New records for the flora of Angola: observations from Uíge and Cuanza Norte

Abstract

Background and aims – Located in the transition zone of Guineo-Congolian and Zambezian phytochoria, the Angolan provinces of Uíge and Cuanza Norte are of particular interest for floristic studies and high biodiversity is expected. Nevertheless, explorations of the vegetation are relatively rare. Our study aims to supplement a recent checklist of vascular plants of Angola. Methods – Data were collected during 17 field trips between 2013 and 2018, during which herbarium specimens were prepared for later identification of plant species. The results were compared with the current checklist as well as with other floristic works, herbarium collections and online databases relevant for the region.Key results – We document 20 new records of indigenous vascular plant species for the flora of Angola (19 species and one subspecies), including four new generic records. Furthermore, nine alien species are added to the checklist of the flora of Angola.Conclusion – Our results confirm that the flora of northern Angola is composed by elements of various adjacent areas. However, not all species present are known yet. Further botanical investigation is needed to complete our floristic knowledge of the region.