A synopsis of Mendoncia (Acanthaceae) in continental Africa including the description of two new species from western Central Africa and a new subspecies from West Africa

Abstract

The amphi-atlantic genus Mendoncia of the Acanthaceae counts c. 80 species. In tropical Africa it is represented by 14 species, eight in continental Africa and six in Madagascar. The remaining species occur in tropical America. The new species Mendoncia camerounensis and M. rabiensis are described and illustrated. Mendoncia floribunda is resurrected, fully described, and illustrated as well. Mendoncia iodioides, reduced to a variety of M. phytocrenoides in the Flore du Gabon, is restored as a distinct species. The isolated western population of Mendoncia gilgiana is recognised as a new subspecies. The conservation status of all species is assessed. Only a few of them are classified as Least Concern, the others as ranging from Critically Endangered to Vulnerable. Since we resurrect two species and add two new species and a new subspecies, a synopsis of and a key to all continental African species is presented.