Additions to and revisions of the endemic and near-endemic Acanthaceae of Ethiopia

Abstract

Taxonomic studies in the Acanthaceae of Ethiopia and neighbouring countries reveal the presence of several previously overlooked endemic and near-endemic taxa. The Isoglossa somalensis Lindau complex is revised, resulting in the description of a new species, Isoglossa recurva Hanny & I.Darbysh. from the forests of southwest Ethiopia, and a new variety of I. somalensis, var. glandulosa Hanny, G.Hoban & I.Darbysh. from montane southeast Ethiopia. Barleria induta C.B.Clarke from Ethiopia and Eritrea, treated as B. prionitis L. subsp. induta (C.B.Clarke) Brummitt & J.R.I.Wood in the Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea (FEE), is reevaluated and found to represent two species, with B. praetermissa I.Darbysh. described from the Tigray region of northwest Ethiopia. Finally, Hypoestes microphylla Nees is resurrected as a good species, separate from the widespread H. triflora (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. under which it was treated as a synonym in FEE. Descriptions, tables of comparison and notes on the habitat, ecology and extinction risk for these taxa are provided. The first record of I. gregorii (S.Moore) Lindau for Ethiopia is also noted and a revised key to Isoglossa in Ethiopia is presented. The endemic Acanthaceae of Ethiopia now stands at 21 species (23 taxa), whilst an additional 23 species (24 taxa) are considered to be range-restricted near-endemics.