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| Phragmanthera bidaultii Libalah & O.Lachenaud, in Simo-Droissart, Lachenaud, Libalah et Sonké. 2026. Photos by Ehoarn Bidault & Murielle Simo-Droissart |
Abstract
Background and aims – Riverine habitats along the Sanaga River in Cameroon were until recently little-explored by botanists, although they are facing increasing threats, notably from the construction of hydroelectric dams. Recent botanical inventories in the area have led to the discovery of several taxonomical novelties, including a new species of Phragmanthera (Loranthaceae) that is described here.
Material and methods – This paper is based on field studies and examination of herbarium collections of the new species and its relatives. Classic practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied. The conservation status of the new species is assessed following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Key results – Phragmanthera bidaultii sp. nov. is identified by its non-septate anthers (a unique character in the genus), by the patent to reflexed corolla lobes with the apex thickened into a conical appendage, and by its relatively narrow leaves, initially with sparse rufous barbellate hairs but soon becoming glabrescent on both sides. It has a very restricted distribution along the Sanaga River in Cameroon, where it grows in riparian forest, and it is assessed as Endangered (EN).
Keywords: hydroelectric dam, IUCN Red List assessment, mistletoes, riverine forests, Santalales, taxonomy, threatened species
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| Phragmanthera bidaultii. A. Flowering branch. B. Detail of the corolla. C. Flowers. D. Branch with young fruits (green) and one mature fruit (orange). E. Apex of branch with young leaves (note rufous hairs) and one mature fruit. A–C from Bidault et al. 6039; D from Sonké & Simo 7412; E from Sonké & Simo 7430. Photos by Ehoarn Bidault (A–C), Murielle Simo-Droissart (D, E). |
Phragmanthera bidaultii Libalah & O.Lachenaud, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Phragmanthera bidaultii has patent to reflexed corolla lobes, a style with a distinct neck under the stigma and stamen filaments without an apical tooth, in which characters it resembles P. leonensis (Sprague) Balle, P. nigritana (Hook.f. ex Benth.) Balle, and P. vignei Balle, but differs from all of them by the apex of the corolla lobes being thickened into a conical appendage (vs not appendaged) and its smaller anthers, 0.7–1.0 mm long (vs 1.5–3.5 mm) that are not septate (all its congeners have septate anthers). It is further separated from the first two species by its soon glabrescent lower leaf surface (vs persistently hairy), from the last two by its non-foliaceous bracts not or scarcely exceeding calyx (vs foliaceous and long exceeding it) and its corolla with hairs barbellate for most of their length (vs at their base only).
Murielle Simo-Droissart, Olivier Lachenaud, Moses Libalah and Bonaventure Sonké. 2026. A New Species of Phragmanthera (Loranthaceae) from the Sanaga River Basin, Cameroon. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 159(1): 27-34. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.172526
