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A synopsis of Asclepias (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) in tropical Africa

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Summary

In preparation for two major regional Flora accounts, Asclepias has been reassessed in tropical Africa. 38 species not assigned to the allied genera Aspidoglossum, Glossostelma, Gomphocarpus, Margaretta, Pachycarpus, Stathmostelma, Stenostelma or Xysmalobium are recognised in the region. Nine species and one subspecies are described for the first time. The inclusion of Trachycalymma again within Asclepias requires four new combinations. A further three new names or combinations are required for the transfer of Odontostelma welwitschii, Schizoglossum alpestre and Stathmostelma verdickii to Asclepias. Five names are lectotypified, and a neotype proposed for Gomphocarpus meliodorus. The conservation status of all species is assessed.

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Acknowledgements

I am most grateful to Melanie Wilmot-Dear and Maria Vorontsova for the Latin diagnoses, and to Olivier Lachenaud (BRLU) and Gretchen Walters (MO) for drawing my attention to additional records of Asclepias occidentalis from Gabon and the two Congos. I am also indebted to Peter Schäfer (MPU) who very kindly imaged relevant collections for me at short notice.

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    D. J. Goyder

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Goyder, D.J. A synopsis of Asclepias (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) in tropical Africa. Kew Bull 64, 369–399 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12225-009-9133-3

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