Taxonomic Studies of Diospyros (Ebenaceae) from the Malagasy Region. IX. Clarification of Species Limits Between D. clusiifolia and D. fuscovelutina, and Establishment of a New Combination Based on a Name Previously Placed in Synonymy, Tetraclis baronii

Abstract

The taxonomic delimitation is clarified between two species recently recognized as closely related but distinct, Diospyros clusiifolia (Hiern) G. E. Schatz & Lowry and D. fuscovelutina Baker, which can easily be confused based on morphology and eco-geography. A third entity, Tetraclis baronii H. Perrier, erroneously placed in synonymy over a decade ago under D. fuscovelutina, is resurrected by establishing a new combination, D. baronii (H. Perrier) H. N. Rakouth & Lowry. The diagnostic characters that distinguish these three taxa are presented and discussed, along with a risk of extinction assessment of D. baronii based on the IUCN Red List criteria, which indicates that its status is Near Threatened.