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Oxygonum pterocarpum (Polygonaceae), a striking new species from the Tabora Region of Tanzania

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Summary

Oxygonum pterocarpum Osborne & Vollesen from West Tanzania is described, illustrated and placed in the context of recent work on the genus in eastern and southern tropical Africa and South Africa. Its ecology, phytogeographical relations and conservation status are discussed. The general paucity of botanical knowledge of the Tabora Region of Tanzania is highlighted.

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Fig. 1

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Notes

  1. Connate stipules forming a tube sheathing the stem, commonly found in Polygonaceae.

  2. Tubular sheathing bracts that resemble the ocreae.

References

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) for granting the Research Clearances which allowed the collecting trips in 2006, 2008 and 2009 to be carried out. Also to The National Herbarium of Tanzania at TPRI, Arusha for allowing Godson Leliyo to accompany us on these trips. As ever Godson was diligent and hardworking and always a cheerful companion during our various travails on these trips. We are also grateful to Juliet Williamson for her excellent illustration.

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Correspondence to J. Osborne.

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Osborne, J., Vollesen, K. & Darbyshire, I. Oxygonum pterocarpum (Polygonaceae), a striking new species from the Tabora Region of Tanzania. Kew Bull 70, 21 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12225-015-9574-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12225-015-9574-9

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