DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.120171

Authors: Charles H. Stirton, Abubakar Bello, A. Muthama Muasya

Abstract: Background and aims – Following detailed phylogenetic and biogeographic studies of the tribe Psoraleeae, the genus Psoralea L. was shown to have been derived out of Otholobium C.H.Stirt. As Psoralea has nomenclatural priority, Otholobium has been subsumed into Psoralea, whereby two broad subgeneric groups are aligned with the previous descriptions of the separate genera, but some problems of placement of a few species remain unresolved. Work is ongoing to study and describe the nearly 20 undescribed species that will have to be considered before sectional groups can be established. In this paper we describe ten new species, including several putative taxa already recognized in regional floras, based on historic specimens and more recent field collections. Material and methods – Standard practices of herbarium and field taxonomy have been applied to study herbarium material available at B, BLFU, BM, BOL, BR, E, GRA, J, JRAU, K, KEI, L, LE, LINN, M, MO, NBG, NH, NU, NY, OXF, P, PRA, PRC, PRE, PRU, S, SAM, SCHG, SRGH, TCD, Z, ZT, and US. Additional material was provided from fieldwork by the authors and collaborators. Key results – Ten new species of Psoralea from southern Africa are described: Psoralea crista C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. fulva C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. luteovirens C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. nubicola C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. oreopola C.H.Stirt., P. pallescens C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. papillosa C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. prompta C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, P. schutteae C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, and P. vlokii C.H.Stirt. & Muasya. Conclusion – The newly described species, all restricted to South Africa, increases the number of Psoralea species to 129. These species arise from expanded fieldwork into previously under-collected areas, as well as from better refinement in species delimitations in the leafless ‘aphylla’ and pinnately-leaved species complexes.

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DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.116544

Authors: Abraham E. van Wyk, Richard G.C. Boon

Abstract: Background and aims – The species name Gymnosporia filiformis, validly published in a 1927 revision of South African Celastraceae, was based on syntypes representing both Maytenus cordata and a new species. Subsequent studies supported the distinction of Gymnosporia and Maytenus as separate genera. From 1984, this new species was provisionally referred to by the designation “Maytenus sp. A”. Maytenus in Africa comprises a diverse group of species not closely related to the New World members of Maytenus. Here, we clarify the taxonomic identity and generic placement of G. filiformis, and compare it with species with which it has historically been confused. Material and methods – Descriptions and observations are based on extensive field work, supported by conventional taxonomic methods, including study of relevant literature and herbarium collections. Key results – The name Gymnosporia filiformis is lectotypified using a syntype representing “Maytenus sp. A”. We describe a new monotypic genus, Marijordaania, to accommodate “Maytenus sp. A”, and propose the new combination, Marijordaania filiformis. An amended description is provided for the species. It is morphologically quite different from Maytenus cordata, but also from Maytenus acuminata and Maytenus abbottii, species with which it has been confused in the past. Marijordaania filiformis grows in the understorey of evergreen Scarp Forest and is relatively rare, known with certainty only from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces, South Africa. A preliminary conservation assessment suggests that M. filiformis should be classified as Endangered. Conclusion – Marijordaania filiformis is a taxonomically isolated species with no apparent close relatives among African Celastraceae. While the generic status of other African members of Maytenus still needs to be resolved, it would not impact the taxonomic status of Marijordaania. In a recent key for Celastraceae genera based on morphology and geography, M. filiformis ran to the genus Euonymus, but this association lacks support from available molecular evidence.

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DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.105931

Authors: Benny Bytebier

Abstract: Background and aims – Despite the fact that the orchid flora of South Africa is well documented, new species are still being discovered. The identity of an Eulophia subpopulation from near Port Edward in KwaZulu-Natal has been ambiguous. Some thought that it belongs to Eulophia schnelliae, currently considered a synonym of Eulophia macowanii, whereas others were of the opinion that it was potentially a new species. Both hypotheses are investigated here. Material and methods – Plants were studied in the field and herbarium specimens, including types, were consulted. The relevant published literature was revised. Key results – Eulophia schnelliae is confirmed as a synonym of Eulophia macowanii. The Port Edward subpopulation does not match any known Eulophia taxon and is newly described as Eulophia edwardii, endemic to the Pondoland Centre of Endemism. It is only known from one subpopulation of about 200 individuals, which is threatened by urban development. It is, therefore, assessed as Critically Endangered according to Criterion B2ab(i,ii,iii). Conclusion – The newly described species increases the number of Eulophia species in South Africa to 29 and the number of endemic Eulophia species to 10. This discovery underlines the need for continued botanical inventories and protection of sensitive grasslands.

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