A revision of Xylopia L. (Annonaceae): the species of Madagascar and the Mascarene islands

Abstract

We recognize 30 species of the pantropical genus Xylopia L. from Madagascar and an additional three species from the Mascarene Islands. Of the six sections of the genus, three are represented in the region: sect. Xylopia, sect. Verdcourtia, and sect. Stenoxylopia. All species are endemic, and many are microendemics of conservation concern. The greatest species richness occurs in humid forests below 1000 m. Taxonomic review supports the hypothesis that the genus dispersed to Madagascar from continental Africa five times. Ten new species are described: Xylopia anomala D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, sp. nov., X. australis D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, sp. nov., X. carinata D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, sp. nov., X. galokothamna D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, sp. nov., X. lokobensis D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, sp. nov., X. longirostra D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, sp. nov., X. marojejyana D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, sp. nov., X. ravelonarivoi D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, sp. nov., X. retusa D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, sp. nov., and X. sclerophylla D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, sp. nov. An identification key, technical descriptions, illustrations, and distribution maps are provided.