A new species of Phyllogeiton (Rhamnaceae: Rhamneae) from Maputaland, South Africa

Abstract

Recently the genus Phyllogeiton was reinstated to accommodate the two currently recognized species of Berchemia, namely P. discolor and P. zeyheri, which are confined to Africa and Madagascar. In the present contribution a new species, Phyllogeiton trachybasis, is described, illustrated, mapped, and compared with the other members of the genus, especially with P. discolor with which it has hitherto been confused. An identification key and illustrations are provided for the three species of Phyllogeiton. The new species has a restricted range and is presently only known for certain from the KwaZulu- Natal part of the Maputaland Centre of Endemism in South Africa. Known trees of P. trachybasis are mostly old and there are no signs of recruitment in nature. Outside conservation areas, the bark of P. trachybasis is heavily utilised for biocultural purposes, most probably a main reason for the apparent demise of the species. A preliminary conservation assessment suggests that P. trachybasis should be classified as Endangered.