Three new threatened Keetia species (Rubiaceae—Vanguerieae), from the forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania
Resource type
Journal article
Creator (person)
Cheek, Martin
Bridson, D.
Date published
September 27, 2019
Abstract
Keetia sp. A, of the Flora of Tropical East Africa, based on Mabberley & Salehe 1496, is formally named as Keetia davidii following the discovery of a second specimen, also from the Ukaguru Mountains of the Eastern Arc of Tanzania. This small tree or shrub is assessed as Endangered using the IUCN 2012 standard. Keetia sp. B, a shrub from Kwiro Forest near Mahenge, is described as Keetia mwasumbii. Based on Cribb et al. 11027, it is assessed as Critically Endangered. Keetia sp. C, formally named as Keetia semsei based on Semsei 2025, from the Shikurufumi Forest near the Uluguru Mountains, is also assessed as Critically Endangered. The three species each derive from separate threatened patches of forest that are among the least well-surveyed and least protected in the Eastern Arc Mountain archipelago. For this reason, naming them, so enabling inclusion in the IUCN Red List, is important if they are to be included in conservation prioritisation exercises.
Journal title
Gardens' Bulletin Singapore
Volume
71
Issue
suppl.2
Publisher
National Parks Board
ISSN
0374-7859
eISSN
2382-5812