review of the genus for Madagascar, identifying previously unidentified and wrongly identified material, and reassessing species limits and distributions. We have reached the conclusion that several taxa previously recognized at the infra-specific level merit recognition at species level. These include the two subspecies of V. betsiliensis Humbert and the three varieties of V. cauliflora Moldenke, (Humbert, 1939; Moldenke, 1951). We therefore propose the necessary two new combinations for: V. betsiliensis subsp. barorum Humbert and V. cauliflora var. villossisima Moldenke and a new name for V. cauliflora var. longifolia Moldenke, since the name combination V. longifolia Merr. already exists for a species from the Philippines.
These taxa all possess leaves reduced to a single leaflet, rather than possessing multifoliolate leaves as it more common in the genus, and were therefore placed in Vitex sect. Simplicifoliae sensu Moldenke (1956). However, V. caulifiora is unique in this group by being cauliflorous, a characteristic found in numerous multifoliolate species placed in sect. Digitatae sensu Moldenke (1956), e.g. V. lowryi and its relatives (Callmander et al, 2014). We note that V. cauliflora var. villossisima was only known to Moldenke from the type collection, a specimen completely lacking any leaf material, nevertheless he correctly placed it in sect. Simplicifoliae, rather than sect. Digitatae due to the similarity of its floral morphology to V. cauliflora. We have been able to associate six additional collections (5 recently collected) that have leaf material with the type, confirming Moldenke's placement of this taxon in the simple-leaved group.
Each of the resulting five species is provided with notes on their morphological affinities and with risk of extinction assessments following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN, 2012). Calculations of extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) have been conducted with Geocat (Bachmann & Moat, 2012). Lectotypes are also designated for two of the species. Distribution maps for each species are available in the Madagascar Catalogue (2018)
Taxonomy and nomenclature
Vitex barorum (Moldenke) Callm. & Phillipson, comb, et stat. nov.
= Vitex betsiliensis subsp. barorum Humbert in Notui. Syst. (Paris) 8: 23. 1939.
Lectotypus (designated here): Madagascar. Prov. Fianarantsoa: vallée d'Ihosy, 850 m, 29.VII.1928, Humbert & Swingle 4908 (P [P00573440]!, isolecto-: B [B 100030550] image seen, BR [BR0000005162642] image seen, G [G00096014]!, K, MO-2160579!, NY [NY00138422] image seen, P [P00440339, P00440340]!, PRE, TAN, WAG [WAG0251822] image seen). Syntypi: Madagascar. Prov. Fianarantsoa: env. d'Ihosy, [22°23′S 46°07′E], VI.1933, Perrier de la Bâthie 19267 (P [P04398730, P04398731, P00440341, P00573443]!). Prov. Toliara: vallée moyenne du Mandrare, près d'Anadabolava, Mont Vohirotsy, [24T6′S 46°43′E], 850 m, XII.1933, Humbert 12649 (G [G00341742]!, P [P00440342]!).
Notes. — Humbert (1939: 24) considered this taxon to be a subspecies of V. betsiliensis, distinct from the typical plant, stating: “… adaptée à un climat plus chaud de moindre altitude [adapted to a hotter climate and lower altitude]”. Vitex barorum can be easily distinguished from V. betsiliensis by its smaller flowers - calyx 5-6 mm long (inch 1 mm lobe) and corolla c. 10 mm long vs. calyx 8-12 mm inch a 2 mm lobe and corolla 12-22 mm long; its white finely canescent indument on its lower leaf surface between the secondary veins and on the calyx between the nerves, and has a predominately salmon-pink papillate indument on the lower leaf midrib and secondary veins, petiole, inflorescence and young stem, while V. betsiliensis has a uniform, very dense, white, lanate indûment covering the lower leaf surface, petiole, inflorescence and young stem. Vitex barorum is found on rocky slopes and inselbergs in the south and south-east of Madagascar while V. betsiliensis is endemic to the marble of Ibity and Itremo massifs.
All three available syntype collections are well representative of the species, however we select a sheet of Humbert & Swingle 4908 in Paris as the lectotype, since it has more duplicates distributed to different herbaria.
Conservation status. — Vitex barorum is known from 12 locations of which only one, the newly established Vohidava-Betsimalaho Reserve, is encompassed by the protected area network. Here the species has been collected just once, in 2007 (Randriatsivery 270)”. All of the other collections date back to the sixties or the seventies and come from fragmented midelevation forest patches on rock outcrops in southern highlands, that are now highly threatened by over-grazing, wild fires and over-exploitation. With an EOO of c. 15,000 km2 and an AOO of 56 km2, V. barorum is therefore assigned a preliminary IUCN conservation status of “Vulnerable” [VU B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)].
Specimens examined. — Madagascar. Prov. Fianarantsoa: premier étage de la Brioche ou “Fandrana”, PK 545 à 64 km d'Ihosy à Ambalavao, [22°01′S 46°22′E], 1200 m, 17.V.1971, Cremers 1545 (P); Mont Vohipolaka au N de Betroka, versant NW, [23°08′S 46°05′E],XI.1933, Humbert 11632 (G, MO, P [2 sheets], TEF); Haute Matsiatra, Ingaro [21°36′S 46°22′E], VI.1969, Morat 3321 (MO, P, TAN); La Brioche: rocher entre Ihosy et Ambalavao, [22°01′45″S 46°22′10″E], 1200 m, VI.1969, Morat 3353 (MO, P); Massif Ingaro, Ambalavao, [21°36′S 46°22″E], 900 m, 12.11.1955, Service Forestier 13743 (P,TEF); Ambandroja, Ambandrozana, [21°59′30″S 46°36′30″E], 900– 1360 m, 22. VII.1954, Service Forestier 14490 (G, MO, P, TEF); massif de l'Ifandana, entre Ankaramena et Ihosy, [22°01′00″S 46°22′30″E], 1300-1400 m, 7.X.1964, Service Forestier 23506 (P, TEF). Prov. Toliara: vallée moyenne du Mandrare, près d'Anadabolava, Mont Vohirotsy (sommet), [24°38′S 46°26′E], 800 m, XII.1933, Humbert 12648 (P); Amboasary Sud, Mahaly, Anadabolava, 24°14′36″S 46°17′01″E, 813 m, 27.X.2007, Randriatsivery 270 (MO, P, TEF); Anadabolava (Moyen Mandrare), [24°12′S 46°19′E], IX.1953, Service Forestier 8538 (P [2 sheets], TEF); Vohidava, près Anadabolava (Moyen Mandrare), [24°09′S 46°15′E], 700-900 m, 6.II.1963, Service Forestier 22598 (MO, P,TEF); Lalanandro, [22°19′S 46°07′E], 6.XI.1967, Service Forestier 27873 (G, MO, P, TEF).
Vitex betsiliensis Humbert in Notul. Syst. (Paris) 8: 22.1939.
Lectotypus (designated here): Madagascar. Prov. Antananarivo: Centre: S du Mt. Ibity, [20°07′S 47°01′E], 1200 m, III.1928, Perrier de la Bâthie 18480 (P [P00573442]!; isolecto-: G [G00096013]!, K, MO, P [P00573441]!, TEF). Syntypi: Madagascar. Prov. Fianarantsoa: env. d'Ambatofinandrahana, [20°33′S 46°48′E], 1600-1800 m, 18.II.1938, Decary 13057 (P [P04398732]!); env. 'Antsirabe, col des Tapia (Haute Sahatsio), [20°15′S 47°09′E], c. 1600 m, 24.XII.1928, Humbert 7116 (P [P00573438, P00573439]!); env. 'Ambositra à Faliarivo, [20°39′S 47°07′E], c. 1600 m, III.1934,Humbert 14519 (G [G00341333]!, K [K000192810] image seen, P [P00730633]!); env. 'Ambatofinandrano, [20°33′S 46°48′E], 1400 m, VI.1913, Perrier de la Bâthie 10185 (NY [NY00138421] image seen, P [P00084312, P00100751]!); bois des pentes occidentales (Tapia), au S d'Ambatofinandrano, [20°33′S 46°48′E], c. 1400 m, V.1920, Perrier de la Bâthie 13126 (G [G00096017]!, P [P00730635, P00730637]!).
Notes. — All three syntypes are well representative of the species, but Perrier de la Bâthie 18480 is selected as the lectotype simply because it has more duplicate specimens distributed in different herbaria.
This species seems to have been cultivated at Analamazaotra on the eastern escarpment of Madagascar by the staff of the Antananarivo botanical Garden (now Jardin Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza) in the 50's (Herb. Jard. Bot. Tananarive 27-2 (145), P [P04398722]). A second collection mentioned on the label that it was brought into cultivation, presumably in Antananarivo, and originally brought back from “Col des Tapias” (Herb. Jard. Bot. Tananarive 4845, P [P04398739]). It is not known if these introductions persist in cultivation.
Conservation status. — Vitex betsiliensis is known from 22 locations where two are encompassed in the protected area network in the Ibity and Itremo massif. All the collections are from the threatened and fragmented central highlands mid-elevation forests. With an EOO of c. 9,165 km2 and an AOO of 96 km2, V. betsiliensisls assigned a preliminary IUCN conservation status of “Vulnerable” [VU B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2a b(i,ii,iii,iv,v)].
Specimens examined. — Prov. Antananarivo: Antsirabe, Ibity, Beapombo, sur la crête du Mt Kiboy, 20°05′40″S 46°59′01″E, 7.II.2003, Andriamihajarivo et al. 115 (MO, P, TAN); Arivonimamo, PK 40, [19°01′S 47°11′E], IV. 1962, Bosser 15481 (MO, TAN); Andranovelona, Lohavohitra, Ankazobe, Fihaonana, Andranovelona, 18°38′3″S 47°17′05″E, 1462 m, 16.III.2012, Rabarijaona 128 (MO, P,TAN); ibid, loco, 18°38′11″S 47°17′13″E, 1593 m, 6.VI.2012, Rabarijaona 175 (MO,TAN); ibid, loco, 18°38′11″S 47°17′08″E, 1527 m, 10,VI.2012, Rabarijaona 222 (MO, TAN); massif Ambohitrambo, Arivonimamo, [18°55′30″S 47°10′30″E], 1500 m, V.1957, Service Forestier 11987 (K, P [2 sheets], TEF). Prov. Fianarantsoa: Marovoalavo, Fiv. Ambatofinandrahana, Fir. Itremo, 100 m à l'E du Mt Ambatoandrano, 20°33′36″S 46°41′42″E, 1110-1125 m, 2.II.2001, Andriamihajarivo 15 (MO, TAN, TEF); Itremo, Ambatofinandrahana, à l'W d' Ambatoandrano, 20°39′32″S 47°06′39″E, 1445 m, 9.XI.2001, Andriamihajarivo 57 (TAN, TEF); Ivato, PK 10, rte Ivato-Ambatofinandrahana, [20°37′S 46°12′E], IX.1956, Bosser 9798 (TAN); PK 12, entre Ivato et Ambatofinandrahana, [20°37′S 46°12′E], IX. 1956, Bosser 9827 (P [2 sheets], TAN); Faliarivo (Ambositra), [20°39′S 47°07′E], 27.V.1939, Decary 14020 (P); env. d' Ambatofinandrahana, 10 km rte de Fenoarivo, [20°52′S 46°52′E], IV.1958, Descoings 3245 (MO, TAN); Itremo, Ambatofinandrahana, lanas ana, 20°34′40″S 46°35′11″E, 1558 m, 25.VI. 2005, Hong-Wa 364 (MO, P, TAN); env. d'Ambatofinandrahaha (Betsileo), [20°37′S 47°12′E], 1400-1500 m, 16.1.1955, Humbert & Capuron 28107 (P); montagnes à l'W d'Itremo, 1500-1700 m, 17-22.1.1955 & 18-22. IV.1955, Humbert 29953 (MO, P [3 sheets]); Ambohimanjaka, c. 205 km along the road from Antananarivo to Ambositra, 20° 11′06″S 47°05′24″E, 1380 m, 16.V.1993, Jongkind & Rapanarivo 931 (MO, P, TAN); Ambatofitorahana, Ambatofitoharana, [20°49′S 47°11′E], 1500 m, III. 1960, Keraudren 220 (MO, P); entre Ivato et Ambatofinandrahana, [20°37′S 47°12′E], 1.XII.1970, Keraudren-Aymonin & Aymonin 25728 (G, P, TAN, TEF); Anavozo, Soanatao à 2 km S du village d' Ambatofinandrahana, sur la route vers Fenoarivo, 20°35′4″S 46°48′35″E, 1378 m, 18.III.2004, Lehavana et al. 23 (MO, P, TAN); Itremo massif, W of Ambatofinandrahana, along road to Col d'ltremo, just below bridge over Ambalarangolana riv., 20°34′40″S 46°35′11″E, 1540 m, 9.XI.2002, Lowry et al. 5837 (MO, P, TAN); Col des Tapias, c. 15 km NNW of crest of pass, 20°13′57″S 47°05′45″E, 1425 m, 25.XI.2009, Lowry et al. 7070 (MO); Ivato, 12 km à l'W d'Ivato, piste d'Ambatofinandrahana, [20°37′S 47°12′E], 25.VI. 1969, Morat 3317 (P, TAN); Fkt. Ranomafana, à 4 km au NW d'Ambatofinandrahana, 20°30′58″S 46°46′02″E, 1475 m, 19.VIII.1999, E.S. Rakotoarisoa 21 (TAN); Ambatofinandrahana, Ianasana, 20°34′40″S 46°35′05″E, 28.IX.2012, Rakotonasolo 2016 (K,TAN); Ambohimanjaka. Ankeniheny, Ambohimanjaka, 20°14′02″S 47°05′35″E, 5.VI.2015, Rakotonirina et al. 1157 (MO, P, TAN); route vers Itremo à 19 km d'Ambatofinandrahana, 20°33′S 46°48′E, 12.VI.1994, Ranaivojaona 6 (MO, P, TAN); Itremo, Fiv. Ambatofinandrahana, Itremo, 40 km à l'W d'Ambatofinandrahana, le long d'une vallée dirigée vers l'W du pont à Ianasana, 20°34′S 46°34′E, 1630-1770 m, 6.IV. 1998, Randrianaivo et al. 161 (MO, P, TAN); massif d′Itremo, E margin, c. 19 km W of Ambatofinandrahana, 20°34′30S 46°37′30″E, 1580-1700 m, 10.III.2000, Schatz et al. 3970 (MO, P, TAN); Distr. Ambatofinandrahana, forêt d'Antanimena, [20°49′S 47°11′E], 5.IX.1951, Service Forestier 4723 (P); Faliarivo, Falirivo, SW d'Ambositra, [20°38′S 47°07′E], I.1955, Service Forestier 11541 (TEF); Distr. d'Ambositra. Ankijana, Ambohimahazo, [20°40′S 47°06′E], 5.II.1955, Service Forestier 13468 (P); ibid loco, 15. IX.1954, Service Forestier 14756 (P, TEF); Anasana, massif de l'Itremo, [20°32′S 46°33′E], 3.VII 1.1959, Service Forestier 19504 (P, TEF); ibid, loco, 20°37′S 46°35′E, 1500 m, 27.X.1994, van der Werff & McPherson 13590 (MO, P, TAN). Sine loco: s.d., Anon. s.n. (P); 1400 m, 9.VII.1940, Cours 1519 (P); Riv. Menaloha [?], 2.XII.1928, Homolle 1825 (P).
Fig. 1.
Field photographs of Vitex L. A-B. Vitex humblotiana Callm. & Phillipson; C. Vitex cauliflora Moldenke; D. Vitex betsiliensis Humbert. [Photos: A-B: P. Antilahlmena; C: G.E. Schatz; D: P.P. Lowry]
Vitex cauliflora Moldenke in Phytologia 3: 432. 1951.
Holotypus: Madagascar. Prov. Toamasina: env. de la Baie d'Antongil, X.1912, fl., Perrier de la Bâthie 10311 (P [P00100756]!; iso-: P [P00084315]!).
Notes. — With the exclusion of the two varieties that we treat as distinct species, we limit V. cauliflora to plants that correspond to the typical variety. Vitex cauliflora can be recognized by its sub-coriaceous, medium-size unifoliolate leaves (8-17 × 3-5 cm) and its beige-brown villous inflorescences including the corolla (Table 1).This species is confined to low to midelevations evergreen forests in northeastern Madagascar.
Conservation status. — Vitex cauliflora is known from 15 locations, 9 of which are encompassed in the protected area network (within Anjanaharibe-Sud, Mananara-Nord, Maldra, Marojejy and Masoala). With an EOO of c. 13,670 km2 and an AOO of 60 km2, V. cauliflora is therefore assigned a preliminary IUCN conservation status of “Least Concern” [LC].
Specimen examined. — Madagascar . Prov. Antsiranana: Masoala PN, à 21 km du village de Sahamalaza sur la route de Vakoanina. Vinanivao, Antalaha, 15°48′S 50°8′E, 15-16.II.1996, Aridy & Moïse 147 (MO, P, TEF); Marojejy AP, versant NW du Marojejy, 14°25′S 49°36′E, 1000 m, 17.X.2001, Gautier et al. 3856 (G, TEF); massif de l'Anjanaharibe (pentes et sommet N), à l'W d'Andapa (Haute Andramonta, bassin de la Lokoho, NE), [14°36′S 049°23′E], 10.XII.1950, Humbert et al. 24540 (G, K, MO, P [2 sheets], TEF); Marojejy AP, along the trail to the summit of Marojejy Est, NW of Mandena, 14°26′S 49°46′E, 7.X.1989, Miller et al. 3436 (MO, P); ibid loco, W slopes of Mt. Beondroka, 14°27′S 49°47′E, 23-24.X.1989, Miller & Randrianasolo 4404 (MO, P, TAN); ibid loco, W part of Marojejy, 14°29′09″S S 49°34′05″E, 30.I.2013, Rajaovelona et al. 562 (K, MO, P, TAN); Doany, Anjialavahely, forêt d'Ankarongameloka, versant E, 14°15′32″S 49°26′23″E, 1235 m, 10.III.2006, Rakotovao et al. 2939 (MO, P, TAN); Andapa, forêt Domaniale de Masiaposa, 14°39′20″S 49°42′20″E, 890 m, 10.XI.1995, Ravelonarivo & Lowry 866 (P, MO, TAN); Andapa, Doany, Anjialavahely, 14°14′S 49°26′E, 9.III.2006, Ravelonarivo et al. 1824 (MO, P, TAN); Ambatomenavava, Bezavona, forêt d'Ampiranaomby, 14°23′18″S 49°52′26″E, 687 m, 25.X.2010, Ravelonarivo & Raharivelo 3583 (MO, P, TAN); Cap Masoala, sources de l'Anaovanandrano (confins), 15°36″S 50°00″E, 750 m, Wohlhauser et al. 661 (G, P, TAN). Prov. Toamasina: Fiv. Maroantsetra, Abinanitelo, Fkt. Marovovonana, between Befotsila and Sahamengo, 15°17′30″S 49°27′57″E, 695 m, 10.IX.2004, Antilahimena 2890 (K, MO, P, TAN); NW coast of Masoala Peninsula, trail E of village of Hiaraka, ESE of Maroantsetra on, 15°30′S 49°56′E, 550 m, 10.X.1986, Lowry et al. 4055 (MO, P); ibid, loco, ridge running SE of village of Ambanizana, along ridge SE of Androka riv., 15°38′S 49°59′E, 400 m, 15.X.1986, Lowry et al. 4136 (MO, P); Mananara-Avaratra NP, Antanambe, above Mavokely riv., 16°27′S 49°47′E, 24.X.1994, Prance & Andriantiana 30748 (K, MO, P, TAN); ibid, loco, 26.X.1994, Prance 03 Andriantiana 30817 (K, MO, P, TAN); entre Bedinta et Andranobe, 15°39′30″S 49°57′30″E, 350-500 m, 24.XI.2001, Rabevohitra 4001 (MO, P, TAN); Mananara-Avaratra NP, 570 m, 18.X.1990, Raharimalala 2397 (P).
Vitex humblotiana Callm. & Phillipson, nom. et stat. nov.
= Vitex cauliflora var. longifolia Moldenke in Phytologia 3: 433.1951 [non V. longifolia Merr.].
Holotypus: Madagascar . Prov. Toamasina: “Passimbé”, 27.XII.1881, fl., Humblot 90 (P [P00440350]!; iso-: P [P00440351]!).
Notes. — Vitex humblotiana can be easily recognized by its very large (25-43 × 4.5-8.5 cm), unifoliolate, coriaceous leaves and its cauliflorous inflorescences with pubescent pedicels, bracts and calyx and yellow strigose corolla (see Table 1).This species is confined to low to mid-elevation evergreen forests in east-central Madagascar.
Conservation status. — Vitex humblotiana is known from 9 locations and five are encompassed in the protected area network (Analalava, Betampona and Zahamena).The species is threatened by habitat degradation due to forest exploitation, tavy and bush fires, especially in areas that are not formally protected. With an EOO of c. 14,760 km2 and an AOO of 40 km2, V. humblotiana is assigned a preliminary IUCN conservation status of “Vulnerable” [VU Blab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)].
Specimens examined. — Madagascar. Prov. Fianarantsoa: c. 0.6 km of Ambodirafia, 21°20′26″S 47°42′14″E, 534 m, 14.XI.1998, Almeda et al. 8128 (CAS, P). Prov. Toamasina: Foulpointe, Ananalava, 17°42′S 49°26′E, 12.XI.2007, Andriamiarinoro 85 (MO, P, TAN); Analalava Mahavelona Foulpointe, Fokontany Morarano, Piste Rabedona, 17°42′06″S 49°27′19″E, 38 m, 7.X.2011, Andriamiarinoro & Amosa 249 (MO, P, TAN); Brickaville, Maroseranana, à 5 heures de marche d'Andeka, vers le N, Amparamanambola, lieu dit Sahatsara 18°26′23″S 48°49′40″E, 698 m, 28.X.200S, Andriamihajarivo et al. 615 (MO, P [P04398258],TAN); Analalava, W of Foulpointe, 17°42′S 49°29′E, 0-50 m, 13.XII.1984, Bamett & Dorr 263 (MO, P); Didy a Brickaville, [18°29′S 48°48′E], Cours 4905 (P [P04398292]); forêts d'Ambanivoules, Savaïndou, 11.1837, Goudot s.n. (G); Analanjirofo, Analalava, 17°42′23″S 49°27′05″E, X.2008, Nikolov et al. 1765 (MO, TAN); Zahamena AP, partie SE, 17°43′30″S 48°59′25″E, 610 m, 20.X.1994, Randrianjanaka 222 (G, MO, P, TAN); Zahamena AP, Andranofantsona, 10 km au S de Manakambahiny I, au bord du rivière Ihofika, 17°39′17″S 48°49′10″E, 600 m, 23.X.2002, Razafitsalama 142 (CNARP, MO, P [P04398287], TEF); Ambodiriana, Betampona, [17°55′S 49°13′E], 29.X.1953, Réserves Naturelles 5872 (G, MO, P, TAN); Ambodiriana, [17°55′S 49°13′E], 13.VII.954, Reserves Naturelles 6458 (G, P [2 sheets]); Betampona, RN 1, au N d' Ambodiriana [17° 56′S 49°15′E], 250-500 m, 20.VIII.1957, Service Forestier 18093 (P [2 sheets], TEF); Analalava à l'W de Foulpointe, [17°42′S 49°26′E], 1,30.X.1963, Service Forestier 22795 (MO, P, TEF).
Table 1.
Comparison of morphological characters between Vitex cauliflora Moldenke, V. humblotiana Callm. & Phillipson and V. villosissima (Moldenke) Callm. & Phillipson.
Vitex villosissima (Moldenke) Callm. & Phillipson, comb, et stat. nov.
= Vitex cauliflora var. villosissima Moldenke in Phytologia 3:433.1951.
Holotypus: Madagascar . Prov. Toamasina: Anony, forêt du N du pays Sihanaka, 3.IX.1937, Herb. Jard. Bot. Tananarive 2949 (P [P00440352]!; iso-: NY [NY00138431] image seen, P [P00440353]!, TAN).
Notes. — The species is characterized by its small, chartaceous, unifoliolate leaves (6-9 × 1.3-2.6 cm). Furthermore, this species has a different indument on both the corolla and other parts of the inflorescence (see Table 1). This species is known from mid-elevation evergreen forests around Lake Alaotra.
Conservation status. — Vitex villosissima is known only from 4 locations with only one encompassed in the protected area network (Zahamena). The other locations are from other eastern escarpment evergreen tropical forests that are threatened by habitat degradation due to tavy and forest over-exploitation. With an EOO of c. 240 km2 and an AOO of 20 km2, V. villosissima is therefore assigned a preliminary IUCN conservation status of “Endangered” [EN B1 ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)].
Specimens examined. — Vohimena, [17°21′S 48°36′E], 1000 m, 8.IX.1946, Cours 2871 (G, MO, P); Zahamena PA, An kosy, 17°28′45″S 48°44′10″E, 996-1250 m, 15.VII.2000, Ratovoson et al. 252 (CNARP, MO, P, TEF); ibid, loco, Ambarihely (2 km à l' E d'Ankosy), 17°28′43″S 48°44′17″E, 1000 m, 13.VII.2005, Ratovoson 1027 (MO, TEF); ibid. loco, 12.VII.2000, Rakotonandrasana et al. 405 (CNARP, MO, P); ibid. loco, au bord de la piste vers Antevibe, 17°33′34″S 48°54′34″E,750 m, 26.X.2000, Rakotonandrasana et al. 457 (CNARP, MO, P, TAN); ibid, loco, Andranofantsona à 10 km au S de Manakambahiny, 17°39′20″S 48°56′46″E, 610 m 27.X.2002, Razafitsalama 157 (CNARP, MO, P, TEF).
Acknowledgments
We thank Patrice Antilahimena, Pete Lowry and George Schatz for their nice field photographs.
