An update to the African palms (Arecaceae) floristic and taxonomic knowledge, with emphasis on the West African region

Abstract

The present contribution is the product of palm research on continental African taxa started 7 years ago and represents an update to our taxonomic and floristic knowledge. Current estimates indicate that this palm flora is represented by 68 species, grouped in 18 genera attributed to three subfamilies (Calamoideae, Coryphoideaea and Arecoideae). Although much less species rich when compared with other palm floras, African palms are extremely interesting from different perspectives, including phylogenetics, economic botany, ecology and conservation, all of them briefly discussed in this paper. A historical background on palm studies in Africa is provided, whereas current efforts on our multi-disciplinary research efforts in West Africa and future perspectives are depicted.