<I>Geophila erythrocarpa</I> (<I>Rubiaceae</I>), a new species from D.R. congo and Zambia

Abstract

The species Geophila erythrocarpa (Rubiaceae) is described and illustrated. The new species is restricted to dry, dense forests of the Katanga province in D.R.Congo and the adjoining Copperbelt province in Zambia. The species is similar to and in the herbarium easily confused with G. obvallata from which it most clearly differs in having red instead of blue or black fruits. In flowering state, the two species can be separated by differences in calyx morphology. The new species shares the red-coloured fruits with G. afzelii, but differs from this species in the undivided stipules, the fewer-flowered inflorescences with smaller bracts, and details of the leaf coloration. The new species is further compared with all other Geophila species reported from Zambia and D.R.Congo whereby G. obtusifolia is reduced to synonymy under G. renaris and G. aschersoniana is reduced to synonymy under G. obvallata. An IUCN conservation assessment has been made and the species is provisionally assessed as Endangered, based on its restricted area of occupancy, the small number of known locations, and the continuing decline in extent and quality of its habitat.