Svensonia and Chascanum in East and North-East Tropical Africa and Arabia

Abstract

Moldenke's monograph of this group (Svensonia in Fed., Rep. 41, 129-143 (1936) ; Chascanum in Fed., Rep. 45, 113-160, 300-319 (1938) ; 46, 1-12 (1939) ; Rev. Sudam. Bot. 6, 15-24 (1939).) It therefore seems worth while to summarise the additional knowledge thus gained and to provide a revised key to the species concerned ; particularly as these are often difficult to distinguish. As Moldenke cites specimens extensively this is here omitted, except for the types, specimens showing considerable extensions of range and changed identifications. All specimens cited have been seen unless enclosed in brackets, and are at Kew, unless otherwise indicated. It will be noted that of the 9 species concerned, one is new, while 2 are known only from the type gatherings made more than sixty years ago, and there is every likelihood that further careful collecting will reveal additional new species of this rather attractive group in what is still, to a great extent, the " unknown horn of Africa ".