Justicia gigantophylla (Acanthaceae), an endangered litter-gathering species from southern Cameroon
- Resource Type
- article
- Authors
- Harry Smith; Con Moran; Olivier Lachenaud; Iain Darbyshire
- Source
- Plant Ecology and Evolution, Vol 152, Iss 3, Pp 546-553 (2019)
- Subject
- Cameroon
Acanthaceae
Justicia
litter-gathering
Plant ecology
QK900-989
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 2032-3921
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.