Warneckea melindensis (Melastomataceae), a new combination for an East African coastal forest endemic. R

Abstract

Results of recent morphological and molecular analyses necessitate the transfer of the species originally described as Memecylon melindense A.Fern. & R.Fern. to the genus Warneckea Gilg. A new combination, Warneckea melindensis (A.Fern. & R.Fern.) R.D.Stone & Q.Luke is proposed, and an IUCN status of Endangered is assessed for this regional endemic of coastal forests in Kenya and Tanzania. There is no evidence of hybridisation between W. melindensis and the closely related W. sansibarica (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél., even in sites where the two species are sympatric.