Dracaena mokoko sp. nov. (Dracaenaceae–Ruscaceae/Asparagaceae) a critically endangered forest species from Mokoko, Cameroon.

Mwachala, Geoffrey; Cheek, Martin

Dracaena mokoko sp. nov. (Dracaenaceae–Ruscaceae/Asparagaceae) a critically endangered forest species from Mokoko, Cameroon.

Resource type

Journal article

Creator (person)

Mwachala, Geoffrey

ORCID

Cheek, Martin

ORCID

Date published

July 9, 2012

Abstract

Mwachala & Cheek sp. nov. is described from the Mokoko forest in the western foothills of Mt Cameroon, in Cameroon, west Africa. Using the IUCN standard it is assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) due to its small population size (less than 50 individuals are known), its small extent of occurrence, and threats from oil exploration and logging in the Mokoko forest. The new species is considered allied to Brongn. ex C. J. Morren of west–central Africa but differs in having spiralled leaves with the blade gradually narrowing into the petiole rather than distichous leaves in which there is an abrupt transition from the well‐developed blade to the petiole.