Drypetes birkinshawii McPherson (Putranjivaceae or Euphorbiaceae s.l.), a new species of Drypetes Vahl, is described, differing most notably from the similar D. perrieri Leandri in having staminate flowers subtended by minute bracts (< 0.5 mm vs. 1.5 mm) and displaying three sepals (vs. four) and three stamens (vs. four) as well as in having glabrous fruits (vs. pubescent). Both species also share rather small leaves (typically less than 7 × 4.5 cm) and a bilocular, 2-styled ovary.