Despite the extensive diversity of African flora, significant gaps remain in taxonomic research and biodiversity conservation, including under-sampling in highly diverse regions, a shortage of taxonomic expertise, limited financial resources and delays in species descriptions. Type specimens act as effective proxies for tracking the discovery and description of species, providing a historical baseline for assessing taxonomic effort and our understanding of biodiversity. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of Fabaceae species collected in Mozambique, one of the most diverse and ecologically important plant families in the region. It offers new insights into the taxonomic, spatial and temporal patterns shaping current botanical knowledge through an analysis of Fabaceae type specimens collected in Mozambique. We identified 273 type specimens, including 126 recognised taxa, with a notable proportion of endemism (44 strict-endemic and 18 near-endemic taxa) and a predominance of woody growth forms. Nearly 40% of these taxa lack IUCN conservation assessments, highlighting significant information gaps. The findings reveal that collection activity peaked during colonial botanical initiatives, driven by a small group of prolific collectors and influenced by spatial biases towards southern and central provinces. Using generalised linear modelling, we demonstrate that collection locations were significantly affected by elevation, slope, land cover and proximity to roads and harbours, reflecting the interaction between biogeographic patterns and accessibility. By identifying these historical and geographic biases, our study deepens understanding of Mozambique's botanical heritage and provides a crucial baseline for future floristic and conservation efforts in underexplored regions. Furthermore, this research underscores the vital role of herbarium type specimens as scientific resources supporting taxonomic research and conservation planning, emphasising the importance of preserving and digitising these collections to enhance their accessibility and utility.

Despite growing interest in South African medicinal plants, advanced metabolomic workflows that integrate positive (ESI+) and negative (ESI-) ionization modes in UPLC-MS/MS remain sparsely applied to South African flora, and especially to Acorus calamus and Lippia javanica species. Herein, application of a dual-polarity (positive (ESI+) and negative (ESI-) ionization modes) using an untargeted UPLC-MS/MS workflow, integrated with HEK293T cytotoxicity screening, to map their metabolomes, and rank potential signature metabolites for targeted antiviral follow-up. SwissADME supported in silico drug-likeness. Neither plant extract was cytotoxic across the concentration range, with absorbance-based cell viability of 73.82% for L. javanica and 77.23% for A. calamus at 250 µg/mL, and fluorescence-based cell viability ≥59.87% and ≥55.89%, respectively. Dual-polarity expanded coverage with ESI- yielded 312 features, compared with 225 with ESI+, consistent with the predominance of acidic phenolics in plant species. Unsupervised and supervised models segregated the plant species (PCA PC1/PC2 variance: ESI+ 89.4%/3.0%; ESI- 93.5%/1.8%; R2X(cum) = 0.799). Differential analysis identified 118 significant features in ESI+ with 80 up-regulated, 38 down-regulated, and 139 in ESI- with 96 up-regulated, 43 down-regulated. The ESI- showed the wider dynamic range. Chemotypes enriched among significant metabolites include flavonols of 3-O-methylkaempferol, apigenin, and conjugates of Pollenin A, iridoid glycosides of oleoside, forsythoside B, and jasmonate-pathway oxylipins of 7-epi-12-hydroxyjasmonic acid and its glucoside. These also include caryoptosidic acid and catechin-7-glucoside, which are ionized in both modes, pinning the increase in biomarker robustness. In conclusion, a dual-mode UPLC-MS/MS approach, integrated with cytotoxicity exploration, delivers a complementary metabolome coverage and a safety awareness for shortlisting of potential signature metabolites from L. javanica and A. calamus. Moreover, in vitro inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) by these plants links chemical signatures to antiviral relevance. Shortlisted significant metabolites that demonstrated favorable drug-likeness include flavonol scaffolds of 3-O-methylkaempferol, Pollenin A, and jasmonate-pathway derivatives of 7-epi-12-hydroxyjasmonic acid. Moreover, the dual ionization mode may eliminate ionization bias, broaden metabolome coverage, and yield a mechanism-ready shortlist of metabolites from South African medicinal plants for downstream antiviral investigation.

This paper reports the first discovery in Tunisia of Orobanche ballotae (Orobanchaceae) parasiting on Pseudodictamnus hirsutus, its specific plant-host, within the mountains of Le Kef region in the northwestern part of the country. The species was considered to be endemic to Spain but reported later also from Greece and doubtfully from Morocco. The population reported confirms it as a floristic record to the African holoparasitic flora. Moreover, its geographical distribution together with its phenology, habitat and ecology in Tunisia are presented.

BackgroundDiplotaxis (Brassicaceae) is a genus widely distributed in the temperate areas of Europe, Asia and Africa, reaching its greatest diversity in NW Africa, Cape Verde and the Mediterranean area. In eastern Africa, this genus is only represented by D.harra (Forssk.) Boiss. in Somalia and Djibouti, while no native species of Diplotaxis have been recorded from Ethiopia.New informationThe finding of Diplotaxiskohlaanensis A.G. Mill. & J.A. Nyberg, originally described from northern Yemen, is here reported for the first time in the Simien Mountains. Our finding has a particular phytogeographical and ecological significance, highlighting the relevant floristic relationships of the Arabian Peninsula mountains with the Ethiopian highlands. In addition, our investigations confirm the outstanding number of exclusive taxa shared by these two areas testifying to the past phytogeographical connection between these two territories. D.kohlaanensis is localised on the high-altitude cliffs, which represent a highly conservative environment for relict species. Finally, the taxonomical relationships of this taxon within the Diplotaxisharra complex are also examined.

Role of the Maloti-Drakensberg in the evolution of the southern African temperate flora: The biogeographic history of Helichrysum in the Great Escarpment

Abstract Phytophthora cinnamomi is a globally recognised invasive plant pathogen, affecting approximately 5000 host species. In South Africa, previous research has linked P. cinnamomi to root rot in endemic Proteaceae, including Leucadendron argenteum. Recent observations have noted high mortality rates in L. argenteum, with P. cinnamomi readily isolated from the roots and collars of dying trees. Phosphite is commonly used to control Phytophthora diseases, but its efficacy in protecting native South African flora remains uncertain. To address this, trials were conducted to evaluate phosphite’s effectiveness against P. cinnamomi infection in L. argenteum. In the glasshouse trial, four-month-old seedlings were treated with 5 g/L phosphite and then inoculated with P. cinnamomi. Non-treated inoculated seedlings exhibited rapid wilting within three weeks, while treated seedlings showed significant disease reduction, with no difference in root weight and seedling height compared to non-inoculated controls. In the field trial, L. argenteum trees treated with 40 g/L and 50 g/L phosphite injections over 30 months showed no significant difference in survival rates compared to untreated controls. The lack of phosphite efficacy in the field trial was attributed to the presence of Armillaria spp. The study underscores the threat P. cinnamomi poses to L. argenteum populations and highlights the additional risk from Armillaria. While phosphite has demonstrated effectiveness against Phytophthora root rot, further investigation is needed to determine if P. cinnamomi and Armillaria spp. have synergistic effects on L. argenteum mortality. Additionally, exploring phosphite’s potential to protect plants from A. mellea at the seedling stage is warranted.

Malaria and HIV/AIDS remain two of the most devastating infectious diseases globally, disproportionately affecting populations in low- and middle-income countries, especially across Africa. As resistance to current pharmaceutical therapies rises, the exploration of traditional medicinal plants offers a promising, cost-effective, and culturally relevant alternative for disease management. This paper examines the historical significance, phytochemical potential, and therapeutic contributions of medicinal plants in combatting malaria and HIV. It highlights key plant species such as Artemisia annua, Cinchona spp., and a range of traditional African flora used in rural health settings. Drawing upon global case studies from Zambia, Namibia, and beyond, the paper also addresses the socio-economic, regulatory, and research challenges impeding the full integration of ethnomedicine into modern healthcare systems. Future directions are discussed, including the need for sustainable harvesting, bioactive compound isolation, pharmacological validation, and improved collaboration between traditional knowledge holders and the scientific community. The review ultimately underscores the critical role of medicinal plant research in global health strategies to combat these persistent diseases. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Artemisinin, Traditional medicine, Ethnobotany, Antiretroviral therapy.

The global HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is limited. Despite advances in pharmacological interventions, ART presents various drawbacks, including toxicity, resistance, cost, and limited accessibility in rural regions. Traditional medicine, especially the use of indigenous plants, continues to play a vital role in the management of HIV/AIDS and associated opportunistic infections. This paper explores the pharmacological potential of local flora in HIV/AIDS treatment, focusing on their traditional usage, phytochemical properties, mechanisms of antiviral action, and safety profiles. Southern African flora has shown promising anti-HIV activity in both ethnobotanical and preliminary in vitro studies. However, the lack of standardized research, clinical trials, and regulatory frameworks hinders their integration into mainstream healthcare. Bridging traditional knowledge with modern pharmacological research may yield affordable, accessible, and culturally accepted therapeutic options. This paper emphasizes the importance of comprehensive toxicological studies, standardized clinical trials, and collaborative research to fully realize the therapeutic value of local medicinal plants in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Antiretroviral Therapy, Traditional Medicine, Local Flora, Phytochemistry, Ethnobotany.

Abstract For more than half a century, significant strides have been taken to reduce the incidence of malaria, but nearly half of the world‘s population is still at risk of malaria infection. Development of parasite resistance to antimalarial drugs remains a medical challenge that requires identification and development of novel drug‐like anti‐plasmodial leads that are active against drug resistant parasites. The benefits of chiral natural product (NPs) as anti‐Plasmodium drugs can be traced back to Quinine. To date, the importance of stereogenic centers in drug discovery continues to influence clinical pharmacology of various clinical candidates. This review retrospectively examines chiral natural product anti‐Plasmodium agents from the East African flora published between year 2000 and 2023. The intention is to identify promising leads that could be ideal starting points for development of the next generation of antimalarial drugs.

Breast cancer is a significant global health challenge, contributing substantially to cancer- related deaths. Conventional treatment methods, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, surgical interventions, and radiation, have long been utilized. However, these traditional treatments are often associated with serious side effects and drug resistance, limiting their efficacy. This review aims to explore the potential of medicinal plants used in breast cancer management in East Africa, focusing on their bioactive compounds and anticancer properties. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to examine the effectiveness of medicinal plants in treating breast cancer across Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Relevant studies published between 2003 and 2023 were identified using keywords related to breast cancer and medicinal plants. The search was performed across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Science Direct. Numerous natural compounds found in East African medicinal plants including Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass,) Tabebuia avellanedae, Prunus africana (African Cherry), Euclea divinorum, Berberis holstii, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha, Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Garcinia mangostana (Mangosteen, Vitis vinifera (Grapevine), Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum), Moringa oleifera (Drumstick Tree), Camellia sinensis (Tea), Glycine max (Soybean), Catharanthus roseus, Madagascar Periwinkle), Rhus vulgaris (Wild Currant) exhibit significant anticancer properties. These compounds have demonstrated the ability to reduce breast cancer aggressiveness, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, and modulate cancer-related pathways. Current research focuses on these natural and dietary compounds to develop more effective strategies for treating breast cancer. The findings suggested that East African medicinal plants hold promise as complementary treatments for breast cancer, offering potential benefits such as affordability, cultural appropriateness, and sustainability. Further research into these plants and their bioactive compounds could revolutionize breast cancer treatment, improving survival rates and addressing the rising incidence of breast cancer-related fatalities. Other: The review underscores the importance of continued research, conservation, and the integration of ancient healing methods to fully harness the potential of East African flora in breast cancer management.

A taxonomic revision of the family Apocynaceae (Gentianales) from Tunisia is presented. Field surveys carried out during the last two decades allowed us to identify new records at the national level, i.e., Asclepias curassavica, Carissa macrocarpa, Cascabela thevetia, and Cryptostegia grandiflora (the latter three are new to the non-native Mediterranean and North African woody vascular flora). The genus Asclepias is new at a national level, whereas Carissa, Cascabela, and Cryptostegia are recorded here for the first time in the Mediterranean basin. Information is provided about nomenclature (accepted names, main synonyms, and types), morphology, chromosome number, chorology, occurrence in Tunisia, habitat, phenology, and taxonomic annotations, and original photos are prepared. Diagnostic keys relating to generic and species ranks are also given. Using typificitions, the identity of the Linnaean names Cynanchum erectum and C. monspeliensis, Pourret's Vinca difformis, and Roxburgh's Nerium grandiflorum is discussed.

Background: African flora is full of many plant species used by populations for a long time as sources of food, timber, energy and remedies for various somatic or spiritual ailments. In tropical areas, there are many sources of vegetable oils available, but not exploited or not used optimally. Oilseeds are important sources of oils of food, industrial and pharmaceutical importance. Aim: The aim was carry out to determine some of the physicochemical characteristics of Cucurbita pepo seeds oil in order to promote its valorization. Results: After extraction of the oil by cyclohexane, we obtained a yield of 31.26 %. The study of physical parameters indicate that the oil is pure and belongs to the group of non-drying oils with values of 0.915 ± 0.01 and 1.468 ± 0.01 for density and refractive index respectively. This is confirmed by the results of chemical parameters study. Indeed the low values of the acid and peroxide index (respectively 0.41 ± 0.13 mg KOH/g oil and 8.92 ± 1.08 mEq O2 / kg oil) confirm the stability of the oil, which allows it to better resist oxidation. The value of the iodine index (88.15 ± 2.57 g iodine /100 g oil) shows that the oil is of the oleic type. The high value of the saponification index (191.67 ± 1.52 mg KOH/g) oil proves that the oil has long carbon chains. Conclusion: Based on these results, Cucurbita pepo seeds oil would be a good candidate in the food industry, phytomedicine and for the formulation of cosmetic or body care products.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global public health problem with devastating consequences, such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, approved treatments are limited to interferon and nucleoside/nucleotide analogues for chronic hepatitis B and chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery for cancer. Both treatments have their limitations, making complete cure an elusive goal. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic targets using medicinal plants and the development of new antiviral and anticancer strategies are of utmost importance. The aim of this review is to identify from the literature the substances and molecules of West African flora involved in the fight against chronic hepatitis B and liver cancer and to provide a summary of their mechanisms of action. Pubmed, HAL open science, and Google Scholar literature search engines were used to identify medicinal plants and molecules from the West African flora. Among West African countries, Gambia and Niger had the highest prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection, and 09 West African countries had high rates of liver cancer. A number of studies carried out in Mali, Benin, Senegal, and Burkina Faso enabled us to list anti-HBV and anticancer plants, as well as a number of molecules isolated from plants found in West African regions. By offering a glimpse into the world of anti-HBV and anticancer molecules from West Africa, this review provides valuable information to support the future development of herbal antiviral and anticancer drugs.

One of the areas for the search for new antimalarial drugs is from the claimed antimalarial plants from the African flora. Only few of these claims have been authenticated by scientific investigation. Plants form the major part of treatments used by traditional healers in many societies, Bucholzia Coricea (B. Coriacea) a perennial plant belonging to the family capparidaceae and genus Bucholzia is popularly known as wonderful kola. Earlier studies carried out on different parts of this plant shows that it has great medicinal potentials thus, the evaluation of antibacterial and anti-malaria potential of wonderful kola (Bucholzia Coricea) seed extract in male Wister rats. Material and Methods: Fresh seeds of B. coricea were plucked and washed with distilled water, concentrated using rotary evaporator. Standard antibacterial agent (30 μg) tetracycline, antimicrobial susceptibility test discs and Nutrient agar was used. 100g of crude extract taken into a conical flask, the crude extracts were tested by disc diffusion method on nutrient agar medium. selected bacteria were used to evaluate the antibacterial activities of the crude extracts of Bucholizia Coricea seed, Escherichia coli (ATCC©25922), Salmonella typhi, (ATCC©14028), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC©25923) and Kliebselia pneumonia, (ATCC©19155). A total of seventy-eight Swiss albino mice (18-25 g) of both sexes were used in the study. Eighteen for acute toxicity study while thirty were used for each of the in vivo antiplasmodial test. Results: antibacterial; higher inhibition was observed at 400µg/mL on Klebsiella pneumonia at 15.14 + 0.07mm when compared to standard 21.19+ 0.03mm. while the curative effect of the extract in P. berghei infected rats at 40mg/kg show significant parasitaemia density to be 30.98+4.30 and pre(D3) was 2.90+0.11mm** with survival time at post (D7) to be 29.67+0.21mm when compared to CQ as standard drug control with 10mg/kg. Conclusion: This study has however stablished the rationale for the traditional use of this plant in Nigeria and like many others, proved that medicinal plants which have folkloric reputations for anti-bacterial and antimalarial properties, thus, as an agent.

BackgroundEndemism is essential in biodiversity, biogeography, and conservation tasks. Based on herbarium specimens kept in some local herbaria, many published literature, and available information, we compiled a comprehensive list and an updated assessment of the Egyptian endemic and near-endemic taxa. The application of quantitative approaches to the distribution patterns, conservation status, and habitat preference of endemic taxa in Egypt was provided. Comparisons of the near-endemic taxa with other neighbouring flora were explained. For each taxon, the distribution patterns, most preferable habitat, biological spectrum, and taxa among 14 phytogeographical regions (Operational Geographical Units; OGUs) of Egypt were determined.ResultsIn this study, 19 endemics (out of 70) and 76 near-endemics (out of 181) are newly added taxa. Differentiation indices represented the taxonomic degrees of differentiation among endemic taxa. Two different indices were used to assess endemism: single-region endemic taxa (SRET) and multiple-region endemic taxa (MRET). Most endemic and near-endemic taxa were recorded from the mountainous Sinai (S) and the Mareotis sector of the Mediterranean coastal land (Mm). Generally, the most represented families in endemic and near-endemic areas were Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae. More than 60% of the endemic taxa occurred in the sandy plains, wadis (desert valleys), and rocky plains and mountains. Applying hierarchical cluster analysis to the occurrences of 70 endemic taxa in the 14 studied OGUs revealed five main floristic groups (I–V), each characterized by certain OGUs. We provided eight groups of near-endemic taxa that represented their extension in neighbouring countries.ConclusionsThe presented data will help to fill the gap in our knowledge of endemism, provide baseline information to understand biogeographical processes and facilitate further cooperation toward conservation purposes.

ABSTRACT South Africa has an indigenous rust (Pucciniales) funga of approximately 460 species. This funga was sampled with species from as many genera as possible. The nuclear ribosomal large subunit (28S) region was amplified from samples representing 110 indigenous species, as well as the small subunit (18S) region and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3 (CO3) in some cases, and these were used in phylogenetic analyses. One new species is described, 12 new combinations made, six names reinstated, and two life history connections made. The life histories of this funga were summarized; it is dominated by species with contracted life histories. The majority of species are autoecious, with a small proportion being heteroecious. Of the autoecious species, many will likely be homothallic with no spermagonia. A shortened life history with homothallism allows for a single basidiospore infection to initiate a local population buildup under the prevailing unpredictable climatic conditions. Suggestions are made as to the possible origin of this funga based on the development of the modern South African flora. It is postulated that the rusts of South Africa are of relatively recent origin, consisting of three groups. Firstly, there is an African tropical element with members of the Mikronegerineae (Hemileia), the Sphaerophragmiaceae (Puccorchidium, Sphaerophragmium), and certain Uredinineae (Stomatisora). Their immediate ancestors likely occurred in the tropical forests of Africa during the Paleogene. Secondly, there is a pantropical element including the Raveneliaceae (e.g., Diorchidium, Maravalia, Ravenelia sensu lato, Uropyxis). This likely diversified during the Neogene, when the mimosoids became the dominant trees of the developing savannas. Thirdly, the Pucciniaceae invaded Africa as this continent pushed northward closing the Tethys Sea. They diversified with the development of the savannas as these become the dominant habitat in most of Africa, and are by far the largest component of the South African rust funga.

Preface to the Special Issue on African Flora in a Changing World: Integrating multiple dimensions of diversity

This article proposes strategies for compiling African dictionaries that are Afrocentric. It argues that such dictionaries must deal appropriately with the complex morphology typical of many African languages. Addressing complex morphology will help users connect words and meanings to develop a more nuanced understanding of the language. Afrocentric dictionaries ought to provide historical and etymological information of their entries, tracing lexical origins, migrations, and influences which would enrich the understanding of language evolution and its interconnectedness. For a broader vocabulary coverage related to African culture, traditions, flora, fauna, geography, and history, the article proposes that African dictionaries need to adopt a hybrid strategy of data collection that engages linguists, scholars, native speakers and community members in the dictionary-making process. Additionally, the paper argues that the middle section of African dictionaries presents an excellent space for lexicographers to capture, demonstrate, and preserve African cultures. The section should affirm, reinforce, and celebrate African food, attire, dances, cattle colour terminology — especially for pastoral communities — and kinship terminology. By implementing approaches set out in this article, it is hoped that African dictionaries will become more representative, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse African languages, cultures, and contexts. Keywords: Afrocentric, Setswana, African dictionaries, etymology, culture, morphology

Nicholas Edward Brown, a botanist primarily interested in the African flowering plant flora, was also an active member of the Quekett Microscopical Club. In 1933, he published a monograph on the genus Arachnoidiscus. Brown had described Arachnoidiscus antarcticus in 1920 and went on to add a further 19 more new species to the genus. The present contribution is not intended as a review of Brown’s species in Arachnoidiscus, but an account of the specimens available in BM that went towards its creation, with some notes on nomenclature. A few words are devoted to other species Brown described, and other names he proposed.

The resistance of parasite to readily affordable antimalarial drugs, the high cost of currently potent drugs, and the resistance of vector mosquitoes to insecticides threaten the possibility of malaria eradication in malaria endemic areas. Due to the fact that quinine and artemisinin were isolated from plants sources, researchers have been encouraged to search for new antimalarials from medicinal plants. This is especially the case in Africa where a large percentage of the population depends on medicinal plant to treat malaria and other ailments. In this study, we evaluated previously characterized Plasmodium-cidal compounds obtained from the African flora to identify their likely biochemical targets, for an insight into their possible antimalarial chemotherapy. Molecular docking study was first conducted, after which remarkable compounds were submitted for molecular dynamic (MD) simulations studies. From a total of 38 Plasmodium-cidal compounds docked with confirmed Plasmodium falciparum protein drug targets [plasmepsin II (PMII), histo-aspartic protein (HAP) and falcipain-2 (FP)], two pentacyclic triterpene, cucurbitacin B and 3 beta-O-acetyl oleanolic acid showed high binding affinity relative to artesunate. This implies their capacity to inhibit the three selected P. falciparum target proteins, and consequently, antimalarial potential. From the MD simulations studies and binding free energy outcomes, results confirmed that the two compounds are stable in complex with the selected antimalarial targets; they also showed excellent binding affinities during the 100 ns simulation. These results showed that cucurbitacin B and 3 beta-O-acetyl oleanolic acid are potent antimalarials and should be considered for further studies.