Taylor, C.M., R.E. Gereau & H.H. Schmidt (2020). Some distinctive new species of Psychotria (Rubiaceae, Psychotrieae) from Madagascar. Candollea 75: 159–182. In English, English and French abstracts.

Psychotria L. (Rubiaceae, Psychotrieae) is an unusually species-rich genus in Madagascar. Recent botanical explorations here have found a number of undescribed species, and some unusual morphological structures for this genus. Here ten new Psychotria species from Madagascar are formally described: Psychotria ambatovensis C.M. Taylor, Psychotria antilahimenae C.M. Taylor, Psychotria birkinshawiana C.M. Taylor, Psychotria davisiana C.M. Taylor, Psychotria eumachioides C.M. Taylor, Psychotria hamifera C.M. Taylor, Psychotria mutabilis C.M. Taylor, Psychotria notopleuroides C.M. Taylor, Psychotria palifera C.M. Taylor, and Psychotria razafimandimbisonii C.M. Taylor. Unusual morphological features of some of these species include a prostrate habit, deeply retuse leaves, and enlarged, persistent, funnelform stipules. Assessment of the conservation status of these using IUCN Red List categories finds four of them “Vulnerable” and six “Endangered”.

Baldesi, G., L. Pignotti & R.M. Baldini (2020). A new species of Pseudoblepharispermum (Asteraceae, Plucheeae) from NE Somalia. Candollea 75: 183–188. In English, English abstract.

A new species of the genus Pseudoblepharispermum Lebrun & Stork (Asteraceae), up to now including Pseudoblepharispermum bremeri Lebrun & Stork and Pseudoblepharispermum mudugense Beentje & D.J.N. Hind, is described from two herbarium specimens housed at FT, collected in 1954 near the Indian Ocean coast of Bari Region, NE Somalia. These specimens formed an unidentified remaining part of a collection given to FT by the Italian geologists G. Merla, A. Azzaroli and V. Fois, who had led a geologic expedition in the former Migiurtinia (current Bari Region) on behalf of an Italian oil company. The new species Pseudoblepharispermum tuddense Baldesi & Pignotti is more similar to Pseudoblepharispermum bremeri from S Ethiopia than to Pseudoblepharispermum mudugense from central Somalia. Close examinations of macro- and micro-characters were carried out for the new species and compared with the features of Pseudoblepharispermum bremeri. Diagnostic characters are listed to support the taxonomic distinction between the new species and Pseudoblepharispermum bremeri.

Received: May 9, 2020; Accepted: August 20, 2020; First published online: October 29, 2020

Chatelain, C., F. Andrieu & A. Dobignard (2020). A new Fabaceae species from western Sahara (Morocco): Lotus zemmouriensis. Candollea 75: 189–192. In French, English and French abstracts.

A new species of Lotus L. (Fabaceae) is described for the Moroccan Western Sahara: Lotus zemmouriensis C. Chatel., F. Andrieu & Dobignard. The new species resemble Lotus glinoides Delile but differs by its smaller pods and by its erectflexuous hairs on stems and leaves. Seven species of the genus are known in Western Sahara, three of which are endemic (not including the new species). This species is probably not rare, but the collect of plants in this desert area remains very random for climatic reasons, moreover this small species crawling on the sand has certainly been confused with others for a long time. The new species is provided with a line drawing and field photographs. A key to identify the Lotus of Western Sahara is presented.

Hanes, M.M., G.E. Schatz & M.W. Callmander (2020). Transfer of the Malagasy genera Humbertianthus and Macrostelia to Hibiscus (Malvaceae) with description of four new species. Candollea 75: 193–202. In English, English and French abstracts.

Two Malagasy species of the genus Macrostelia Hochr. (Malvaceae) are transferred to Hibiscus L. and two new combinations are proposed: Hibiscus calyculatus (Hochr.) M. Hanes, G.E. Schatz & Callm. and Hibiscus involucratus (Hochr.) M. Hanes & G.E. Schatz & Callm. The monotypic genus Humbertianthus Hochr. with its single species Humbertianthus cardiostegius Hochr. was defined as a taxon in its bud stage and represented unopened flowering collections of Hibiscus laurinus Baill. Several recent herbarium collections from the eastern humid forest of Madagascar represent four new restricted range species: Hibiscus ambanitazensis M. Hanes & G.E. Schatz, Hibiscus analalavensis M. Hanes & G.E. Schatz, Hibiscus ankeranensis M. Hanes & G.E. Schatz, Hibiscus vohipahensis M. Hanes & G.E. Schatz. Each of the new species are documented by field photographs and their geographic distribution is presented. Risk of extinction assessments of the seven species discussed indicate three taxa are threatened as “Critically Endangered”, and four are “Least concern”.

Schatz, G.E., P.P. Lowry II & P.B. Phillipson (2020). Taxonomic studies of Diospyros (Ebenaceae) from the Malagasy region. V. Synoptic revision of the Bernieriana group in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Candollea 75: 203???218. In English, English and French abstracts.

A synoptic revision of the Bernieriana group of Diospyros L. (Ebenaceae) in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands is presented in which seven species are recognized, including four new species that are described and illustrated (Diospyros hongwae G.E. Schatz, Lowry & Phillipson, Diospyros ranirisonii G.E. Schatz, Lowry & Phillipson, Diospyros silicea G.E. Schatz, Lowry & Phillipson, and Diospyros suarezensis G.E. Schatz, Lowry & Phillipson). A key to the species is provided, along with a risk of extinction assessment for each species using the IUCN Red List criteria. Two species are assessed as ???Endangered??? (Diospyros hongwae and Diospyros silicea), one as ???Vulnerable??? (Diospyros ranirisonii), two as ???Near Threatened??? (Diospyros suarezensis and Diospyros torquata H. Perrier), and two as ???Least Concern??? (Diospyros bernieriana (Baill.) H. Perrier and Diospyros danguyana H. Perrier).

STONE, R.D. (2020). New species of Memecylon (Melastomataceae) from Madagascar: treasures of the TEF Herbarium. Candollea 75: 219–239. In English, English and French abstracts.

Memecylon L. (Melastomataceae, Olisbeoideae) is a widespread paleotropical genus of forest shrubs and small trees, and is one of the ten most species-rich genera of woody plants in Madagascar. In a previous treatment, Jacques-Félix recognized 78 species of Memecylon on the island, of which all are endemic and most are known from just one or two sites. The present work describes and illustrates nine new species of Memecylon from Madagascar (including Memecylon complanatum R.D. Stone, Memecylon convergens R.D. Stone, Memecylon fofifa R.D. Stone, Memecylon longipetiolatum R.D. Stone, Memecylon paraxenum R.D. Stone, Memecylon potamicum R.D. Stone, Memecylon pseudogaleatum R.D. Stone, Memecylon subchartaceum R.D. Stone, and Memecylon unguiculare R.D. Stone), based mainly on material received on loan from the FO.FI.FA Herbarium (TEF). The conservation status of each species is provisionally assessed in accordance with the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Given the extensive anthropogenic deforestation of Madagascar, one must consider the possibility that Memecylon complanatum, Memecylon paraxenum, and Memecylon pseudogaleatum are already extinct since these three species have not been recollected within the last 50–60 years. Work is ongoing towards a comprehensive taxonomic revision of Memecylon in Madagascar.

Callmander, M.W., A.J. Ford & S. Buerki (2020). New combinations for two species in the genus Synima (Sapindaceae, Cupanieae) from Queensland (Australia). Candollea 75: 241–244. In English, English abstract.

Synima Radlk. is a small genus of Sapindaceae distributed in Australia, Indonesia (Moluccas and Western New Guinea) and Papua New Guinea with three species currently accepted. The genus can be recognized by its crested scales on the petals, a pericarp that dries thin and wrinkled, and the seed which has a fleshy, yellow-orange sarcotesta that is either small and basal or ± enclosing the seed. Previous taxonomic studies expressed doubts regarding the generic placement of two species belonging to the genus Sarcotoechia Radlk.: Sarcotoechia serrata S.T. Reynolds and Sarcotoechia heterophylla S.T. Reynolds. A phylogenetic framework has shown that Sarcotoechia is paraphyletic and Sarcotoechia serrata is sister to Synima. Further morphological evidence (e.g., crested petals) support the transfer of the latter two species to Synima and the new combinations are proposed here: Synima heterophylla (S.T. Reynolds) Callm. & Buerki and Synima serrata (S.T. Reynolds) Callm. & Buerki. A key to all species of Synima is presented.

Received: June 5, 2020; Accepted: August 24, 2020; First published online: October 29, 2020

Applequist, W.L. (2020). A revision of Homalium sect. Rhodonisa (Salicaceae) endemic to Madagascar. Candollea 75: 245–268. In English, English & French abstracts.

Homalium sect. Rhodonisa (Tul.) Sleumer is endemic to Madagascar and has included three recognized species. A new revisionary treatment of the section is presented and an identification key is provided. Twelve species are recognized, of which seven are newly described: Homalium analavelonae Appleq., Homalium ihosyense Appleq., Homalium megaphyllum Appleq., Homalium phillipsonii Appleq., Homalium pseudoracemosum Appleq., Homalium rakotovaoi Appleq., and Homalium vohitsiandrianense Appleq. Two lectotypes are designated. Taxonomic novelties are provided with line drawings or scans of their holotypes. Risk of extinction assessments indicate that two taxa are “Critically Endangered”, one is “Endangered” and four “Vulnerable”. Occasional hybridization is observed. Some specimens are not classifiable and it is possible that other unrecognized species exist.

Buerki, S., J. Munzinger, P.P. Lowry II & M.W. Callmander (2020). Two new genera of Sapindaceae (Cupanieae) from the southern Pacific: Lepidocupania and Neoarytera. Candollea 75: 269–284. In English, English abstract.

Phylogenetic analyses of the family Sapindaceae inferred from nuclear and plastid sequence data have revealed a high level of para- and polyphyly at the subfamilial, tribal, and generic levels. A phylogenetic study focusing on taxa in the southern Pacific belonging to tribe Cupanieae has shown that the two most species-rich genera, Arytera Blume and Cupaniopsis Radlk., are polyphyletic. This study aims to clarify generic limits among the taxa currently placed in these two genera by identifying morphological features that support monophyletic groups suitable for recognition at the generic level. Specimens deposited in major herbaria holding material of these taxa were examined to complement extensive field observations. Careful consideration of morphological features in light of previous taxonomic treatments and the results of phylogenetic analyses enabled us to propose a re-aligned generic framework for Cupanieae in which two new genera are described to accommodate species previously placed in Arytera and Cupaniopsis: viz., Lepidocupania Buerki, Callm., Munzinger & Lowry (21 species) and Neoarytera Callm., Buerki, Munzinger & Lowry (4 species). A total of 25 new combinations are made, lectotypes are designated for nine names (two first step and seven second-step), and one new synonym is established. A key to the newly circumscribed genera Arytera and Cupaniopsis, along with allied genera, is provided, accompanied by information on the distribution and ecology of each species.

Received: June 26, 2020; Accepted: August 28, 2020; First published online: October 29, 2020

Thouvenot, L. & M.J. Price (2020). Chiloscyphus parapilistipulus (Lophocoleaceae), a new species of liverwort from New Caledonia, with the typification of Lophocolea pilistipula. Candollea 75: 285–289. In English, English abstract.

During a review of Lophocoleaceae types housed in G in the context of research on the liverworts of New Caledonia, a set of three specimens collected by Louise Le Rat in 1909 that were filed as types of Lophocolea pilistipula Steph. (≡ Chiloscyphus pilistipulus (Steph.) J.J. Engel & R.M. Schust.) turned out to be heterogeneous: the one originating from Île des Pins is fertile and corresponds to the protologue as well as Stephani's illustration of this taxon. This original material is designated here as lectotype of Lophocolea pilistipula. The two other specimens in G collected on Mount Dogny are sterile and exhibit some morphological differences from the designated lectotype material, namely the plants are large, with wider stems that have larger and broader leaves with smooth rather than crenulate margins, and that lack trigones. A new fertile collection from Mount Dogny was identified as belonging to Chiloscyphus Corda and is conspecific with the material collected from Mount Dogny over a century earlier. A new species, Chiloscyphus parapilistipulus Thouvenot, is described. It closely resembles Lophocolea pilistipula but differs from it by its larger size, smooth leaf margins, the dioicous sexuality and the ventro-lateral position of the gynoecia at the apex of short leafless branches.

Received: June 15, 2020; Accepted: August 31, 2020; First published online: October 29, 2020

Jeanmonod, D. (2020). Importance and characteristics of the Cyrno-continental taxa, and analysis of their absence outside Corsica. Candollea 75: 291–310. In French, English and French abstracts.

Corsica contains a flora present on the European continent but absent from all the other large Mediterranean islands (Balearic Islands, Cyprus, Crete, Sardinia and Sicily). The study analyzes all the taxa of this flora called here Cyrno-continental and represented by 258 taxa (12 % of the native flora). Its characteristics (biological, biogeographical and chorological types, vegetation belts and habitats) are analyzed here and appear to be very different from those of the total native flora. This flora directly depends on the geographical characteristics of Corsica distinct from those of the other islands (latitude, reliefs, temperate vegetation belts in altitude) because 59.8 % of these taxa find their limits of distribution in Corsica. Some of them have found a postglacial refuge in Corsica, others have been able to establish themselves thanks to the great wealth of its habitats, notably humid. Others have limited distribution areas that have not allowed them to colonize other islands. Expansion capabilities, environmental change and chance also play a role in some cases.

Beentje, H. & O. Lachenaud (2020). The inclusion of Akeassia in Grangea (Asteraceae) and description of a new species from Gabon: Grangea ogoouensis. Candollea 75: 311 – 319. In English, English and French abstracts.

The discovery of a new Gabonese species of Asteraceae leads us to reevaluate the distinction between the genera Grangea Adans. and Akeassia J.-P. Lebrun & Stork. The differences between the two genera proving unreliable, Akeassia is included in Grangea, resulting in the new combination Grangea grangeoides (J.-P. Lebrun & Stork) Beentje & O. Lachenaud. A key to the ten species of Grangea is presented, as well as complete morphological descriptions for the three species occurring in Gabon: Grangea grangeoides, Grangea maderaspatana (L.) Desf., and and the new species Grangea ogoouensis O. Lachenaud & Beentje. The new species differs from Grangea grangeoides by its pinnatifid lower leaves and more numerous pappus-bristles, and from Grangea maderaspatana by its free pappus bristles and smaller phyllaries. It appears to be endemic to Gabon, and its conservation status is assessed as “Vulnerable”.

Callmander, M.W., G.E. Schatz, R.E. Gereau & M.M. Hanes (2020). A new name in Hibiscus (Malavaceae) for Madagascar. Candollea 75: 323–324. In English, English and French abstracts.

The combination Hibiscus involucratus (Hochr.) M. Hanes et al. (Malvaceae), based on Macrostelia involucrata Hochr., is a later homonym of Hibiscus involucratus Salisb. Macrostelia involucrata is here replaced by the new name Hibiscus benedicti Callm., G.E. Schatz & M. Hanes.