A conspectus of Combretum (Combretaceae) in southern Africa, with taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on species and sections

Abstract

Two subgenera of Combretum Loefl. occur in the Flora of southern Africa (FSA) region. Previous sectional classifications were assessed in view of molecular evidence and accordingly modified. Ten sections in subgen. Combretum, 25 species and eight subspecies are recognized. Subgen. Cacoucia (Aubl.) Exell & Stace comprises four sections and seven species. C. engleri Schinz, C. paniculatum Vent. and C. tenuipes Engl. & Diels are reinstated as distinct species separate from C. schumannii Engl., C. microphyllum Klotzsch and C. padoides Engl. & Diels, respectively. C. schumannii occurs outside the FSA region. Records of C. adenogonium Steud. ex A.Rich., C. platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell and subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell in Botswana are doubtful. C. celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell is elevated to species level as C. patelliforme Engl. & Diels. C. grandifolium F.Hoffm. is reduced to C. psidioides Welw. subsp. grandifolium (F.Hoffm.) Jordaan. Twenty-six names are lectotypified. The type, a full synonymy, other nomenclatural and taxonomic information, the full distribution range and a distribution map are provided for each taxon. Selected specimens examined are given for poorly known species. Keys to subgenera, sections and species are provided.