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Dracaena mokoko sp. nov. (Dracaenaceae–Ruscaceae/Asparagaceae) a critically endangered forest species from Mokoko, Cameroon
Author(s) -
Mwachala Geoffrey,
Cheek Martin
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
nordic journal of botany
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.333
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1756-1051
pISSN - 0107-055X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1756-1051.2011.01487.x
Subject(s) - critically endangered , asparagaceae , foothills , biology , iucn red list , endangered species , petiole (insect anatomy) , population , botany , small population size , ecology , habitat , demography , sociology , hymenoptera
Dracaena mokoko Mwachala & Cheek sp. nov. is described from the Mokoko forest in the western foothills of Mt Cameroon, in Cameroon, west Africa. Using the IUCN standard it is assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) due to its small population size (less than 50 individuals are known), its small extent of occurrence, and threats from oil exploration and logging in the Mokoko forest. The new species is considered allied to D. aubryana Brongn. ex C. J. Morren of west–central Africa but differs in having spiralled leaves with the blade gradually narrowing into the petiole rather than distichous leaves in which there is an abrupt transition from the well‐developed blade to the petiole.