Abstract
SUMMARY This note consists of an outline of the types of distribution shown by African species of Diospyros. Reasons are given for sinking Maba under Diospyros. Wheo this is done, 71 species of Diospyros are known from the mainland of Africa. Taxonomically the genus consists of 28 isolated species, 8 species which are imperfectly known, and 15 more or less isolated « groups » of 2 to 5 very closely related species. It is suggested that MAYR'S term of « superspecies » can be applied with advantage to the latter. Ecologically the greatest concentration (43) of species is in the rainforest. 17 species are known from other forest types, with most species (15) in the East African coastal forests. The East African montane forests are very poor in Diospyros (2 species). 11. species occur in non-forest types. The evidence which suggests that these non-forest species had their origins in the rain forest is discussed in some detail.
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