Open AccessJusticia gigantophylla (Acanthaceae), an endangered litter-gathering species from southern Cameroon
Author(s) -
Harry J. Smith,
Con Moran,
Olivier Lachenaud,
Iain Darbyshire
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
plant ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.422
H-Index - 23
eISSN - 2032-3921
pISSN - 2032-3913
DOI - 10.5091/plecevo.2019.1595
Subject(s) - acanthaceae , endangered species , herbarium , iucn red list , biology , key (lock) , conservation status , critically endangered , ecology , taxonomy (biology) , geography , habitat
Background and aims – The taxonomic status of Duvernoia gigantophylla Lindau from southern Cameroon is considered in relation to the wider Justicia extensa-laxa complex of tropical Africa. Its unusual litter-gathering habit (currently unique in Acanthaceae) is also discussed.Methods – This study was based on normal practices of herbarium taxonomy and morphological analysis. All relevant protocols were followed in the production of the conservation assessment and selection of the lectotype. Key results – A new combination Justicia gigantophylla (Lindau) H.J.Sm. & C.Moran is proposed for this narrowly endemic and endangered species, which is re-instated, with a new description and conservation assessment. A basic key to the wider J. extensa-laxa complex is presented. Justicia gigantophylla is assessed as Endangered (EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) according to the 2012 criteria of IUCN and a new lectotype is also designated.