Mendoncia gilgiana subsp. occidentalis, 2018

Breteler, F. J. & Wieringa, J. J., 2018, A synopsis of Mendoncia (Acanthaceae) in continental Africa including the description of two new species from western Central Africa and a new subspecies from West Africa, Blumea 63 (2), pp. 109-119 : 115

b. subsp. occidentalis Breteler & Wieringa , subsp. nov. — Fig. 3b ; Map 4

Mendoncia gilgiana Lindau (Benoist) var. tisserantii auct.non Benoist; Adam (1981) 2032, pl. 1031; Hawthorn & Jongkind (2006) 442.

Differing from Mendoncia gilgiana (Lindau) Benoist subsp. gilgiana by the larger cordate bracteoles and a longer pedicel part above the attachment of the bracteoles. In general, this subspecies is more glabrous than the typical subspecies. — Type: X. M. van der Burgt 1290 (holo WAG; iso K), Guinea, Ziama Mts., N8°22'35" W9°19'36", alt. 960 m, 11 Sept. 2008.

Habitat & Distribution — Submontane rain forest or semi-deciduous forest in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. Altitude 520–960 m.

Additional specimens studied. GHANA, Eastern Region, Atewa Range F. R., 4 Apr. 1969 , Hall & Enti GC 39461 ( K) . – GUINEA, Nzérékoré, Cheek et al. 13865 ( K, WAG), Ziama Mts , alt. 543 m, 24 Oct. 2008 . Goman et al. 97 ( K, WAG),ibid., alt. 520 m, 21 Oct. 2008 .– IVORY COAST, Danané , Aké Assi 5424 ( K), between Danané and Nzo, 24 Aug. 1958 ; Aké Assi 7047 ( P), Nimpleu, near Mont Momy , Oct. 1961 ; Toumodi, Farron 566 ( WAG), Orumbo-Boka , 19 Sept.1981 . – LIBERIA, Lofa, Baldwin 9971 ( K), Vonjama Distr., Nekabozu , 24 Oct.1947 ; Nimba, Adam 29700 ( P *), Granga Mt , 1 Oct.1975 .– UNKNOWN, Nozeran s.n. ( P), border Ivory Coast with Guinea , Sept. 1955 .

Conservation status — Mendoncia gilgiana subsp. occidentalis has an EOO of 66 377 km 2 and an AOO of 32 km 2 from six or seven subpopulations in a region where there is an enormous pressure from population growth and logging. Considering the species occurs in four different countries which each their own forestry laws and dynamics, we consider the number of localities to be four or five. We assess this subspecies as Endangered (EN: B2a, b(i,ii,iii,iv,v)). This species has quite specific habitat requirements (submontane forests) and is not likely to be much more widespread than is currently known.

Figures

Map 4 Distribution of Mendoncia gilgiana (Lindau) Benoist; subsp. gilgiana (●); subsp. occidentalis Breteler & Wieringa (■).

Fig. 3 a.Mendoncia gilgiana (Lindau) Benoist subsp.gilgiana. Fruit with one bracteole removed. — b. Mendoncia gilgiana (Lindau) Benoist subsp. occidentalis Breteler & Wieringa. Fruit with one bracteole removed (a: F.J. Breteler 767, WAG; b: X.M. v.d. Burgt 1290, WAG). — Drawing by Hans de Vries.