A Synoptic revision of Acanthaceae in Egypt,
With a new record from Gebel Elba.
Eman M. Shamso
The Herbarium, Botany Dept, Faculty of Science, Cairo Univ., 12613 Giza, Egypt;
e-mail: e.Shamso@yahoo.com.
Shamso, E. M., 2010. A Synoptic revision of Acanthaceae in Egypt, With a new
record from Gebel Elba. Taeckholmia 30: 127-144
A systematic revision of the native taxa of the family Acanthaceae in
Egypt is carried out. The study revealed the presence of nine species
belonging to seven genera, two tribes and one subfamily, mostly
restricted to the southeastern corner of Egypt. Monechma Hochst. is a
new record to the flora of Egypt represented by Monechma debile
(Forssk.) Nees, while the presence of Justicia ladonoides Lam. is
doubtful. For the investigated taxa, valid name, synonyms, types,
general distribution, representative specimens and conservation status are
given. Identification keys for the determination of all genera and species
are also provided.
Key words: Acanthaceae, conservation status, flora of Egypt, Monechma Hochst.,
new record.
Introduction
Acanthaceae is a large tropical family of advanced sympetalous dicotyledons. It
comprises about 212 genera and 3175 species of herbs and shrubs; several are
cultivated as ornamentals (Mabberley, 2008).
The family has four centers of distribution: Indomalysia, Africa, Brazil and
Central America northward into Mexico (Heywood, 1978). It shows a wide range of
morphological variation and is readily distinguished by the usual presence of
cystoliths in vegetative parts, the presence of floral bracts and bracteoles, the usually
bilabiate corollas, the bivalvate elastically dehiscing explosive capsule and by the
retinacula (hook-like funicle) projecting the seeds.
Four general classifications of the family were made by Nees ab Ezenbeck
(1847), Bentham (1876), Lindau (1895) and Bremekamp (1965). Other
geographically based classifications were presented by Burkill & Clarke (1899-1900)
and Balkwill & Norris (1988).
The most important classification is that of Lindau (1895), who recognized four
subfamilies of which the Acanthoideae comprised the genera with retinculate fruits;
this character is lacking among the genera of the other three subfamilies viz.
Nelsonioideae, Thunbergioideae and Mendoncioideae. Meanwhile Bremekamp
(1965) categorized Nelsonioideae under Scrophulariaceae, raised Thunbergioideae
and Mendoncioideae to familial level (viz. Thunbergiaceae and Mendonciaceae) and
divided his restricted Acanthaceae into two groups (viz. Acanthoideae and
Ruellioideae) on the basis of presence or absence of cystoliths, articulated stems,
monothecate anthers and colpate pollen.
Recently, four molecular systematic studies (Hedren et al. 1995, Scotland et al.
1995, McDade & Moody 1999 and McDade et al. 2000 a) have elucidated the
phylogeny of the family using the chloroplast genes rbcL, ndhF, trnL-trnF and trnLtrnF combined with ITS respectively, and have documented the presence of four
major well-supported lineages within the family, viz. tribes Acantheae, Barlerieae,
Justiceae and Ruellieae. In addition, several studies based on morphological and
molecular data have also been examined at the finer levels e.g. McDade et al. 2000 b,
Manktelow et al. 2001, Moylan et al. 2004 a, Schmidt-Lebuhn et al. 2005, McDade et
al. 2005, Kiel et al. 2006 and Trip 2007).
Scotland & Vollesen (2000) proposed a new classification of Acanthaceae based
on combinations of morphological diagnostic features, the three items statements
analysis of morphological data and published molecular sequence analysis.
According to Täckholm (1974), El Hadidi & Fayed (1994/95) and Boulos
(1995), Acanthaceae is represented in Egypt by six genera and eight species.
Recently, Boulos (2002 & 2009) added the near endemic Blepharis attenuata Napper
as a new record to the flora of Egypt.
The aim of the present work is to revise critically the native taxa of Acanthaceae
to prepare the way for a more complete study to be under taken, to provide
identification keys for genera and species of this family, as well as to assess the
conservation status of each taxon following the categories and criteria of IUCN
(2001).
Materials and methods
The taxonomic revision is based on herbarium collections kept in different
Egyptian Herbaria [Cairo University Herbarium (CAI), the Agricultural Research
Centre, Flora and Phytotaxonomy Herbarium (CAIM), National Research Centre,
Plant Systematic Herbarium (CAIRC) and Sohag University Herbarium]. For each
species, nomenclature, typification, representative specimens, local and global
distribution, as well as conservation status are given. A generic description and a key
to the species using readily observable characters have been constructed. For each
species, the revised collections are cited according to the phytogeographical territories
proposed by El Hadidi (2000) (Fig.1).
Figure (1): The phytogeographical territories of Egypt (after EI Hadidi 2000). (Da)
Arabian desert, (Dg) Galala desert, (Di) Isthmicdesert, (Dl) Libyan desert, (Dn)
Nubian desert, (Ge) Gebel Elba district, (Mm) Mareotis sector of the Mediterranean
coastal land, (Ms) Sinaitic sector of the Mediterranean coastal land, (Nn) Nubian
sector of the Nile land, (Nv) Nile valley sector of the Nile land, (Ol)oases of the
Libyan desert province, (On) oases of the Nubian desert province, (Ra) Arabian sector
of the Red Sea coastal plains,(Rq) Aqaba Gulf sector of the Red Sea coastal plains,
(Rz) Suez Gulf sector of the Red Sea coastal plains, (S) Mountainous southern
Sinai,and (Ug) Gebel Uweinat massive.
Results and Discussion
Acanthaceae is a large tropical family of annual or perennial herbs or under
shrubs; stem articulate, often with distinct cystoliths (appear as streaks on stem or
leaves). Leaves simple, opposite decussate, exstipulate. Inflorescence cymose or
racemose, sometimes flowers solitary; flowers bisexual, mostly zygomorphic, usually
subtended by distinct bracts and bracteoles. Calyx lobes 4 or 5, imbricate or valvate;
corolla with long or short tube, the limb either (1)-2 lipped or 5- spreading lobes,
contorted or imbricate in bud. Stamens 4, didynamous or 2, epipetalous, with or
without imperfect stamens, filaments free or partially connate in pairs, anthers uni- to
bithecous, thecae confluent or separated sometimes different in size, tailed or not;
carpels 2, ovary superior, sessile on a nectariferous disc, 2- locules, each with 2 or
more ovules, style 1, stigma 2, often unequal. Capsule usually elastically dehiscent
from the apex downwards; seeds flattened, exalbuminous, attached to hook-like
outgrowth of funicle (retinaculum).
The present study revealed the presence of nine indigenous species belonging to
seven genera, of which Monechma Hochst. is a new generic record to the flora of
Egypt, represented only by Monechma debile (Forssk.) Nees
1-Synopsis of the Egyptian taxa of Acanthaceae
The taxa are arranged according to the system proposed by Scotland & Vollesen
(2000). Generic name proceeded by asterisk (*) is new record to the flora of Egypt.
Subfamily: Acanthoideae Link
Tribe I: Acantheae Dumort.
1- Genus: Blepharis Juss.
1.1- B. edulis (Forssk.) Pers.
1.2- B. attenuata Napper
Tribe II: Ruellieae Dumort.
Subtribe IIA: Ruelliinae Nees
2- Genus: Ruellia L.
2.1- R. patula Jacq.
Subtribe IIB: Justiciinae Nees
3- Genus: Ecbolium Kurz
3.1- E. viride (Forssk.) Alston
4- Genus: Justicia L.
4.1- J. heterocarpa T. Anderson
5- *Genus: Monechma Hochst.
5.1- M. debile (Forssk.) Nees
6- Genus: Dicliptera Juss. (= Peristrophe Nees)
6.1- D. paniculata (Forssk.) Darbysh.
Subtribe IIC: Barlerieae L.
7- Genus: Barleria L.
7.1- B. acanthoides Vahl
7.2- B. hochstetteri Nees
2- Key to the genera of Acanthaceae in Egypt
1- Sepals 4, free, unequal; seed surfaces covered with hygroscopic hairs............…….2
- Sepals 5, united at base, subequal; seed surfaces without hairs (If present, restricted
to the margin) ………………………………………………………….…………..3
2- Cystoliths absent, leaves pseudo-whorls of 4, with spiny margin; corolla 1-lipped.
Stamens 4, without staminode..………………………………………..1. Blepharis
-Cystoliths present, leaves opposite, with entire margin; corolla tubular to
funnel - shaped. Stamens 2, with 2-3 staminodes…………………….. 7. Barleria
3- Corolla tubular; stamens 4, united two by two. Seeds 6-10………………2. Ruellia
- Corolla bilabiate; stamens 2, free. Seeds 2-4…...………...………………………..4
4- Anther – thecae tailed at base………………………………………..…………….5
- Anther – thecae not tailed at the base………………………..…………………….6
5- Flowers bracteate, bracts imbricate; capsules monomorphic, seeds 2………............
…………………...…………...…………………………………….. 5. Monechma
-Flowers ebracteate (if present bracts inconspicuous); capsules dimorphic, seeds 4
(in normal capsule) .....….…….…………………………………..…..…4. Justicia
6- Inflorescence of lax panicle-like cymose; bracts subulate, 1- nerveed. Seeds 4,
discoid…………………………………………………….….……….6. Dicliptera
- Inflorescence of compact, terminal and axillary spikes; bracts broadly ovate,
anastomosed nerves. Seeds 2, ovoid to cordiform………………. ……3. Ecbolium
3- Enumeration of taxa
1- Blepharis Juss.
Type species: Blepharis maderaspatensis (L.) Roth
Synonym: Acanthodium Delile., Descr. Egypte, Hist. Nat. 1:97(1813), & pl. 33, fig.
2(1826).
Annual or perennial herbs, subshrubs and shrubs; leaves pseudo-whorls of 4,
spiny margin. Flowers are decussate in pseudo-spicate cymose inflorescence, each
subtended by a spiny bract and 2- bracteoles. Calyx with 4- glumaceous, unequal
sepals; corolla 1- lipped, limb 5- lobed, where the two outer lobes are smaller and
tooth-like. Stamens 4, anterior pair bifurcate at top into a short branch bearing the
anther and an acute, tooth-like appendage; anther uni-thecous, hairy. Seeds discoid,
covered with long white hygroscopic hairs.
A genus of 129 species, in the old world tropics and subtropics, especially
numerous in eastern and southern Africa (Vellosen 2000 & 2002). It comprises three
subgenera of which subgenus Acanthodium is represented in Egypt by two species
viz. Blepharis edulis (Forssk.)Pers. and the near endemic B. attenuata Napper.
Vollesen (2000) & Boulos (2002) reported another species viz. Blepharis
linariifolia Pers. in Egypt without certainty, where the only record of this species
from Egypt collected by Paul von Würtermberg 1840 from Cairo, Ghize (Giza), and is
a long way outside the rest of the distribution area. The author has not seen any
authentic material of this species from Egypt to confirm its occurrence.
Key to the species
a. Bracts in the middle of inflorescence ovate to broadly ovate, with 5-7
conspicuous anastomosed veins and (3) 4-7(-8) pairs of spines on each side.
Inflorescence mostly compact...……………………………………... B. edulis
b. Bracts in the middle of inflorescence linear-lanceolate with 3 inconspicuous
anastomosed veins and 2-3 pairs of spines on each side. Inflorescence
lax………………..................................................................……..B. attenuata
1.1- B. edulis (Forssk.) Pers., Syn. Pl. 2:180(1806).
Basionym: Acanthus edulis Forssk., Fl. Aegypt.- Arab. : 114(1775).
Type: Yemen: Al luhayyah (“Lohajae”) Jan. 1763 Forsskål 905 (holotype: C,
microfiche 1: I, 1-2!).
Synonym: Acanthodium spicatum Delile, Descr. Egypte, Hist. Nat. 1: 97,
pl.33, f. 2(1813).
Type: Egypt, Delile s.n. ( holotype: P).
-Blepharis linariifolia sensu Lindau, Ann. R. Ist. Bot. Roma
6:76(1896).
-Blepharis ciliaris (L.) B. L. Burtt, sensu Täckh., Stud. Fl. Egypt
ed.2:502(1974).
Distribution:
In sand plains, wadi beds and rocky slopes of Eastern Desert, Gebel Elba
district, Red Sea coastal plains of Egypt. Known from Sudan, Tropical East Africa,
Arabia and Iran.
Selected specimens:
Di: 5 km north of El Hassana; 22/23-9-1991; El Gibali s.n.(CAI)- Ras el Nagb, NE
Sinai; 13-5-1939; Drar 239(CAIM).
Dg: Cairo-Suez road, at kilo 116-119 from Cairo; 10-1-1961; Täckholm s.n.(CAI)Bir Suez; 23-1-1927; Simpson 4382(CAIM)- Ataka out wash, NE slopes, Nr. 100 km
Suez road; 4-2-1951; W. Haines s.n. (CAI).
Ra: Wadi Abu Had, Hurghada district; 9-6-1960; Täckholm et al. 33(CAI)- Gebel
Hamata, Red sea coast; 7-2-1961; Täckholm et al. 333(CAI)- Gebel Um Gurdi, Red
sea coast; 11-2-1961; Täckholm et al. 824(CAI).
Ge: Gebel Hamara Dom, tributary Ibib; 6-3-1967; Osborn & Helmy s.n.(CAI)- Gebel
Aideib, G Elba; 2-2-1933; Shabetai 2289(CAIM)- Wadi Bir Akwamtra, G Elba;
19/22-2-1967; Osborn & Helmy s.n.(CAI)- Wadi Mitikwan; 5-3-1963; F. Saad
1320(CAIM).
Conservation status:
This species is assessed here as Near Threatened (NT) in accordance with the
criteria of IUCN (2001).
1.2- B. attenuata Napper, Israel J. Bot. 21:164(1972).
Type: Israel, Evenari et al. B1 (holotype: JUH).
Synonum: Acanthodium spicatum sensu Nees in DC, Prodr.
11:274(1847), p.p., non Delile (1813).
- Blepharis edulis sensu Eig et al., Fl. Palaest. 340(1931).
- Blepharis ciliaris sensu Napper, Israel J. Bot. 21:165(1972),
excl. spec. ex. Iran.
Distribution:
A near endemic species, confined to the wadi beds of mountainous southern
Sinai; known also from a restricted area in the Judean Desert, Jordan and southern
Syria (Napper, 1972).
Selected specimens:
S: Sinai; s.d; Kaiser 511 & 723(CAIM) - Sinai, Nagb el Hawa; April 1940; Hassib
s.n.(CAI)- Sinai, Feiran; 4-5-1939; Drar 239(CAIM).
Conservation status:
Data Deficient (DD). Since I have seen no recent collections this species may
be to some degree endangered
2- Ruellia L.
Type species: Ruellia tuberosa L. (Lectotype: selected by Britton & Brown, 1913).
Synonym: Stephanophysum Pohl, Pl. Bras. Icon. Descr. 2:83 (1831).
- Dipteracanthus Nees in Wall., Pl. Asiat. Rar. 3:75, 81(1832).
Perennial herbs or sub-shrubs; leaves opposite, petiolate, entire, with cystoliths.
Flowers 1-3 in axillary cymes, the bracts and bracteoles not imbricate; calyx deeply 5lobed, sub-equal, corolla funnel form with a long narrow tube and a campanulate
limb. Stamens 4, didynamous, anthers bithecous. Capsule clavate, beaked at apex, 610 seeded; seeds compressed orbicular with shaggy hairs at the margin.
Ruellia is generally considered to be the second largest genus in Acanthaceae
after Justicia, it comprises ca. 300 tropical and subtropical species (Ezcurra, 1993 and
Wasshausen &Wood 2003). Represented in Egypt by one species.
2.1-
Ruellia patula Jacq., Misc. Austriac. 2:358(1781).
Type: "Ex India Orientali " Planta Quaedam culta.
Synonym: Ruellia pallida Vahl, Symb. Bot. 2:72(1791).
Type: Yemen: Wadi Sordud (“Surdûd”), Feb. 1763, Forsskål 1638(lectotype: C,
microfiche 88: III, 3-4!).
- Ruellia strepens sensu Forssk., Fl. Aegypt.-Arab. :114(1775)
non L.
Distribution:
Rare in stony ground and rocky hillsides of Gebel Elba district and southern
coastal plains of Red Sea. Also known from Sudan, Tropical East Africa, South
Africa, SWArabia, India and Pakistan.
Selected specimens:
Ge: Wadi Aideib, G. Elba; 20-1-1962; Täckholm et al. s.n. (CAI)- W. Yahmeib, G.
Elba, 30-1-1933; M. Drar 104/1253B(CAIM)- Wadi Darawina, January 2004; Abd
El-Ghani & Abd el-Khalik s.n. (Sohag Univ. Herb.)- Wadi Kansisrob, G. Elba; 25-11933; Shabetai z-2312(CAIM)- Wadi Akwamtra, mountain tributary, G. Elba; 27-21967; Osborn & Helmy s.n.(CAI)- Wadi Akwamtra, G. Elba; 21-7-1984; S. Goodman
s.n(CAI)- Wadi Shellal (Bir area); 24-1-1962; Täckholm et al. s.n.(CAI).
Ra: At the Red Sea Coast, about 3 Km N of Mersa Halaib; 21-1-1929; G. Täckholm
s.n. (CAI).
Conservation status:
This species is assessed here as Near Threatened (NT) in accordance with the
criteria of IUCN (2001).
3- Ecbolium Kurz
Type species: Ecbolium linneanum Kurz
perennial or shrubby herbs; stems articulate. Leaves opposite, petiolate, entire,
with inconspicuous cystoliths. Flowers sessile, in compact, terminal and axillary
spike; densely bracteates, bracts imbricate papery, greenish, anastomosed nerves, with
2-bracteoles. Calyx with 5- subequal lobed, corolla bilabiate, ascending cochlear
aestivation, usually green, tube longer than lobes, the upper lip is bifurcate and the
lower one with 3- broadly lobes. Stamens 2, anthers bithecous. Capsule 2-seeded,
clavate; seeds ovoid to cordiform, granulated.
According to Vollesen (1989), the genus comprises 22 species distributed in
Tropical Africa and Asia; most of these were recorded as endemics to Eastern and
Southern Africa. The genus is represented in Egypt by one species.
3.1- Ecbolium viride (Forssk.) Alston in Trimen, Handb. Fl. Ceylon 6:229(1931).
Basionym: Justicia virdis Forssk., Fl. Aegypt.-Arab. :5(1775).
Type: Yemen: Surdud (“Uadi Surdûd”), Feb. 1763, Forsskål s.n (lectotype: BM).
Synonym: Justicia rotundifolia Nees in Wall., Pl. Asiat. Rar.
3:108(1832).
Type: Herb. Wallich 2432 L (ex Herb. Wight).
- Ecbolium linneanum sensu auct., non Kurz (1871).
Distribution:
Confined to the rocky habitats of Gebel Elba district. Known from Sudan,
Tropical East Africa, Somalia, W Arabia, possibly introduced into India.
Selected specimens:
Ge: Foot of the mount entrance of wadi Aideib, G. Elba; 3-2-1933; Shabettai
z.2302(CAIM)- Wadi Akwamtra, rocky stream bed, G. Elba; 27-2-1967; Osborn &
Helmy s.n. (CAI)- Wadi Akwamtra, G. Elba; 21-7-1984; S.M. Goodman s.n.(CAI)Foot of Gebel El Shellal; 3-3-1938; Khattab 5564(CAIM).
Conservation status:
This species is restricted to the southeastern corner of Egypt (G. Elba) and is
known from few gatherings, accordingly it is assessed here as Critically Endangered
(CR) in accordance with the criteria of IUCN (2001).
4- Justicia L.
Type species: Justicia hyssopifolia L.
Annuals, perennials or low shrubs; stem angular. Leaves opposite, petiolate,
entire, with conspicuous cystoliths. Flowers congested in clusters at the axile of the
leaves; ebracteate (2- minute bracteoles may be present). Calyx with 5- subequal
lobes, scarious margin; corolla bilabiate, ascending cochlear aestivation, upper lip
shallow bilobed and the lower lip 3-lobed. Stamens 2, anthers bithecous, oblique, the
lower theca tailed. Capsule dimorphism (normal dehiscent capsules with 4- seeded
and indehiscent capsules 1-seeded, aseptate, on the same plant). Seeds obliquely
globoid, tuberculate.
Justicia L. is the largest genus in Acanthaceae. It comprises ca. 600 species of
tropical and warm regions, (especially Tropical America) belonging to 16 sections
(Graham, 1988) only section Harnieria is represented in Egypt by one species.
Note: Täckholm (1974) recorded two closely allied species belonging to Justicia viz.
J. heterocarpa T. Anderson and J. kotchyi Hochst.; while Boulos (2002) treated J.
kotchyi Hochst. as synonym to J. ladonoides Lam.. Careful study of the available
materials indicated that only J. heterocarpa T. Anderson subsp. heterocarpa is
represented, and the occurrence of J. ladonoides Lam. (= J. kotchyi Hochst.) in the
flora of Egypt is doubtful.
4.1- Justicia heterocarpa T. Anderson subsp. heterocarpa
Type: In rupibus umbrosis prope Tazeroo, oppidum Abyssiniae, ad altitudinem 4000
ped., Schimper 2300.
Distribution:
Weeds in moist alluvial soils, confined in Egypt to Gebel Elba district. Known
also from Central and Eastern Africa, in addition to Socotra and W Arabia.
Selected specimens:
Ge: Wadi Aideib; 20-1-1962; Täckholm et al. s.n.(CAI)- Wadi Aideib; January 2004;
Abd El-Ghani & Abd el-Khalik s.n. (Sohag Univ. Herb.)- Wadi Yahameib; 22-1-1962;
Täckholm et al. s.n.(CAI)- Wadi Laseitei; 7-2-1962; Täckholm et al. s.n.(CAI)- Wadi
Kansisrob; G. Elba; 24-1-1933; Shabettai z.2308(CAIM)- Near the well foot of Gebel
Elba; 25-3-1928; Khattab 6381(CAIM)- Wadi Shellal (Bir area); 24-1-1962;
Täckholm et al. s.n.(CAI).
Conservation status:
As this species is confined to Gebel Elba district, it is assessed here as Near
Threatened (NT) in accordance with the criteria of IUCN (2001).
5- *Monechma Hochst.
Type species: Monechma bracteatum Hochst.
Annual to perennial herbs; leaves opposite, sessile to petiolate, with cystoliths.
Flowers in axillary and terminal small strobilate spike; bracts imbricate, ciliate to long
hairy margins, bracteoles absent or rudiment. Calyx with 5- subequal lobed; corolla
bilabiate, ascending cochlear aestivation. Stamens 2, anthers bithecous, obliquely, the
lower theca tailed. Capsule 2- seeded, ellipsoid; seeds compressed discoid, yellowish,
fine reticulate.
The genus comprises ca. 60 species, mainly distributed in Tropical Africa and
one extends through Arabia to India. Monechma debile (Forssk.) Nees is recorded as
a new species to the flora of Egypt. It is distinguished by imbricate bracts, capsule
with 2- compressed discoid and fine reticulate seeds.
5.1- Monechma debile (Forssk.) Nees in DC., Prodr. 11:411(1847), as
‘debilis’. (Photo 1 & Fig. 2).
Basionym: Dianthera debilis Forssk. Fl. Aegypt.-Arab. : 9(1775).
Type: Yemen: Taizz (“In montibus humitioribus prope Taaes”), 1763, Forsskål 391,
(lectotype: C, microfiche 38: I, 3-4!).
Synonym: Justicia debilis (Forssk.) Vahl, Symb. Bot. 2:12(1791).
- Gendarussa debilis (Forssk.) Nees in Linnaea 16:302(1842).
Distribution:
Very rare weed in Egypt confined to Gebel Elba district. Also known from
Arabia and Africa, with slight extension to India.
Selected specimens:
Ge: Gebel El-Kassira; 8-2-1962; Täckholm et al. s.n. (CAI)- Wadi Akwamtra, G.
Elba mountain tributary; 27-2-1967; Osborn & Helmy s.n.(CAI).
Conservation status:
This species is assessed here as Critically Endangered (CR) in accordance with
the criteria of IUCN (2001), because it is known from few collections and has not
been collected for a long time.
6- Dicliptera Juss.
Type species: Dicliptera chinensis (L.) Juss. In Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat. 9: 268(1807).
(nom. cons.)
Annuals, perennials or low shrubs; stems angled, much branched. Leaves
opposite, petiolate, entire, with cystoliths. Inflorescence of lax, panicle-like cymose,
with 2- or 3- inflorescence unites (cymules), umbellately arranged, and each one
enclosed by a pair of unequal bracts (3 ry bracts according to Balkwill, 1996); bracts
green, subulate, single veined. Calyx with short tube and 5- lanceolate lobes; corolla
bilabiate, ascending cochlear aestivation, upper lip 3-fid, lower lip ovate to elliptic.
Stamens 2, anthers bithecous, subequal and slightly overlapping. Capsule 4- seeded,
clavate; seeds discoid, blackish brown, hooked tuberculate.
According to Balkwill (1996), the genus Dicliptera is pantropical with about
150 species.
Darbyshir & Vollesen (2007) concluded that the separation of
Peristrophe from Dicliptera is not supportable and that all taxa accepted within
Peristrophe should be transferred to Dicliptera. In this treatment, Peristrophe
paniculata is treated as Dicliptera paniculata (Forssk.) I. Darbysh.
6.1- Dicliptera paniculata (Forssk.) I. Darbysh., Kew Bull. 62(1):122(2007).
Basionym: Dianthera paniculata Forssk., Fl. Aegypt.-Arab.: 7(1775).
Type: Yemen: Wadi Sordud (“Surdûd”), Jan. 1763 Forsskål 385(lectotype: C,
microfiche 38:I. 3-4, 5-6!).
Synonym: Peristrophe paniculata (Forssk.) Brummitt in Wood et al., Kew Bull.
38(3): 451 (1983).
- Peristrophe bicalyculata (Retz.) Nees in Wall., Pl. Asiat. Rar.
3:113(1832).
- For full synonymy see Darbyshire & Vollesen, Kew Bull. 62(1):
124(2007).
Distribution:
Rare in sandy and silty moist soils of Gebel Elba district and southern coastal
plain of the Red Sea. Widespread in tropical and subtropical Africa, Arabia, India and
Thailand.
Selected specimens:
Ge: Wadi Aideib, G. Elba; 26-2-1938; Khattab 5562(CAIM)- Khor across Wadi
Yahameib, 22-1-1962; Täckholm et al. s.n.(CAI)- Wadi Darawina, January 2004; Abd
El-Ghani & Abd el-Khalik s.n. (Sohag Univ. Herb.)- Wadi Kansisrob; 16-2-1067;
Osborn & Helmy s.n.(CAI)- Gebel Alafoot; 7-2-1962; Täckholm et al. s.n.(CAI)Wadi Selilo, East desert; 8-2-1932; Drar 169/932(CAIM)- North of the well, foot of
Gebel Elba; 16-3-928; Khattab 6279(CAIM)- Wadi Shellal (Bir area); 24-1-1962;
Täckholm et al. s.n.(CAI).
Conservation status:
This species is assessed here as Near Threatened (NT) in accordance with the
criteria of IUCN (2001).
7- Barleria L.
Type species: Barleria cristata L.
Perennials or low shrubs, plants spiny or unarmed. Leaves opposite, petiolate,
entire, with cystoliths. Inflorescence cymose, sometimes reduced to a solitary flower,
axillary or terminal; inflorescence units either solitary or dichasial of 3 or more
flowers; bracts leaf-like, bracteoles 2, stiff with spinous margin or foliaceous with
entire margin. Calyx 4- unequal lobes, 2- outermost lobes much larger than 2- inner
lobes; corolla tubular to funnel-shaped, quincuncial aestivation, with 5 unequal lobes.
Stamens 2, anthers bithecous, parallel, 2-3 staminodes. Capsule 2-4 seeded, with
apical beak or not; seeds discoid, surfaces covered with hygroscopic hairs.
A genus of about 300 species mainly in the old world tropics (especially Eastern
and Southern Africa); Balkwill & Balkwill (1997) recognized seven sections
belonging to two subgenera, of which section Barleria and section Somalia
represented in Egypt by B. acanthoides Vahl & B. hochstetteri Nees respectively.
Key to the species:
a. Plant spiny, inflorescence scorpioid or single- flowered axillary cymes;
capsule 4- seeded , ellipsoid with acute apex………...………...B. acanthoides
b. Plant unarmed, inflorescence dichasial cymes, axillary or compounded into a
terminal synflorescence; capsule 2- seeded, conical with apical
beak…………………………………………....………………..B. hochstetteri
7.1- Barleria acanthoides Vahl, Symb. Bot. 1:47(1790).
Type: in AEgypto superiore (Ky. ex Nees).
Distribution:
Very rare species, known from Arabian Desert of southeastern Egypt. Known
also from Sudan, Tropical East Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Arabia.
Selected specimens:
Da: Bir Abrag; 1930; Hassib s.n. (CAI).
Conservation status:
This species is only known from one collection, and I therefore cannot assess its
conservation status. It is treated here as Data Deficient (DD).
7.2- Barleria hochstetteri Nees in DC., Prodr. 11:231(1847).
Type: In rupibus montis Arabiae Felicis Seddr, Schimper (Syntype, microfiche !).
Synonym: Barleria diandra Hochst. & Steud. ex Nees, in DC, Prodr. 11: 231(1847).
Distribution:
Rare in stony wadis and hillsides of the southeastern corner of Egypt. Also
known from Sudan, Tropical East Africa, Eriterea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Arabia.
Selected specimens:
Ge: Entrance of Wadi Aideib, Gebel Elba; 26-2-1938; Shabetai z 5561(CAIM)- Wadi
Yahameib; 22-1-1962; Täckholm et al. s.n.(CAI)- Wadi Kansisrob, G. Elba; 25-11933; Hassib & Fahmy s.n.(CAI)- Gebel Elba, Wadi Bir Akwamtra, eastern tributary,
rocky stream bed; 19-2-1967; Osborn & Helmy s.n. (CAI)- Gebel Karam Elba; 7-21962; Täckholm et al. s.n.(CAI)- West of the well up Gebel Elba; 21-3-1928; Khattab
6349(CAIM).
Conservation status:
The species has a restricted distribution in the southeastern corner of Egypt, thus
it is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) in accordance with the criteria of IUCN
(2001).
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