Abstract
AbstractThe fully mycotrophicAfrothismia ugandensis(Afrothismiaceae), formerly described asA. winklerivar.budongensisCowley, is renamed, redescribed and illustrated from the Budongo Forest in Western Uganda. This change in status is supported by eight newly elucidated qualitative morphological diagnostic characters despite the overall similarity withA. winkleri, a species restricted to Cameroon and Gabon.Afrothismia ugandensisis remarkable in the genus for occurring in semi-deciduous (not evergreen) forest and for having ellipsoid or ovoid (vs. globose) root bulbils. It has only been recorded twice, first in August 1940, and most recently in June 1998, despite targeted searches in recent years. In both 1940 and 1998, only single individuals appear to have been detected. A single site for the species is known with certainty. It is here assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B2ab (iii); D1) using the IUCN 2012 categories and criteria.Afrothismia ugandensisis threatened by forest degradation and clearance due to illegal selective small-holder logging for firewood and charcoal, timber and limited agriculture.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
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