Abstract:
A taxonomic revision of all the southern African spiny members of the Celastroideae is
presented. Evidence from macromorphology, leaf anatomy, ecology and
phytogeography is used as a basis for classification. The genus Gymnosporia (Wight & Am.)
Hook. f. is reinstated, deviating from Maytenus by the presence of spines and
brachyblasts, dichasial inflorescences, and mainly unisexual flowers. A new genus,
Gloveria, is described. Taxa proposed are: four species (one new combination) in Putterliclda;
one species in Gloveria; 31 species and three subspecies in Gymnosporia (nine
new sections, nine new combinations, seven new species and one new subspecies). The
taxonomic treatment includes keys to the genera, sections, species and subspecies,
accompanied by descriptions, nomenclatural details, habitat and distribution, plus voucher
specimens. A list of herbarium specimens examined is provided. Photographs of herbarium
specimens, flowers, fruits and transverse sections
of the leaves, as well as distribution maps and a cladogram are included.
