A peer-reviewed open-access journal
PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.191.73714
CHECKLIST
https://phytokeys.pensoft.net
Launched to accelerate biodiversity research
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of
Taita Hills, Eastern Arc Mountain
Benjamin Muema Watuma1,2,3,5, Solomon Kipkoech1,2,3,7, David Kimutai Melly1,2,3,6,
Veronicah Mutele Ngumbau1,2,3,4, Peninah Cheptoo Rono1,2,3,
Fredrick Munyao Mutie1,2,3, Elijah Mbadi Mkala1,2,3,
John Mulinge Nzei1,2,3, Geoffrey Mwachala4,
Robert Wahiti Gituru5, Guang-Wan Hu1,2,3, Qing-Feng Wang1,2,3
1 Core Botanical Gardens/Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei,
China 2 Sino-Africa Joint Research Center (SAJOREC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei,
China 3 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China 4 East African Herbarium, National Museums of Kenya, P. O. Box 45166 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya 5 Botany Department, Jomo Kenyatta
University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya 6 Bomet University College, P.O Box 701-20400.
Bomet, Kenya 7 Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P.O Box 20412–00200 Nairobi, Kenya
Corresponding author: Guang-Wan Hu (guangwanhu@wbgcas.cn)
Academic editor: Muthama Muasya | Received 31 August 2021 | Accepted 18 January 2022 | Published 1 March 2022
Citation: Watuma BM, Kipkoech S, Melly DK, Ngumbau VM, Rono PC, Mutie FM, Mkala EM, Nzei JM, Mwachala
G, Gituru RW, Hu G-W, Wang Q-F (2022) An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills, Eastern Arc
Mountain. PhytoKeys 191: 1–158. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.191.73714
Abstract
Taita Hills forests are an ecological island within the Tsavo plains and are the northern-most part of the
Eastern Arc Mountains in southeast Kenya. They are highly fragmented forests embedded in a mosaic of
human settlements and farms on the slopes and hilltops. Despite their intensive degradation, they exhibit
a high degree of plant diversity and endemism, and therefore are regarded as a biodiversity hotspot. In
spite of their distinct importance to the biodiversity of the region as well as supporting the livelihoods
of the surrounding communities, floristic studies in these hills have been finite. Through repetitive floral
expeditions, herbarium records from the East African Herbarium (EA), Global Biodiversity Information
(GBIF), and the Integrated Digitized Biocollections (iDigbio) databases, as well as plant lists from literature and monographs, we provide a comprehensive checklist of 1594 taxa representing 159 families, 709
genera, 1530 species, 39 subspecies, 27 varieties, and 2 hybrids. Out of these, 75 are endemic or near-endemic, 59 are exotic, and 83 are listed as either endangered or near endangered as evaluated in the IUCN
Redlist. Zehneria tuberifera G.W.Hu & Q.F.Wang, a new species to science, which has previously been
described, was also discovered from the Ngangao forest fragment. Information on the habit(s), habitat(s),
and altitudinal range of each taxon is provided in this study. This checklist is an updated inventory of
Copyright Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
the vascular plants of the Taita Hills. It confirms the high plant diversity of the hills and provides a clear
baseline for strategic conservation and sustainable management of plant resources and diversity under the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Keywords
Biodiversity, checklist, conservation, Eastern arc mountains
Table of contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 2
Materials and methods ............................................................................................. 5
Study area ............................................................................................................ 5
Forest fragments ................................................................................................... 5
Climate ................................................................................................................ 6
Vegetation ............................................................................................................ 6
Land use............................................................................................................... 7
Floristic survey, plant collection and nomenclature............................................... 8
Results...................................................................................................................... 8
Species diversity ................................................................................................... 8
Plant growth forms............................................................................................... 9
Plant species global conservation status ................................................................ 9
Endemic and near-endemic species .................................................................... 10
New records ....................................................................................................... 15
Exotic species ..................................................................................................... 15
Discussion and Conclusion .................................................................................... 17
Checklist ................................................................................................................ 19
Part 1. Lycopodiopsida ........................................................................................... 19
Part 2. Polypodiopsida ............................................................................................ 20
Part 3. Cycadopsida ................................................................................................ 32
Part 4. Pinopsida .................................................................................................... 32
Part 5. Liliopsida .................................................................................................... 33
Part 6. Magnoliopsida ............................................................................................ 49
Acknowledgements............................................................................................... 151
References ............................................................................................................ 151
Introduction
Global biodiversity loss has been widely attributed to forest loss and fragmentation,
which are considered as its two principal factors (Newmark 1998; Brooks et al. 2002).
Fragmentation oftentimes is superseded by over-exploitation, degradation, and introduction of exotic species, thus decreasing indigenous plant diversity (Newmark 1998;
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
3
Cordeiro and Howe 2001; Teucher et al. 2020). This ensuing biodiversity crisis has
increased interest in conservation planning and prioritization strategies (Turner et al.
2007; Brooks 2010; Krupnick 2013; Habel et al. 2016; Ndang’ang’a et al. 2016; Conservation International 2021). Since the distribution and decline in species diversity
are variable across the biomes, Myers (1988) proposed biodiversity hotspots for conservation prioritization (Mittermeier et al. 1998; Myers et al. 2000; Carrasco et al. 2020).
The majority of hotspots are located in high densely populated areas and therefore are
under high pressure due to demand for land and forest resources (Cincotta et al. 2000;
Asongu and Jingwa 2012; Habel et al. 2016). The average population density within
the hotspots has increased by 36% between the years 1995–2015 (Cunningham and
Beazley 2018), and approximately two billion people live within the hotspots (CEPF
2021). Although a high human population does not directly guarantee habitat loss,
the resulting human impact leads to it (Mittermeier et al. 2004; CEPF 2021). Twentytwo of the hotspots within the tropics are more affected, retaining a lesser proportion
of their indigenous vegetation compared to those in temperate and subtropical zones
(Hrdina and Romportl 2017).
Tropical montane cloud forests naturally have a small area of occupancy on moist
ridge tops with a frequency of clouds (Lovett 1998a). These forests have been highlighted arguably as the world’s most important tropical forests and diversity hotspots
(Myers 1993; Lovett 1998a). Due to the isolation of these ecological islands, they have
a high endemic species richness (Hamilton et al. 1995; Lovett 1998a, 1998b). The
lower elevations of these ecosystems have been highly transformed mainly due to the
conversion of forest to farmlands and, therefore, the forests serve as refugia for endangered species (Hamilton et al. 1995; Lovett 1998a). Cloud forests have low resilience
to disturbance and their regeneration is fairly slow (Lovett 1998a). These forests provide a wide range of ecosystem services for millions of people living in the tropics. They
are major watershed areas, providing timber, food, and medicinal plants for the local
communities, acting as carbon sinks, and preventing denudation of hilltops through
soil erosion (Myers 1993; Hamilton et al. 1995; Medley and Kalibo 2007).
The Eastern Arc Mountains (EAM) are part of the larger Eastern Afromontane
Biodiversity Hotspot (EABH) which is ranked 9th in terms of hotspot importance
(Hrdina and Romportl 2017). They are ancient crystalline mountains uplifted 30 million years ago stretching from the Taita Hills in Kenya to the Udzungwa Mountains
in Tanzania (Burgess et al. 2007; Thijis et al. 2013). The EAM have been the center
of numerous studies over the years delineating them as a key center of endemism
(Beentje 1996; Lovett 1998b; Mittermeier et al. 1998; Myers et al. 2000; Gereau et
al. 2005; Isango 2007; Linder 2014). Their unique flora has evolved gradually under
environmental stability and thus their vegetation is fragile and susceptible to largescale disturbances (Lovett 1998a). Previously under the Eastern Arc Mountains and
Coastal Forests of Tanzania and Kenya Hotspot, they were considered highly likely
to suffer most extinction events from a given loss of habitat (Brooks et al. 2002). It’s
estimated that 31% of the species in the EAM are extinct or in danger of extinction
(Newmark 1998).
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Taita Hills forests are one of the most endemic-rich montane forests of the Eastern
Arc (Lovett 1998a), and the smallest in size, with only 6 km2 of natural forests remaining, having lost 98% of their original forest cover (Newmark 1998; Burgess et al.
2007). 50% of the indigenous vegetation has been cleared in the last 60 years (Pellikka
et al. 2013). Despite their small size and a high degree of fragmentation and degradation, these forests host a high diversity of both vascular and non-vascular plants, amphibians, reptiles and are also an Important Bird Area (IBA) (Beentje 1988; Bytebier
2001; Enroth et al. 2013, 2019; BirdLife International 2021).
Plant collection records in the Taita Hills span from as early as 1877 by a German
botanist, Johan Maria Hildebrandt (Beentje 1998). Subsequently, other botanical explorations have been conducted, yielding substantial herbarium collections but lacking sufficient literature on the flora and vegetation (Beentje 1988). In 1985, a team
of multidisciplinary experts carried an expedition in the Taita Hills courtesy of the
National Museums of Kenya, focusing on the indigenous forest patches to ascertain
their remaining size, status, and threats. They recorded 475 plant taxa representing
110 families and 283 genera, providing the first floral checklist of the indigenous fragmented forests (Beentje 1988). Ecological and ethnobotanical surveys carried out in
Mt. Kasigau from 2002–2006 recorded 338 wild woody plants of economical and medicinal value to the local communities (Medley and Kalibo 2007). Finally, Thijis et al.
(2013) published a field guide to the woody plant species of the Taita Hills indigenous
relics recording 184 species and their uses.
Studies on the vegetational structure and health monitoring of these forests indicated that, between the years 1955–2004 forest cover within Taita Hills has reduced
by 50% and the notable increase of 2% has been due to a growth in exotic plantations.
In the heavily disturbed sites, selective logging has led to the dominance of secondary
successive species and there is also an indication of a loss of endemic species within
forest patches due to fragmentation (Wilder et al. 1998; Chege and Bytebier 2005;
Maria 2007; Rodgers et al. 2008; Spanhove and Lehouck 2008; Pellikka et al. 2009,
2013; Omoro et al. 2010; Aerts et al. 2011; Medley and Maingi 2014). The woodland
vegetation along the slopes has unique floristic affinities and is an important source
of renewable natural resources for the local community. By meeting the community’s
needs, it helps in maintaining the evergreen forests for watershed protection (Rogo and
Oguge 2000; Medley and Kalibo 2005; Himberg et al. 2009; Mwamidi et al. 2012;
Medley et al. 2017). These hills exhibit a high biodiversity of both vascular and nonvascular plants (Enroth et al. 2013; 2019).
Floristic data for an area provides foundational tools for research, management,
and policy making for the preservation, restoration, and use of biodiversity (Palmer
et al. 1995). An unprecedented rate of extinction may exceed that of species recovery
(Wheeler et al. 2012) and therefore prompting a crucial need for floristic inventories
(Palmer et al. 1995). In Kenya, an updated flora checklist of several key areas of biodiversity importance such as Mount Elgon (Tweedie 1976), Shimba Hills (Luke 2005),
Kakamega (Fischer et al. 2010), Mount Kenya (Zhou 2017), Cherengani Hills (Mbuni
et al. 2019), Coastal forests of Kenya (Ngumbau et al. 2020), Aberdares Ranges Forest
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
5
(Kipkoech et al. 2020), and South and North Nandi forests (Girma et al. 2015; Melly
et al. 2020) have been documented.
This study aims to provide a broader description of the updated vascular plants of
Taita Hills through a comprehensive species inventory. Our objectives were to document the vascular plants occurring in the entire Taita Hills area, to determine the range
restricted taxa as well as the species of conservation concern and record the different
life forms and habitats within the Taita Hills. The checklist will assist policy-makers
to make more informed decisions and appropriate strategies in the conservation and
management of biodiversity in the area, especially for the range-restricted taxa. It also
provides a basis for further botanical studies in Taita Hills.
Materials and methods
Study area
The Taita Hills are located in the southeast part of Kenya within Taita Taveta county, forming the northernmost tip of the Eastern Arc Mountains. These ranges are divided into the
Dabida, Mbololo, Sagala, and Kasigau massifs. Dabida and Mbololo are nearly intact,
separated by a valley at 900 m a.s.l., while Sagala and Kasigau are isolated, 20 km and 50
km respectively, to the south (Pellikka et al. 2013; Medley and Maingi 2014). Adjacent
to these main blocks are smaller hills, namely Maungu, Ndi, Maktau, and Mzinga, which
have been included in this study (Fig. 1). This region lies between 38°08'E; 03°15'S and
38°45'E; 03°51'S, west of Voi town located along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway (A 109).
The elevation of the surrounding plains ranges from 480–700 m a.s.l. (Medley
and Kalibo 2005; Medley et al. 2010), from which there are steep rises within short
distances forming a series of ridges peaking at 2228 m a.s.l. on Vuria summit (Beentje
1988; Thijis et al. 2013). The steepness of the rocks is due to the hardness of a quartzite
cap overlaying soft metamorphic rocks (Beentje 1988; Conte 2010).
Forest fragments
The once intact montane forest on these hills has been reduced to 52 forest patches
comprised of indigenous, mixed, and plantation forest vegetation (CEPF 2005). Administration of these forests is divided between two institutions, the Kenya Forest
Service (KFS) overseeing 25 forest patches covering an area of 1310.41 ha, and the
Taita Taveta County Council which oversees 24 forest patches (excluding Kitobo 160
ha, Salaita 40.5 ha, and Lotima 40.5 ha, which lie outside the scope of this study
area) covering 7350.6 ha (CEPF 2005; Mwang’ombe 2005). Out of these, only 14 are
indigenous relics varying greatly in size with the largest being Mbololo (220 ha) and
the smallest Kituchenyi (<1 ha) (CEPF 2005; Thijis et al. 2013; Medley and Maingi
2014). Only three indigenous forests (Mbololo juu, Mwambirwa, and Ngangao) have
been surveyed, leaving 11 forests lacking clear boundaries (Beentje 1988; CEPF 2005).
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Figure 1. Location of the main Taita Hills blocks and adjacent hills showing the distribution of the
forest patches.
Climate
Due to their isolation, these hills form the first large barrier from the coastal strip trapping moisture-laden clouds. This moisture results in precipitation in the hilltop forests
creating near permanent humid conditions all year round in areas with altitudes above
1400 m on the south-eastern slopes and 1700 m on the much drier north-western
slopes (Pellikka et al. 2009). The climate of the area is under the influence of the
Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone creating two distinct rainy seasons. Long rains occur
from March to June while short rains are experienced from October to December. The
annual average rainfall varies from 500 mm on the foothills to 1910 mm in the hills
(Beentje 1988; Salminen 2004; CEPF 2005). The mean annual temperature ranges
from 16–18 °C in the hills and as high as 24.6 °C in the lower zones (Omoro et al.
2013).
Vegetation
Vegetation structure within the hills varies along the elevation gradient with the steep
slopes providing very short transitional bands from one vegetational type to the other.
Though there is a lack of continuous indigenous vegetative cover due to a matrix of
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
7
forests, settlements, and farms, there are distinct changes in vegetation structure and
phenology due to temperature and moisture variations (Medley and Kalibo 2007). In
areas below ca. 650 m a.s.l., Acacia-Commiphora bushland vegetation forms a wildlife
corridor in the plains between the Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks around
and on the foothills (Medley et al. 2017). Along the slopes, forest fragments and deciduous/evergreen montane woodland vegetation are nested within an agricultural rural landscape (Newmark 1998).
In the much drier north-western slopes, vegetation mostly comprises Euphorbia
ingens E.Mey. ex Boiss. and Euphorbia bussei var. kibweziensis (N.E.Br.) S.Carter (Pellikka et al. 2013). On the hilltops, lies the isolated evergreen forest described as upland
mist forest (Beentje 1988), Afromontane rainforest (Bytebier 2001; Aerts et al. 2011),
or cloud forests (Pellikka et al. 2009; Medley and Maingi 2014). The potential natural
vegetation community here is Ocotea-Podocarpus. However, these two species have undergone intensive selective harvesting and only a small number of mature individuals
remain (Bytebier 2001).
Disturbance indicator species such as Tabernaemontana stapfiana Britten,
Albizia gummifera (J.F.Gmel.) C.A.Sm., Maesa lanceolata Forssk., and Phoenix reclinata
Jacq., are more common in these forest patches (Chege and Bytebier 2005; Omoro and
Luukkanen 2011). Canopy species include Aningeria adolfi-friedericii (Engl.) Robyns
& Gilbert, Albizia gummifera, Polyscias fulva (Hiern) Harms, Ocotea sp., Macaranga
conglomerata Brenan, and Newtonia buchanannii (Baker) G.C.C.Gilbert & Boutique
while understory species include Psychotria sp., Dracaena steudneri Engl., Rytigynia uhligii (K.Schum. & K.Krause) Verdc., Strombosia scheffleri Engl., Pauridiantha paucinervis
(Hiern) Bremek. (Chege and Bytebier 2005; Thijis et al. 2013). Plantation forests of
Pinus patula Schiede ex Schltdl. & Cham., Hesperocyparis lusitanica (Mill.) Bartel, Eucalyptus saligna Sm, and Juniperus sp. exist within some of the indigenous fragments
and in areas where denuded hilltops were reforested with exotic tree species (Beentje
1988; Omoro et al. 2013). Common invasive species found within Taita Hills include
Maesopsis eminii Engl., Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl, Lantana camara L., Biancae decapetala (Roth) O.Deg., and Acacia mearnsii De Wild. (Spanhove and Lehouck
2008).
Land use
Increased demand for fertile land in the area due to a rise in human population over
the past 250 years has led to the conversion of indigenous forests to agricultural land
(Jaetzold et al. 2010; CEPF 2005). The bulk of farmlands are located in areas that have
high agricultural potential or are forested between 800–1700 m (Bytebier 2001), with
some farms extending to as low as 480 m in Kasigau (Medley and Kalibo 2005). The
main cultivated crops are coffee, mangoes, cassava, banana, maize, and beans (Beentje
1988; Jaetzold et al. 2010). As a means to safeguard against crop failure due to changes
in weather patterns, families own farmlands at different elevations and thus leading to
more forest loss and fragmentation (Bytebier 2001; Madoffe et al. 2005).
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Floristic survey, plant collection and nomenclature
Several field expeditions were carried out between the years 2015 and 2019 by the
Sino-Africa Joint Research Center (SAJOREC) and Flora of Kenya Project (FOKP).
The various forest fragments were surveyed in both the wet and dry seasons with an
effort put to expand geographical coverage to areas where previous collections had been
scarce. General walk-over surveys were carried out targeting fertile plant species which
were thereafter photographed, tagged, and collected. The species habit, habitat, elevation, location, and collector’s details were recorded. The specimens were then pressed,
dried, and deposited at the East African herbarium (EA) with duplicates deposited at
the Hubei Institute of Botany herbarium (HIB). Identification of collected specimens
was done using existing floral monographs (FTEA 1952–2012; Beentje 1994; Agnew
2013), as well as comparing collections with identified specimens in the EA.
Previous collections recorded from the Taita Hills were collated to supplement
records from the field surveys. These were obtained from specimens in the EA, monographs, and published literature (FTEA 1952–2012; Beentje 1988, 1994; Medley and
Kalibo 2007; Thijis et al. 2013), Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF 2021)
(http://www.gbif.org) and the Integrated Digitized Biocollections (iDigBio 2021)
(http://www.idigbio.org).
The conservation status of all vascular plants recorded was determined using the
International Union for Conservation of Nature criterion (IUCN 2021) (https://www.
iucnredlist.org). Existing range-restricted taxa were determined by searching all recorded species in the GBIF occurrence database (www.gbif.org), IUCN Red List (IUCN
2021) (https://www.iucnredlist.org) and the Flora of Tropical East Africa (FTEA 1952–
2012). The current taxonomic circumscription, as well as the authorities for each taxon
were determined through the Plants of the World Online (POWO 2019) (http://www.
plantsoftheworldonline.org), African Plant Database (http://africanplantdatabase.ch)
(African Plant Database 2021), Tropicos (http://www.tropicos.org) (Tropicos 2021)
and the Catalogue of Life (Roskov et al. 2021) (http://www.catalogueoflife.org).
Results
Species diversity
We recorded 1594 taxa (1530 species, 39 subspecies, 27 varieties, and two hybrids)
representing 709 genera and 159 families of vascular plants within the Taita Hills.
These constitute 60.89%, 42.78%, and 23.41% of all indigenous families, genera and
species, and 35.48%, 16.89%, and 10.03% of all exotic families, genera and species
represented in the flora of Kenya respectively (FTEA 1952–2012). Eighty-three, 17,
58 and 59 taxa represent threatened, endemic, near-endemic and exotic species in Taita
Hills respectively. Diversity within the classes in sequence from the most to the least
diverse was Magnoliopsida (75.91%), Liliopsida (14.95%), Polypodiopsida (8.22%),
Lycopodiopsida (0.65%), Pinopsida (0.2%), and Cycadopsida (0.07%) (Fig. 2).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
9
The most speciose families are Fabaceae, 133 taxa (125 species), Rubiaceae, 88
(75), Asteraceae, 78 (77), and, Orchidaceae, 70 (69). Genera with 15 or more species
include Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae), Asplenium (Aspleniaceae), Cyperus (Cyperaceae),
Coleus (Lamiaceae) and, Ceropegia (Apocynaceae) (Table 1).
Plant growth forms
The growth habit(s) of each species was recorded using a simple classification into six
categories: trees, shrubs, lianas, subshrubs, climbers and herbs. Species that express
variations in their growth habit are recorded in two or more categories. Herbs represented the highest percentage of life forms with 711 taxa (573 terrestrial and 138
epiphytic), followed by shrubs with 391 taxa, trees with 369 taxa, climbers with 123
taxa, subshrubs with 101 taxa, and lianas with 74 taxa. (Fig. 3).
Plant species global conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2021), a total of 484
of the plants found in Taita Hills were evaluated. Of these taxa, 63 are threatened while
Figure 2. The classes of vascular plant species in Taita Hills.
Table 1. The largest families and genera of vascular plants in Taita Hills.
Family
Fabaceae
Asteraceae
Rubiaceae
Orchidaceae
Apocynaceae
Malvaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Lamiaceae
Poaceae
Aspleniaceae
Cyperaceae
Genera
55
46
41
28
34
21
13
20
25
44
9
Species
125
77
75
69
64
58
55
50
47
44
42
Genus
Euphorbia L. (Euphorbiaceae)
Asplenium L. (Aspleniaceae)
Cyperus L. (Cyperaceae)
Coleus Lour. (Lamiaceae)
Ceropegia L. (Apocynaceae)
Commiphora Jacq. (Burseraceae)
Crotalaria L. (Fabaceae)
Solanum L. (Solanaceae)
Ipomoea L. (Convolvulaceae)
Ficus Tourn. ex L. (Moraceae)
Polystachya Hook. (Orchidaceae)
Species
34
31
30
21
15
15
15
15
14
14
13
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Figure 3. Growth form of vascular plants in Taita Hills.
20 are near threatened. Two taxa are recorded as Critically Endangered (CR), 27 as Endangered (EN), 34 as Vulnerable (VU), 20 as Near Threatened (NT), 399 as of Least
Concern (LC) and two taxa as Data Deficient (DD) (Table 2, 3). The families with the
most numbers of species in need of conservation concern are Rubiaceae (17 taxa), Orchidaceae (eight taxa) and Euphorbiaceae (six taxa). In terms of life forms, trees were
the highest in number forming 35% of the total. They were followed by herbs 32%,
shrubs 29%, subshrubs 2%, climbers and lianas 1% each (Table 7).
Endemic and near-endemic species
Species with a geographic restricted range are treated in this checklist as either strict
endemics (i.e. occurring only within Taita Hills forests) or as near endemics which are
further subdivided into:
i. Eastern Arc endemics – Those taxa whose geographical scope of occurrence is
limited to the Eastern Arc Mountain ranges.
ii. Taita-Taveta District endemics – Those taxa restricted to Taita Taveta district
within the study area but not within the forest fragments.
iii. Regional Endemics – Those taxa that are extant in 10 or fewer locations, or are
threatened and in decline according to the IUCN, or cover a small area of occupancy
(<10, 000 km2) such that the population size in Taita Hills is significant for the survival
of the species (Darbyshire et al. 2019).
This checklist contains 17 strict endemics and 58 near endemics (Fig. 4) (Tables 4,
5). These are distributed in 32 families and 55 genera. They represent 4.9% of the total
species recorded in this area. The taxa-rich families are Rubiaceae (12 taxa), Orchidaceae
(seven taxa), Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae (six taxa each) and Fabaceae (five taxa). In
terms of life forms, herbs formed the bulk being 37% of the total, followed by shrubs
26%, trees 24%, climbers 8%, lianas 3% and subshrubs 2% (Table 7).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
11
Table 2. Number of plant taxa and their proportion in each IUCN category.
IUCN Category
Critically Endangered (CR)
Endangered (EN)
Vulnerable (VU)
Near Threatened (NT)
Least Concern (LC)
Data Deficient (DD)
Not Evaluated (N/A)
Total
No. of taxa
2
27
34
20
399
2
1110
1594
Percentage
0.13%
1.70%
2.13%
1.25%
25.03%
0.13%
69.63%
100%
Table 3. List of threatened and near-threatened plant taxa found in Taita Hills, their IUCN category
and current status.
Family
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Araliaceae
Araliaceae
Asphodelaceae
Asphodelaceae
Asphodelaceae
Asphodelaceae
Asphodelaceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Aspleniaceae
Burmanniaceae
Burseraceae
Burseraceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Dennstaedtiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Species
Crossandra friesiorum Mildbr.
Dyschoriste keniensis subsp. glandulifera Malombe,
Mwachala & Vollesen
Isoglossa candelabrum Lindau
Justicia galeata Hedrén
Neuracanthus tephrophyllus subsp. tsavoensis Bidgood
& Brummitt
Astropanax myrianthus (Baker) Lowry,
G.M.Plunkett & al.
Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms
Aloe ballyi Reynolds
Aloe classenii Reynolds
Aloe deserti A.Berger
Aloe penduliflora Baker
Aloe volkensii Engl. subsp. volkensii
Bothriocline glomerata (O.Hoffm. & Muschl.)
C.Jeffrey
Brachylaena huillensis O.Hoffm.
Solanecio mirabilis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey
Thelypteris usambarensis (Holttum) Christenh.
Gymnosiphon usambaricus Engl.
Commiphora campestris Engl.
Commiphora oblongifolia J.B.Gillett
Gerrardanthus grandiflorus Gilg ex Cogn.
Bulbostylis hispidula subsp. halophila (Lye)
R.W.Haines
Cyperus purpureoviridis Lye
Blotiella hieronymi (Kümmerle) Pic. Serm.
Life form Category
Status Version
Herb
VU
Decreasing
3.1
Subshrub
VU
Decreasing
3.1
Shrub
Shrub
Subshrub
EN
VU
EN
Unknown
Decreasing
Decreasing
3.1
3.1
3.1
Liana/Tree
NT
Decreasing
3.1
Tree
Tree
Herb
Shrub
Shrub
Shrub
Shrub
EN
EN
CR
NT
EN
NT
EN
Unknown
Decreasing
Decreasing
Unknown
Unknown
Decreasing
Unknown
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
Shrub/Tree
Herb
Herb
Herb
Tree
Shrub/Tree
Climber
Herb
NT
EN
EN
EN
NT
NT
NT
EN
Unspecified
Decreasing
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Decreasing
Unknown
2.3
3.1
3.1
3.1
2.3
3.1
3.1
3.1
Herb
Herb
NT
EN
Stable
Unknown
3.1
3.1
EN
VU
EN
VU
VU
VU
NT
EN
NT
VU
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Decreasing
Unspecified
Unspecified
Unknown
Unspecified
Unspecified
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
2.3
2.3
3.1
2.3
2.3
Euphorbia bussei Pax var. bussei
Shrub
Euphorbia furcata N.E.Br.
Herb
Euphorbia petricola P.R.O.Bally & S.Carter
Herb
Euphorbia tenuispinosa Gilli var. tenuispinosa
Herb
Macaranga conglomerata Brenan
Tree
Milbraedia carpinifolia (Pax) Hutch. var. carpinifolia
Shrub
Craibia brevicaudata (Vatke) Dunn
Tree
Crotalaria ukambensis Vatke
Herb
Dalbergia melanoxylon Guill. & Perr.
Shrub/Tree
Millettia oblata subsp. teitensis J.B.Gillett
Tree
12
Family
Gesneriaceae
Gesneriaceae
Iridaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lauraceae
Loranthaceae
Lycopodiaceae
Malvaceae
Melastomataceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Nymphaeaceae
Ochnaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Phyllanthaceae
Podocarpaceae
Rosaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rutaceae
Salicaceae
Zamiaceae
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Species
Streptocarpus teitensis (B.L.Burtt) Christenh.
Streptocarpus montanus Oliv.
Gladiolus usambarensis Marais ex Goldblatt
Coleus triangularis (A.J.Paton) A.J.Paton
Vitex fischeri var. keniensis (Turrill) Meerts
Ocotea kenyensis (Chiov.) Robyns & R.Wilczek
Englerina drummondii Balle ex Polhill & Wiens
Huperzia holstii (Hieron.) Pic.Serm.
Hibiscus greenwayi Baker f.
Memecylon teitense Wickens
Dorstenia goetzei Engl.
Dorstenia warneckei Engl.
Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C.Berg
Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.
Syzygium micklethwaitii Verdc.
Syzygium subcordatum (Verdc.) Byng &N.Snow
Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea (Savigny) Verdc.
Campylospermum scheffleri (Engl. & Gilg) Farron
Ansellia africana Lindl.
Cynorkis buchwaldiana subsp. braunii (Kraenzl.)
Summerh.
Cynorkis uncata (Rolfe) Kraenzl.
Polystachya caespitifica subsp. latilabris (Summerh.)
P.J Cribb & Podz.
Polystachya disiformis P.J. Cribb
Polystachya teitensis P.J.Cribb
Tridactyle cruciformis Summerh.
Ypsilopus tanneri (P.J.Cribb) D’haijère & Stévart
Meineckia ovata (E.A.Bruce) J.F.Brunel ex Radcl.Sm.
Afrocarpus usambarensis (Pilg.) C.N.Page
Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman
Canthium oligocarpum subsp. intermedium Bridson
Coffea fadenii Bridson
Coffea zanguebariae Lour.
Empogona ovalifolia var. glabrata (Oliv.) Tosh &
Robbr.
Empogona ovalifolia var. taylorii (S.Moore) Tosh &
Robbr.
Oxyanthus pyriformis subsp. brevitubus Bridson
Oxyanthus pyriformis subsp. longitubus Bridson
Pavetta sepium K.Schum. var. sepium
Pavetta teitana K.Schum.
Psychotria alsophila K.Schum.
Psychotria crassipetala E.M.A. Petit
Psychotria cyathicalyx E.M.A.Petit
Psychotria pseudoplatyphylla E.M.A.Petit
Psychotria petitii Verdc.
Psychotria pseudoplatyphylla E.M.A.Petit
Psychotria taitensis Verdc.
Psydrax polhillii Bridson
Rytigynia eickii (K.Schum. & K.Krause) Bullock
Vepris fadenii (Kokwaro) Mziray
Bivinia jalbertii Tul.
Encephalartos kisambo Faden & Beentje
Life form Category
Status Version
Herb
CR
Decreasing
3.1
Herb
NT
Unknown
3.1
Herb
NT
Unknown
3.1
Herb
NT
Decreasing
3.1
Tree
EN
Decreasing
3.1
Tree
VU
Unspecified 2.3
Herb
VU
Decreasing
3.1
Herb
NT
Unknown
3.1
Shrub
VU
Unknown
3.1
Tree
VU
Unknown
3.1
Herb
NT
Decreasing
3.1
Herb
NT
Decreasing
3.1
Tree
NT
Unspecified 2.3
Tree
NT
Stable
3.1
Tree
VU
Decreasing
3.1
Tree
VU
Decreasing
3.1
Herb
EN
Decreasing
3.1
Tree
VU
Unspecified 2.3
Herb
VU
Decreasing
3.1
Herb
NT
Decreasing
3.1
Herb
Herb
VU
VU
Unknown
Unknown
3.1
3.1
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Shrub
EN
EN
EN
EN
VU
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unspecified
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
2.3
Tree
Tree
Shrub/Tree
Tree
Shrub
Shrub
EN
VU
VU
EN
VU
VU
Decreasing
Unspecified
Unspecified
Unknown
Unknown
Unspecified
3.1
2.3
2.3
3.1
3.1
2.3
Shrub
VU
Unspecified
2.3
Shrub/Tree
Shrub/Tree
Shrub
Shrub
Shrub
Tree
Tree
Shrub
Tree
Shrub
Tree
Shrub
Shrub
Tree
Tree
Tree
VU
EN
VU
VU
VU
EN
VU
VU
EN
VU
EN
VU
VU
VU
NT
EN
Unspecified
Unspecified
Unspecified
Decreasing
Unspecified
Decreasing
Unspecified
Unspecified
Decreasing
Unspecified
Unknown
Decreasing
Unspecified
Decreasing
Unspecified
Decreasing
2.3
2.3
2.3
3.1
2.3
3.1
2.3
2.3
3.1
2.3
3.1
3.1
2.3
3.1
2.3
3.1
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
13
Figure 4. Some Taita Hills endemic and near endemic plant species A Chassalia discolor subsp. taitensis
B-C Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson subsp. teitensis D Meineckia ovata E Impatiens engleri subsp. pubescens
F Memecylon teitense G Streptocarpus teitensis.
Table 4. Number of endemic and near-endemic species found in the Taita Hills.
Region
Taita relicts
Eastern Arc Mountains (Excluding Taita Hills)
Taita district
Regional Endemics
Total
Number of species
17
30
2
26
75
Table 5. Endemic and near-endemic plants of Taita Hills.
Family
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Asphodelaceae
Asphodelaceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Balsaminaceae
Balsaminaceae
Burmanniaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cyperaceae
Dennstaedtiaceae
Dichapetalaceae
Species
Dyschoriste keniensis subsp. glandulifera Malombe, Mwachala & Vollesen
Isoglossa candelabrum Lindau
Ceropegia distincta var. rostrata Masinde
Ceropegia konasita Masinde
Ceropegia verticillata Masinde
Huernia andreaeana (Rauh) L.C.Leach
Orbea taitica Bruyns
Tylophora sp. B of FTEA
Aloe classenii Reynolds
Aloe penduliflora Baker
Bothriocline glomerata (O.Hoffm. & Muschl.) C.Jeffrey
Solanecio buchwaldii (O.Hoffm.) C.Jeffrey
Impatiens engleri subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson
Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson
Gymnosiphon usambaricus Engl.
Gerrardanthus grandiflorus Cogn.
Zehneria tuberifera G.W.Hu & Q.F.Wang
Cyperus scott-elliotii Govaerts
Blotiella hieronymi (Kümmerle) Pic.Serm.
Dichapetalum eickii Ruhland
Life form
Subshrub
Shrub
Climber
Climber
Climber
Herb
Herb
Climber
Herb
Shrub
Shrub
Shrub
Herb
Herb
Herb
Climber
Climber
Herb
Herb
Shrub/Liana
Distribution
K7, T2, 3
EAM
Taita District
K7
Mbololo
K7
K4, 7
Ngangao
K7
K7
K4, 7, T3
EAM
Ngangao
Taita Hills
EAM
K7, T3
Ngangao
Taita District
EAM
EAM
14
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Gesneriaceae
Gesneriaceae
Gesneriaceae
Hymenophyllaceae
Iridaceae
Iridaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Linderniaceae
Malphigiaceae
Malvaceae
Melastomataceae
Melastomataceae
Species
Euphorbia classenii P.R.O.Bally & S.Carter
Euphorbia furcata N.E.Br.
Euphorbia neoglaucescens Bruyns
Euphorbia petricola P.R.O.Bally & S.Carter
Jatropha velutina Pax & K.Hoffm.
Macaranga conglomerata Brenan
Crotalaria lukwangulensis Harms
Cynometra sp. A of FTEA
Millettia oblata Dunn subsp. burttii J.B.Gillett
Millettia oblata subsp. teitensis J.B.Gillett
Streptocarpus kirkii Hook.f.
Streptocarpus saxorum Engl.
Streptocarpus teitensis (B.L.Burtt) Christenh.
Hymenophyllum sp. A of FTEA
Life form
Shrub
Herb
Shrub/Tree
Herb
Subshrub
Tree
Shrub/Liana
Tree
Shrub/Tree
Tree
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Distribution
Kasigau
K7, T2, 3
K7, T3, 5, 6
K7
K7
EAM
EAM
EAM
K7, T5
EAM
EAM
EAM
Mbololo
EAM
Gladiolus rupicola Vaupel
Gladiolus usambarensis Marais ex Goldblatt
Coleus triangularis (A.J.Paton) A.J.Paton
Leucas oligocephala var. usambarica Sebald
Linderniella brevidens (Skan) Eb.Fisch., Schäferh. & Kai Müll.
Acridocarpus taitensis Mwadime, Ngumbau & Q.Luke
Abutilon mauritianum var. grandiflorum Verdc.
Memecylon greenwayi Brenan
Memecylon teitense Wickens
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Liana
Shrub
Tree
Shrub/Tree
Moraceae
Moraceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Ochnaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orobanchaceae
Phyllanthaceae
Phyllanthaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Dorstenia christenhuszii M.W.Chase & M.F.Fay
Dorstenia warneckei Engl.
Syzygium micklethwaitii Verdc.
Syzygium subcordatum (Verdc.) Byng & N.Snow
Campylospermum scheffleri (Engl. & Gilg) Farron
Cynorkis buchwaldiana subsp. braunii (Kraenzl.) Summerh.
Cynorkis uncata (Rolfe) Kraenzl.
Microcoelia smithii (Rolfe) Summerh.
Polystachya teitensis P.J.Cribb
Rhipidoglossum leedalii (P.J.Cribb) Farminhão & Stévart
Tridactyle cruciformis Summerh.
Ypsilopus tanneri (P.J.Cribb) D’haijère & Stévart
Harveya kenyensis Hepper
Meineckia ovata (E.A.Bruce) J.F. Brunel ex Radcl.-Sm.
Phyllanthus mittenianus Hutch.
Chassalia discolor subsp. taitensis Verdc.
Coffea fadenii Bridson
Galium brenanii Ehrend. & Verdc.
Oxyanthus pyriformis subsp. longitubus Bridson
Parapentas battiscombei Verdc.
Psychotria alsophila K.Schum.
Psychotria crassipetala E.M.A.Petit
Psychotria petitii Verdc.
Herb
Herb
Tree
Tree
Tree
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Shrub
Shrub
Shrub
Tree
Herb
Shrub/Tree
Herb
Shrub/Tree
Shrub/Tree
Shrub/Tree
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rutaceae
Thelypteridaceae
Thymelaeaceae
Vitaceae
Zamiaceae
Psychotria pseudoplatyphylla E.M.A.Petit
Psychotria sp. B of FTEA
Psychotria taitensis Verdc.
Rytigynia eickii (K.Schum. & K.Krause) Bullock
Vepris fadenii (Kokwaro) Mziray
Thelypteris usambarensis (Holttum) Christenh.
Dicranolepis usambarica Gilg
Cyphostemma braunii (Gilg & M.Brandt) Desc.
Encephalartos kisambo Faden & Beentje
Shrub/Tree
Shrub
Tree
Shrub/Tree
Shrub/Tree
Herb
Shrub/Tree
Climber
Tree
EAM
K7, T2, 3, 6
EAM
EAM
EAM
Ngangao
EAM
EAM
Ngangao/Mbololo
Mbololo
K7, T3, 6
K7, T2, 3, 6
EAM
EAM
EAM
EAM
K7, T3, 6
Maungu/Kasigau
EAM
K6, 7, T3
EAM
K7, 4
Ngangao
K7
Taita Hills
EAM
K7, T2, 3, 6
K7
Ngangao, K4
Ngangao, T2, 3
K7
Ngangao/Mbololo
Taita, T2, 3
Ngangao
Kasigau
EAM
Taita Hills
EAM
EAM
EAM
EAM
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
15
Endemic species that were recorded in Taita Hills were unevenly distributed
among the forests within the remnant hills. Ngangao forest fragment, which is the
second largest in size recorded the largest number of endemics (12 species), followed by Mbololo (nine species), Kasigau (four species) and Chawia (two species)
respectively. The rest of the mist forest fragments each had one listed endemic from
their fragment.
New records
In the course of the field investigations, a new species, Zehneria tuberifera G.W.Hu
& Q.F.Wang (Cucurbitaceae), was discovered from the Ngangao fragment (Watuma
et al. 2019). Subsequently, we also collected a new record, Momordica calantha Gilg.
(Cucurbitaceae), from the Wesu fragment (Watuma 2021). This species had previously
been recorded from Uganda, Tanzania and the central highlands of Kenya. A recent
study has also reported a new species from Ngangao fragment Acridocarpus taitensis
Mwadime, Ngumbau & Q.Luke (Previously Acridocarpus sp. A of KTSL) (Malphigiaceae) (Nyange et al. 2020) (Fig. 5).
Exotic species
Exotic species recorded were categorized as either cultivated, introduced, or naturalized according to the African Plant Database and Plants of the World Online. In this
study, a total of 59 exotic vascular plant taxa were recorded (Table 6). This makes up
3.85% of the total species recorded from the Taita Hills, which represents 51 genera
and 22 families. The most speciose families are Asteraceae, Fabaceae (eight species
Figure 5. Photographs of new plant species recorded from Taita Hills A Acridocarpus taitensis
B Momordica calantha C Zehneria tuberifera.
16
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Table 6. List of exotic plant species recorded in Taita Hills.
Family
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Annonaceae
Apiaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Brassicaceae
Brassicaceae
Cactaceae
Crassulaceae
Cupressaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Lamiaceae
Lauraceae
Malvaceae
Malvaceae
Malvaceae
Meliaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Passifloraceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Proteaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Solanaceae
Solanaceae
Solanaceae
Solanaceae
Species
Alternanthera pungens Kunth
Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex DC.
Amaranthus graecizans subsp. thellungianus (Nevski) Gusev
Amaranthus hybridus L. subsp. Hybridus
Gomphrena celosioides Mart.
Guilleminea densa (Willd. ex Schult.) Moq.
Annona cherimola Mill.
Cyclospermum leptophyllum (Pers.) Sprague ex Britton & P.Wilson
Calotropis gigantea (L.) W.T.Aiton
Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don
Gomphocarpus physocarpus E.Mey.
Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass.
Erigeron karvinskianus DC.
Flaveria trinervia (Spreng.) C.Mohr
Galinsoga parviflora Cav.
Senecio vulgaris L.
Tagetes minuta L.
Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray
Tridax procumbens L.
Brassica rapa L.
Lepidium bonariense L.
Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf.
Kalanchoe miniata Hilsenb. & Bojer ex Tul.
Callitris preissii Miq.
Euphorbia serpens Kunth
Jatropha curcas L.
Ricinus communis L.
Acacia mearnsii De Wild.
Acacia melanoxylon R.Br.
Biancaeae decapetala (Roth) O.Deg.
Calliandra houstoniana (Mill.) Standl.
Indigofera tinctoria L. var. tinctoria
Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit
Senna bicapsularis (L.) Roxb.
Senna occidentalis (L.) Link
Mesosphaerum pectinatum (L.) Kuntze
Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl
Callianthe megapotamica (A.Spreng.) Dorr
Hibiscus lunariifolius Willd.
Malva verticillata L.
Melia azedarach L.
Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.
Psidium cattleianum Sabine
Psidium guajava L.
Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston
Passiflora edulis Sims
Coix lacryma-jobi L.
Setaria sulcata Raddi
Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. ex R.Br.
Rubus niveus Thunb.
Rubus rosifolius Sm.
Nicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn.
Nicotiana tabacum L.
Physalis peruviana L.
Solanum aculeatissimum Jacq.
Habit
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Shrub
Herb
Shrub
Tree
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Herb
Subshrub
Herb
Herb
Herb
Shrub
Herb
Tree
Herb
Shrub/Tree
Herb
Tree
Tree
Shrub
Shrub
Subshrub
Tree
Shrub
Subshrub
Herb
Tree
Shrub
Herb
Herb
Tree
Tree
Tree
Tree
Tree
Climber
Herb
Herb
Tree
Shrub
Shrub
Herb
Herb
Herb
Shrub
Status
Introduced
Imtroduced
Introduced
Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Introduced
Cultivated
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Cultivated-Naturalized
Introduced
Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Introduced
Cultivated
Introduced-Cultivated
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Cultivated
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Cultivated
Naturalized-Introduced
Introduced
Cultivated
Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Introduced-Cultivated
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Cultivated-Naturalized
Cultivated
Naturalized-Introduced
Cultivated
Cultivated-Naturalized
Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Cultivated
Cultivated-Naturalized
Naturalized-Introduced
Introduced
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
Family
Solanaceae
Solanaceae
Verbanaceae
Verbanaceae
Species
Solanum mauritianum Scop.
Solanum seaforthianum Andrews
Lantana camara L.
Stachytarpheta urticifolia Sims
Habit
Shrub/Tree
Climber
Shrub
Subshrub
17
Status
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized-Introduced
Naturalized
Naturalized-Introduced
Table 7. Life form representatives of different categories of vascular plant species in Taita Hills.
Life forms
Trees
Shrubs
Lianas
Subshrubs
Herbs
Climbers
Endemic and near-endemic
22
26
3
2
31
7
Number of vascular plant species
Threatened and near-threatened
31
25
1
2
29
1
Exotic
13
12
–
4
28
2
each), Amaranthaceae and Solanaceae (six species each). In terms of life forms, herbs
were the most abundant (28 species) corresponding to 47.46%, followed by trees (13
species) 22.03%, shrubs (12 species) 20.34%, subshrubs (four species) 6.78%, and
climbers (two species) 3.39% (Table 7).
Discussion and conclusion
The findings of this study validate Taita Hills as a floristically important area with a
high diversity of plants as well as rare and endemic plant species. Its unique geographical position near the coastal strip and within an arid and semi-arid landscape provides
for multiple habitats which subsequently support a wide range of taxa. The 1594 total
taxa recorded represent 25.33% of all vascular plants found in Kenya (Zhou et al.
2017). This area also has a significant portion of lycophytes and pteridophytes representing 8.72% of all total records in this study.
The most species-rich families are Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Asteraceae, Orchidaceae,
Apocynaceae, Malvaceae and Euphorbiaceae. These results concur with similar studies
conducted in other tropical rainforests such as the Coastal forests of Kenya (Ngumbau
et al. 2020) and the Nandi forests (Melly et al. 2020), as well as other forests in the
Afromontane archipelago of East Africa such as the Aberdares forests (Kipkoech et al.
2020), Agama forest (Addi et al. 2016), Afromontane forests of Ethiopia (Senbeta et
al. 2014), and the Jibat Afromontane forest (Burju et al. 2013). Euphorbiaceae, Orchidaceae, and Rubiaceae are the most important families in Taita Hills in terms of species
richness, endemism, and conservation status as all of them have substantial numbers
in all three categories. Herbs were the most prevalent growth forms recorded in Taita
Hills, especially in the forest habitats in both the understory and margins. However,
woody plant life forms also formed a considerable amount of the total percentage of recorded plant life forms supporting the observation by Senbeta et al. (2014) that moist
evergreen Afromontane forests sustain a high density of woody plants. Exotic species
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
recorded in this study represent 3.85% of the total number of species. Solanaceae,
Asteraceae, and Fabaceae have the highest number of exotic species. This concurs with
the study done by Ngumbau et al. (2020) on the coastal forests of Kenya. A large number of these exotic species have colonized natural habitats and have also been listed as
invasive (Spanhove and Lehouck 2008; Thijis et al. 2013). Mitigating the introduction
of exotic tree species and levels of disturbance within indigenous forests might increase
the recruitment of indigenous tree seedlings and subsequently the restoration of the
original native forest status (Omoro and Luukkanen 2011).
The hilltop mist forests have been of great botanical appeal owing to their unique
flora with Afromontane and rainforest elements (Beentje 1988, Thijis et al. 2013). The
discovery of a new species and a new record within the rainforest fragments show that
these forests are a biodiversity reservoir with more potential for scientific exploration.
However, the high human population within the Taita-Taveta district resides within
the hills and the demand for more agricultural and settlement land has put additional
anthropogenic pressures on the already severely fragmented landscape (Bytebier 2001;
CEPF 2005). Threatened and near-threatened taxa in Taita Hills according to IUCN
(2021) represent 4.11% and 1.31% of the total taxa recorded. Although these figures
might be small compared to the total, the probable loss of the already small habitats
puts these species at a higher extinction risk on a local scale. A high percentage of species from Taita Hills have not been assessed (69.63%). Out of those that are assessed,
most have been evaluated to be of least concern and thus are not facing imminent risk.
Nonetheless, some of the species, though evaluated to be of LC, are also indicated
as decreasing in the wild, thus presenting a potential risk to such, in the absence of
strict conservation measures. In some cases, the global assessment might not reflect the
real picture in specific local sites. The populations of species such Kuloa usambarensis
(Engl.) Trofimov & Rohwer and Podocarpus latifolius (Thunb.) R.Br. ex Mirb., both
evaluated as LC, and Mitragyna rubrostipulata (K.Schum.) Havil., whose status has not
been evaluated according to IUCN, have decreased to critical levels due to selective
harvesting (Beentje 1988; Thijis et al. 2013). Ngangao forest fragment was recorded
to have the highest number of range restricted taxa while many of the lesser fragments
were recorded to have single endemics. This poses a great risk as there have been indications of fragmentation leading to the loss of endemic species. There is a need for a
localized Red List for the forests to determine the level of species threats.
The Taita Hills have been part of the local community’s culture and the people
have utilized these forests for many years. More community-based conservation programs should be introduced to promote the sustainable utilization of renewable forest
resources while promoting regeneration (Himberg 2004). The regeneration of indigenous forests will not only improve the quality of habitat for endemic plants but also
increase habitable ecosystems for range-restricted birds within the different fragments
(Mwang’ombe 2005). Previously restored indigenous forests have exhibited a high
abundance in avifaunal species compared to exotic forests. Restorations especially between larger fragments can act as migration corridors for endemic bird species and
subsequently increase indigenous vegetation cover while mitigating the extinction risk
of range restricted species (Borghesio et al. 2017). In addition to an increase in natural
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
19
forest cover, native tree regeneration will protect the plant diversity within the fragments as studies in Taita Hills have shown that indigenous forests tend to have a higher
plant diversity compared to exotic forests (Omoro et al. 2010). The comprehensive
listing of endemic and threatened species in this study will serve as a guideline to enable policy-makers to make more informed and appropriate decisions beneficial for the
conservation and management of biodiversity in the area. It also sets a foundation for
other floristic studies in these forests and updates the plant biodiversity records of the
Taita hills ranges.
Checklist
This checklist records comprehensively the vascular plants of the Taita Hills in their
respective families which have been listed alphabetically. The families are grouped into
six classes namely Lycopodiopsida, Polypodiopsida, Cycadopsida, Pinopsida, Liliopsida and Magnoliopsida. Taxa of Lycopodiopsida and Polypodiopsida are classified based
on the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group I system (PPG 1 2016), Pinopsida and Cycadopsida according to Christenhusz et al. (2011), while Liliopsida and Magnoliopsida
are classified, based on the APG IV system (Chase et al. 2016). For each species recorded, information on its life form, habitat, altitudinal range of occurrence (in meters)
and voucher number(s) is listed. Species names that are succeeded with a letter, (e.g.
A), indicate that they have not been described yet. Those with a genus name succeeded
by “sp” indicate that they were listed as such and cannot be identified further as the
specimen material available is not sufficient to make a satisfactory identification to the
specific level. In the case where no elevational information was available for a species;
an elevation estimate of the named place locality was made using Google Earth. Exotic species are marked by an asterisk (*) before the species name, while species names
preceded by (E) and (NE) signify endemic and near-endemic species respectively. Species
of conservation concern are indicated as such using the IUCN Red List categories and
criteria. Herbaria are listed according to their respective codes: EA (East African Herbarium, Nairobi, Kenya) and HIB (Hubei Institute of Botany, Wuhan, China). SAJIT
means Sino-Africa Joint Investigation Team, NMK refers to the National Museum of
Kenya and KEFRI stands for the Kenya Forestry Research Institute.
Part 1. Lycopodiopsida
F1. LYCOPODIACEAE
3 Genera, 6 species
Huperzia verticillata (L.f.) Trevis. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Intermediate and montane evergreen forest, 1440–1550 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 71/53 & 91 (EA).
Lycopodium clavatum L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist montane forest, 1800–2200
m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM 648, Faden RB & Evans A 70/504,
Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4306, Gillett JB 17252 (EA).
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Palhinhaea cernua (L.) Franco & Vasc. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Disturbed areas
in evergreen forest, loose sand, 1200–2200 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 416 & 1135, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1116 (EA), Faden RB &
Evans A 70/508 (EA).
Phlegmariurus durus (Pic. Serm.) A.R.Field & Bostock – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Rainforest, dry evergreen mist forest, intermediate wetter evergreen forest, 900–
1500 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 5367, Faden RB, Evans A & Githui M
70/180, 478 & 740, Faden RB et al. 71/157, Dale IR 3788, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 963 (EA).
Phlegmariurus holstii (Hieron.) A.R.Field & Bostock – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest, 1350–1875 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 5351B, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
294, 415 & 772, Faden RB et al. 69/831, 71/55 & 158 (EA). Near Threatened.
Phlegmariurus ophioglossoides (Lam.) A.R.Field & Bostock – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Podocarpus upland evergreen forest, Newtonia, Macaranga mist forest, 1800–
2200 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 619 & 650, Faden RB
et al. NMK Exped. 108, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4321, Faden RB et al.
70/490 (EA).
F2. SELAGINELLACEAE
1 Genus, 4 species
Selaginella caffrorum (Milde) Hieron. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest
on seepage areas on sandstone, 1050–1585 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 896, Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/241, Schippers RR K312 (EA).
Selaginella goudotiana Spring – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen forest floor, rocks
near stream sides, 1150–1250 m. Voucher: Faden RB, Evans A & Msafiri F 70/985
(EA).
Selaginella kraussiana (Kunze) A.Braun – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist ground in
forest, near streams, 1350–2200 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004539 (EA, HIB), Kamau
P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 6617, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4320, Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 75 & 1133, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1089, Faden
RB & Faden AJ 77/324, Faden RB et al. 70/492 (EA).
Selaginella mittenii Baker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wet rocks of streams and waterfalls in semi-deciduous woodland and evergreen forest, 790–1000 m. Vouchers:
Faden RB et al. 69/446, Faden RB, Evans A & Msafiri F 70/968 (EA).
Part 2. Polypodiopsida
F3. ADIANTACEAE
1 Genus, 2 species
Hemionitis doniana (J.Sm. & Hook.) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Lowland
evergreen forest, woodland on damp banks, ca. 914 m. Hildebrandt JM 2477a (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
21
Hemionitis schweinfurthii (Hieron.) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rock outcrops, pavements, shady gullies in woodland and bushland, 600–1875 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3187, Faden RB, Evans A & Msafiri M 70/965, Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 309, Schippers RR K311 (EA).
F4. ANEMIACEAE
1 Genus, 2 species
Anemia caffrorum (L.) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges, ca. 2103 m.
Vouchers: Schippers RR K264, Gardner HM 2982 (EA).
Anemia vestita (Baker) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest, roadside
banks, 1500–2170 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 624, Faden
RB & Faden AJ 72/246, Faden RB, Evans A & Wolf T 69/833 (EA).
F5. ASPLENIACEAE
4 Genera, 44 species
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shaded areas in mist forest,
rock crevices, road banks, 1900–2134 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 70/471 &
72/250, Schippers RR K270 (EA).
Asplenium aethiopicum (Burm.f.) Bech. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest undergrowth,
1400–2000 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 390, Mwachala G et al. EW3070A, Kamau P
& Christenhusz MJM et al. 608, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 260 & 270,
Schippers RR K243, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 56, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 924, Faden RB & Evans A 69/325 & 838, Faden RB et al 71/11 (EA).
Asplenium albersii Hieron. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest, 1400–1850 m.
Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 424 & 959, Faden RB, Evans A &
Smeenk C 70/530 & 556 (EA).
Asplenium anisophyllum Kunze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, 1500–1700
m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 4184, Faden RB et al. 69/826 (EA).
Asplenium barteri Hook. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, near river, 1400–
1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 445, Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 634,
NMK Taita Hills Exped. 778A, 782 & 1126, Faden RB et al. 71/3 (EA).
Asplenium boltonii Hook. ex Schelpe – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, 1500–
2175 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 402, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 272a & 312,
Faden RB & Faden AJ 77/327, Faden RB 69/874 & 70/465 (EA).
Asplenium buettneri Hieron. ex Brause – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shallow soil on
rocks in forest, 1275–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 316, Faden
RB et al. 70/526 (EA).
Asplenium christii Hieron. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, stream banks,
1400–1875 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 393, Schippers RR K240, Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 261, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1091, Faden RB & Faden AJ
77/321, Faden RB et al. 70/558 & 71/4 (EA).
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Asplenium dregeanum Kunze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, waterfalls, along
streams, 1250–1433 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5362, Hemp A 5373,
Schippers RR K323, Faden RB, Evans A, Rathbun G 69/468, Faden RB, Evans A,
Msafiri F 70/993, Reichstein T 2894, Napper DM, Gillett JB, Bally PRO 2169 (EA).
Asplenium elliottii C.H.Wright – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Undergrowth in moist forest, 1425–2195 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 458, Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et
al 592, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 272 & 389, Faden RB & Githui M 70/728,
Faden RB & Faden AJ 77/331, Schippers RR K280 (EA).
Asplenium erectum Bory ex Willd. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest floor, along
streams on banks, 1250–1875 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 410, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 267 & 397, Faden RB & Faden AJ 77/333, Schippers RR K245, K252,
K296 & K322, Faden RB, Evans A, Msafiri F 70/534, 994 & 71/16, Joanna B
9087 (EA).
Asplenium friesiorum C.Chr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, 1425–2134 m.
Vouchers: Kamau P 398, Schippers RR K266, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 314
& 968, Faden RB et al. 69/821 (EA).
Asplenium holstii Hieron. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wet evergreen forest on moist
rocks, logs, under waterfalls, 1350–1875 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 394 & 417, Luke
WRQ & Luke PA 4145, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 320, 418 & 966, Schippers RR K256 & 325, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17133, Faden RB et al.
69/834, 70/466 & 555 (EA).
Asplenium hypomelas Kuhn – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist primary forest on tree
ferns or terrestrial, 1350–2050 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 443, Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 618, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1083, Faden RB et al.
69/820 (EA).
Asplenium inaequilaterale Willd. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest on rocks in
deep shade, streams banks, 1425–1925 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 459, Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 409, Schippers RR K239 & 324, Faden RB et al. 69/863 (EA).
Asplenium linckii Kuhn – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deeply shaded wet evergreen forest, 1425–1925 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 395, Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et
al. 584, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 270 & 410, Schippers RR K238 & 255A,
Faden RB & Faden AJ 69/865 & 77/329, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4340,
Lubai lK HB 26 (EA).
Asplenium loxoscaphoides Baker. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist montane forest, on
rocks, along river, 1400–1800 m. Voucher: Kamau P, Christenhusz MJM, Chase
MW, Mbale M & Kyaa J 641 (EA).
Asplenium gemmiferum Schrad. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, 1700–1950 m.
Voucher: Kamau P, Christenhusz MJM, Chase MW, Mbale M & Kyaa J 590 (EA).
Asplenium macrophlebium Baker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Intermediate wet evergreen forest, 1425–1875 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 424, Kamau P & Christenhusz
MJM 583 & 589, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 321 & 960, Faden RB & Faden
AJ 77/323, Faden RB & Githui M 70/754 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
23
Asplenium mannii Hook. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Epiphytic in moist forest, 1530–
1630 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 70/488 (EA).
Asplenium megalura Hieron. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, often near
streams, 1250–1950 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 436, Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM
598, Faden RB et al. 71/49 & 137, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 965 (EA).
Asplenium normale D.Don – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist primary forest, 1200–
1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 386, Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4121b, Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 375, Faden RB et al. 69/829 (EA).
Asplenium variabile Hook. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, along streams and
waterfalls, 1425–1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 403 & 425, Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 640, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 366, Bytebier B 1179, Faden
RB et al. 70/561 (EA).
Asplenium peteri Bech. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist or swamp forest, ca. 1480 m.
Voucher: Luke WRQ et al. 5368 (EA).
Asplenium rutifolium (Bergius) Kunze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist and dry evergreen forest, dry rocks in shade, river banks, 762–1780 m. Vouchers: Kamau P
434, Schippers RR K317A, Faden RB et al. 69/327 & 70/451, Hildebrandt JM
2470 (EA).
Asplenium sandersonii Hook. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Epiphytic on tree trunks
in forest, 950–1400 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW3166, Faden RB et al.
69/470, Joanna B 8844, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4374 (EA).
Asplenium simii A.F.Braithw. & Schelpe – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Epiphytic in mist
forest, 1500–1630 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 833, Faden RB et
al. 70/484 (EA).
Asplenium smedsii Pic. Serm. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist upland forest, ca. 1830
m. Voucher: Faden RB & Faden AJ 77/327 (EA).
Asplenium sp. A – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Epiphytic in forest, 1400–1800 m. Voucher:
Kamau P, Christenhusz MJM, Chase MW, Mbale M & Kyaa J 637 (EA).
Asplenium stuhlmannii Hieron. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest on rock outcrops and crevices, 1275–1325 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 70/520 (EA).
Asplenium theciferum (Kunth) Mett. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Low to high epiphyte
in forest, woodland or thicket, on rocks, 1067–1950 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 397,
Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM 591, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 672,
Schippers RR K251 & 292, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4396, Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 197, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 826, Faden RB et al. 70/480 (EA).
Hymenasplenium unilaterale (Lam.) Hayata – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest,
near streams and waterfalls, 1440–1950 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 431, Kamau P &
Christenhusz MJM 600, Faden RB et al. 70/470, 540 & 71/245, van Someren C
850, Faden RB et al. s.n. (EA).
Phegopteris cruciata (Willd.) Mett. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Streambank in wet evergreen forest, moist sites, 1440–2200 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 70/500 &
577 (EA).
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Thelypteris bergiana (Schltdl.) Ching – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen forest along
rivulet and in wet places, 1219–2170 m. Vouchers: Reichstein & Bally PRO 2917,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 1150, Schippers RR K275 & 301, Faden RB et al.
70/499 (EA).
Thelypteris chaseana Schelpe – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest along stream sides,
riverine forest, river valleys with Terminalia, Combretum, Acacia, 800–1525 m.
Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 631, Faden RB, Evans A, Githui M,
Osborn R, Smeenk C 71/243 (EA).
Thelypteris confluens (Thunb.) C.V.Morton – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Swampy areas,
1800–1925 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Evans A 69/885 (EA).
Thelypteris dentata (Forssk.) E.P.St.John – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen forest,
usually riverine, 870–1550 m. Vouchers: Schippers RR K235, 248 & 304, Faden
RB et al. 70/463 & 71/222, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 830 (EA).
Thelypteris gueintziana (Mett.) Schelpe – Habit: Herb. Habitat: By forest streams,
rock faces above rivers, wet ditches along road, 870–1600 m. Vouchers: Schippers
RR K234, 236 & 299, Faden RB et al. 69/828, 70/448 & 450 (EA).
Thelypteris interrupta (Willd.) K.Iwats. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Swampy area, riverine bushland, 1275–1282 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 440, Faden RB et al. 70/519
(EA).
Thelypteris madagascariensis (Fée) Schelpe – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen rainforest, forest edges, roadside, 1300–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 471, Schippers RR K247, Gillett JB et al. 18768, Faden RB et al. 70/468
(EA).
Thelypteris oppositiformis (C.Chr.) Ching – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen forest
in moist places, 2000–2208 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 72/249 (EA).
Thelypteris pozoi (Lag.) C.V.Morton – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland forest, often by
streams, 1900–2205 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 72/242 (EA).
Thelypteris pulchra (Bory ex Willd.) Schelpe – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riverine forest, stream banks, 1425–2000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 71/236, Beentje HJ et
al. NMK Exped. 925 (EA).
NE
Thelypteris usambarensis (Holttum) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen forest, ca. 1829 m. Voucher: Joanna B 9035 (EA). Endangered.
F6. ATHYRIACEAE
2 Genera, 3 species
Deparia boryana (Willd.) M.Kato – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen forest by
streams, 1740–2000 m. Voucher: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 937 (EA).
Deparia zanzibarica (Baker) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wet evergreen forest, 2000–2200 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 70/495 (EA).
Diplazium nemorale (Baker) Schelpe – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist gullies in intermediate wet evergreen forest, 1525–1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 428, Faden RB
et al. 70/756 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
25
F7. BLECHNACEAE
2 Genera, 2 species
Blechnum bakeri C.Chr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Intermediate wet evergreen forest,
1400–1850 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 71/178, Faden RB & Githui M 70/752
(EA).
Lomaridium attenuatum (Sw.) Gasper & V.A.O.Dittrich – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Moist montane and evergreen forest, rocky stream banks and waterfalls, 1755–
1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 426, Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 623, Luke
WRQ & Luke PA 4124, Faden RB & Githui M 70/732 (EA).
F8. CYATHEACEAE
1 Genus, 3 species
Alsophila dregei (Kunze) R.M.Tryon – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest along streams,
1100–1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 438, Mwachala G et al. EW3544, Faden RB
et al. 70/518, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1166 (EA).
Alsophila humilis (Hieron.) Pic.Serm. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Moist forest gullies,
intermediate wet evergreen forest, 1950–2208 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 617, Faden RB & Githui M 70/757 (EA).
Alsophila manniana (Hook.) R.M.Tryon – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Hilltops, shaded and
open slopes of evergreen forest, 1525–2205 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz
MJM et al. 628, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 757, Schippers RR K267, Faden RB
& Githui M 70/716, Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/256, Gillett JB 17246 (EA).
F9. DAVALLIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Davallia chaerophylloides (Poir.) Steud. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest, 820–
900 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 70/162B (EA).
F10. DENNSTAEDTIACEAE
4 Genera, 8 species
Blotiella glabra (Bory) R.M.Tryon – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest, rainforest,
ca. 1371 m. Voucher: Dale IR 3794 (EA).
NE
Blotiella hieronymi (Kümmerle) Pic. Serm. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest floor,
margins in intermediate rainforest, 1450–2000 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 582 & 620, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 219, Hemp
A 5368, Faden RB, Evans A & Smeenk C 70/563b & 563c, Faden RB, Evans A
& Wolf 69/844, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17147 (EA). Endangered.
Blotiella stipitata (Alston) Faden – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest, wet evergreen
forest, 1000–1900 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 391, WRQ Luke & PA Luke 4142,
26
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 271 & 815, Hemp A 5370, Faden RB et al. 69/458
& 71/175, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4355 (EA).
Blotiella stipitata (Alston) Faden subsp. nov – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest,
1400–1680 m. Vouchers: Faden RB, Evans A & Msafiri F 71/39, Faden RB, Evans
A & Smeenk C 70/563A (EA).
Blotiella stipitata (Alston) Faden × Blotiella glabra (Bory) R.M.Tryon – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Montane forest, 1400–1600 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 71/174 (EA).
Hypolepis sparsisora (Schrad.) Kuhn – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wet upland and evergreen montane forest, 1530–1785 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM
et al. 599, van Someren HD 855, Faden RB et al. 70/469, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 469 (EA).
Hypolepis aff. rugosula subsp. africana (C.Chr.) Schwartsb. & J.Prado – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Forest clearings, 1425–1850 m. Voucher: NMK Taita Hills Exped. 401 (EA).
Microlepia speluncae (L.) T.Moore – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest and plantation
edges, ditch sides, stream sides, ca. 1766 m. Voucher: Kamau P 415 (EA).
Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rainforest clearings and
margins, riparian forest, rocky places, 1275–1645 m. Vouchers: Kamau P &
Christenhusz MJM et al. 606, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 248, Schippers
RR K237, Faden RB et al. 69/814, Faden RB, Faden AJ, Evans A & Smeenk C
70/522, Faden RB, Faden AJ, Evans A, Kariuki & Smeenk C 71/189 (EA).
F11. EQUISETACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Equisetum ramosissimum Desf. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riparian forest, 800–1000
m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 836 (EA), Mwachala G et al.
EW1684 (EA), Faden RB et al. 70/446 (EA).
F12. GLEICHENIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.f.) Underw. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rainforest, rocky
banks by streams, 1067–1850 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 419,
Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1041, Schippers RR K283, Bytebier B, Luke WRQ
& Pakia M 5360, Goyder DJ, Masinde PS, Whitehouse C 4020, Faden RB et al.
69/817 & 71/190, Bally PRO et al. 2164, Gardner HM 2943, Gillett JB, Burtt
BL & Osborn RM 17163 (EA).
F13. HYMENOPHYLLACEAE
2 Genera, 12 species
Hymenophyllum capillare Desv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest on tree trunks
and moist cliff surfaces, 1450–1660 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM
et al. 644, Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4214, Faden RB & Faden AJ 71/1022 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
27
Hymenophyllum kuhnii C.Chr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rock faces in moist forest,
1200–1850 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 4186, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
973, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 443, Faden RB & Githui M 70/705, Napper
DM, Gillett JB & Bally PRO 2173, Faden RB, Evans A & Wolf T 69/845 & 849
(EA).
Hymenophyllum sibthorpioides (Bory ex Willd.) Mett. ex Kuhn – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Shady rocks in mist forest, 1200–1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 419, Luke
WRQ & Luke PA 4095D, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 974, Faden RB, Evans
A & Wolf T 69/848, Napper DM, Gillett JB & Bally PRO 2172, Faden RB et al.
70/546 (EA).
NE
Hymenophyllum sp. A of FTEA – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist shady rocks in moist
forest, 1788–1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 456, Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM
et al. 644 (EA).
Hymenophyllum splendidum Bosch – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest near water,
ca. 1200 m. Voucher: Napper DM, Gillett JB & Bally PRO 2175 (EA).
Trichomanes chevalieri Christ – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocks in moist forest, often on spray zone, 1400–1600 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 59
(EA).
Trichomanes cupressoides (Desv.) – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest in wet places,
ca. 1067 m. Voucher: Schippers RR K293 (EA).
Trichomanes diaphanum Kunth – Habit: Herb. Habitat: In moist forest by streams,
moss covered rocks, 1400–1850 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 4187 (EA), Faden
RB et al. 70/702 (EA).
Trichomanes erosum Willd. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest on rocks and tree
ferns, 1423–1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 635, Faden
RB & Githui M 70/718, Schippers RR K327 (EA).
Trichomanes frappieri Cordem. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest near water or
rock surfaces by falls, 1275–1325 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 70/524 (EA).
Trichomanes melanotrichum Schltdl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest, waterfall
sprays and streams, 820–2170 m. Vouchers: Schippers RR K326, Faden RB &
Githui M 70/172, 523, 547 & 753, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 139, Faden RB
et al. 69/847, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 972 (EA).
Trichomanes rigidum Sw. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, deeply shaded stream
banks, under large rocks, 1150–1270 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 69/467, Faden
RB et al. 70/571 & 984 (EA).
F14. MARATTIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Ptisana fraxinea (Sm.) Murdock – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest, along rivers, 1219–1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 638, Schippers RR K306 & 320, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17168, Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 788, Gardner HM 2990, Faden RB & Githui M 70/473 & 715
(EA).
28
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
F15. OPHIOGLOSSACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Ophioglossum vulgatum L. subsp. africanum Pocock ex J.E.Burrows – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Ecotone between grassland and evergreen montane forest, 1900–2000 m.
Voucher: Faden RB & Faden AJ et al. 72/245 (EA).
Ophioglossum vulgatum L. subsp. kilimandsharicum (Hieron.) J.E.Burrows –
Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane grassland or scrub, path sides on forest edges,
1450–1525 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 71/240 (EA).
F16. OSMUNDACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Osmunda regalis L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wet evergreen forest, 2000–2170 m.
Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 1152 (EA).
F17. POLYPODIACEAE
16 Genera, 23 species
Arachniodes webbiana (A.Braun) Schelpe subsp. foliosa (C.Chr.) Gibby, Rasbach,
Reichst., Widén & Viane – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane and intermediate forest, 1372–2164 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 412, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 148,
782 & 1153, Faden RB et al. 69/472 & 70/998, Schippers RR K278 & 321 (EA).
Arachniodes webbiana (A.Braun) Schelpe subsp. webbiana – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Montane forest, ca. 2050 m. Voucher: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 613
(EA).
Arthropteris orientalis (Gmel.) Posth. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest, 910–
1875 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 596, Mungai GM et al. EW3278, Drummond RB
& Hemsley JH 4393, Faden RB et al. 70/554, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 315,
Joanna B 8881 (EA).
Ctenitis cirrhosa (Schumach.) Ching – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, often
near streams, 1260–1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 422, Kabuye CHS et al. NMK
Exped. 807, Faden RB et al. 70/549, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 792 (EA).
Didymochlaena truncatula (Sw.) J.Sm. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest on stream
sides and moist gullies, 1250–1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM
et al. 603, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 787, Gillett JB 18764, Faden RB et al.
69/464, 70/472 & 758, Joanna B 8983 & 9049 (EA).
Drynaria laurentii (Christ) Hieron. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Fringing forest and
associated woodland, 600–1200 m. Vouchers: Archer PG 14368 & 15010 (EA).
Dryopteris inaequalis (Schltdl.) Kuntze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest,
riverine forest, 1400–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 53, 422 &
1149, Faden RB & Evans A 69/844, Joanna B 9397 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
29
Dryopteris kilemensis (Kuhn) Kuntze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wet montane forest, 2000–2200 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 164, Faden RB et al.
70/498, Schippers RR K265 & 273 (EA).
Dryopteris manniana (Hook.) C.Chr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist and riparian forests, 1425–1875 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 588,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 273 & 391, Faden RB et al. 69/4281, 71/219 &
77/340, Hemp A 5245 (EA).
Dryopteris pentheri (Krasser) C.Chr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest, riverine, woodland, 1425–2100 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 411 (EA), Bally PRO et al.
2972 (EA), Faden RB et al. 70/477 (EA), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped 422 (EA).
Elaphoglossum acrostichoides (Hook. & Grev.) Schelpe – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Rocks and soil in moist montane forest, ca. 1700–1800 m. Voucher: Faden RB et
al. 71/1018 (EA).
Elaphoglossum deckenii (Kuhn) C.Chr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest, ca.
1480 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ et al. 5355B (EA).
Elaphoglossum lastii (Baker) C.Chr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen forest, 1250–
1550 m. Vouchers: Faden RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/462, Faden RB, Evans A,
Kariuki B & Smeenk C 71/148, Gillett JB 18767 (EA).
Grammitis pygmaea (Mett.) Copel. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist montane forest,
1425–1850 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4149, Faden RB et al. 69/846,
70/717 & 71/185, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17166, Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 964 (EA).
Grammitis strangeana (Pic.Serm.) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Tree trunks
in montane forest, 1500–1640 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 4215, Faden RB,
Evans A, Kariuki B & Smeenk C 71/186, Faden RB et al. 69/850 (EA).
Lepisorus excavatus (Bory ex Willd.) Ching – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland and
montane evergreen forest, 1250–2170 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 399, Kamau P &
Christenhusz MJM et al. 607, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 33, 297, 958, 1151,
Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1094, Faden RB et al. 69/825, Faden RB et al.
70/507, 551 & 749, Schippers RR K242, 262, 281, 290 & 298 (EA).
Lepisorus schraderi (Mett.) Ching – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Ravines and waterfalls,
1650–1800 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 72/212 (EA).
Lomariopsis warneckei (Hieron.) Alston – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist montane
forests, 1150–1875 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM 643, Faden RB
et al. NMK Exped. 319 & 390, Faden RB, Evans A, Wolf T 69/823 (EA), Faden
RB & Githui M 70/532, 730, 755 & 999, Faden RB et al. 71/179, Gardner HM
2942 (EA).
Loxogramme abyssinica (Baker) M.G.Price – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen forest, riverbanks and rocky places, 1400–2134 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM 593, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 9, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
824, Faden RB et al. 69/873, Schippers RR K254 & 272, Gillett JB, Burtt BL,
Osborn RM 17132 (EA).
30
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Megalastrum lanuginosum (Kaulf.) Holttum – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest,
near water, 1440–1875 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 427 & 444, Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 595, Schippers RR K249, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 468,
Faden RB et al. 70/548, Bally PRO 9036 (EA).
Oleandra distenta Kunze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen forest, rocky caves, near water, rock faces, ca. 1250 m. Voucher: Faden RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/465 (EA).
Pleopeltis macrocarpa (Willd.) Kaulf. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist evergreen forest, 1350–2195 m. Vouchers: Kamau P 392, Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al.
612 & 649, Schippers RR K253, 274, 277, 279 & 287, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 822 & 1093, Goyder DJ, Masinde PS & Whitehouse C 4022, Drummond
RB & Hemsley JH 4395, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 7 (EA).
Polystichum sinense (Christ) Christ – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, near
streams, 1500–2205 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 616,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 162 & 1148, Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/255, Faden
RB, Evans A & Wolf T 69/836 (EA).
Tectaria gemmifera (Fée) Alston – Habit: Herb. Habitat: 850–1900 m. Vouchers:
Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 601, Schippers RR K244 & 318, Faden RB
et al. NMK Exped. 277 & 1168, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 825, Gillett JB,
Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17144, Faden RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/426 & 872,
Joanna B 8908 & 9040 (EA).
F18. PSILOTACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Psilotum nudum (L.) P.Beauv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry riverbeds, under cliff
overhangs, rock crevices, 870–1097 m. Vouchers: Bally PRO 8573 (EA), Faden
RB, Glover PE & Evans A 70/445 (EA).
F19. PTERIDACEAE
5 Genera, 20 species
Actiniopteris dimorpha Pic.Serm. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forests on granite outcrops and under boulders, 1350–1400 m. Voucher: SAJIT–005368 (EA, HIB).
Actiniopteris radiata (Sw.) Link – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open deciduous woodland
and bushland, rock crevices, 600–1150 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1190,
Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 654, Faden RB et al. 71/40, Faden RB, Evans A &
Msafiri F 70/973 (EA).
Adiantum capillus-veneris L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Waterfalls, on wet rock, 1205–
1981 m. Vouchers: Schippers RR K259, 288 & 303, Faden RB, Evans A & Wolf
T 69/808, Hildebrandt JM 2537 & 8088 (EA).
Adiantum hispidulum Sw. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Near waterfall and rivers, 825–
1205 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3328, Faden RB & Evans A & Wolf T
69/809 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
31
Adiantum incisum Forssk. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Damp rocks, crevices, disturbed
forest, 610–1524 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW247 & 211, Kabuye CHS
et al. NMK Exped. 643, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1096, Schippers RR K316
& 285, Gillett JB & Burtt BL 17058, Bally PRO 12727, Hildebrandt JM 2473,
Sacleux C 852, Abdullah et al. s.n. (EA).
Haplopteris guineensis (Desv.) E.H.Crane – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wet evergreen
mist forest, on rock faces, 1150–1400 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 4183, Faden
RB, Evans A & Msafiri F 70/987, Joanna B 8842 (EA).
Haplopteris volkensii (Hieron.) E.H.Crane – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Epiphytic and
on boulders in upland and mist forests, 1700–1800 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al.
71/1024 (EA).
Hemionitis bergiana (Schltdl.) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Intermediate to
montane evergreen forest, mist forest, 1700–1925 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Evans A 69/867, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 550 (EA).
Hemionitis concolor (Langsd. & Fisch.) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wet
and dry forest floors and edges, moist bushland, 870–1875 m. Vouchers: Schippers RR K286, Faden RB et al. 70/460, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 538 (EA).
Hemionitis farinosa (Forssk.) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest remnants
and edges, rock crevices, 1800–2170 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz
MJM et al. 627, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 1146 (EA).
Hemionitis multifida (Sw.) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest wet and dry
habitats, 1400–1981 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM 625, Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 52 & 513, Schippers RR K250, 260 & 309, Faden RB et
al. 70/476 (EA).
Hemionitis quadripinnata (Forssk.) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riparian
forests, roadside banks, 1275–2200 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM
et al. 605 & 629, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 1128, Faden RB & Evans A
70/503 & 514, Schippers RR K261 (EA).
Hemionitis viridis (Forssk.) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges, riverbanks, rocky crevices and outcrops, Acacia-Commiphora woodland, roadsides,
914–1768 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW2570, Goyder DJ, Masinde PS &
Whitehouse C 4021, Schippers RR K264 & 294, Hildebrandt JM 2477, Sacleux
C 1365, Faden RB et al. 70/525 & 71/30, Reichstein T & Bally PRO 2916 (EA).
Pteris catoptera Kunze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wet evergreen forest, stream sides, forest clearings, 1158–1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 585,
Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 279, Schippers RR K233, 289 & 295, Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 411 & 892, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4379, Gillett
JB & Burtt BL 17128, Faden RB et al. 69/330, 449, 827, 70/464, 988 & 71/2 (EA).
Pteris friesii Hieron. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, ca. 1829 m. Voucher: Joanna B
9042 (EA).
Pteris dentata Forssk. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: 1400–1500 m. Vouchers: Kamau P &
Christenhusz MJM et al. 610, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1086, Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 58, Joanna B 8954 & 9047, Faden RB et al. 69/436, 871 & 71/34 (EA).
32
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Pteris pteridioides (Hook.) F.Ballard – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland evergreen forest floor,
stream sides, 1425–1850 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 639, Beentje
HJ et al. NMK Exped. 781, Joanna B 8991 & 9041, Faden RB et al. 71/1006 (EA).
Pteris usambarensis Hieron. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest edges and roadside banks, 1000–1925 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM, Mwangangi OM & Dunn B
363, Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4141, 5336 & 5495, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
274 & 412, Gillett JB 18765, Hemp A 5248 & 5371, Gardner HM 2944, Joanna
B 9033, Faden RB et al. 69/473, 853, 868, 70/729 & 77/330 (EA).
Pteris vittata L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forested hillslopes, cliffs, rocky areas, 800–
1500 m. Vouchers: Kamau P & Christenhusz MJM et al. 646, Kabuye CHS et al.
NMK Exped. 609, Schippers RR K232, Joanna B 8934 (EA).
Vittaria isoetifolia Bory – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen and mist forest, 1425–
1850 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al NMK Exped 962, Faden RB, Faden AJ, Evans
A & Wolf T 69/851, Faden RB et al. 71/1023 (EA).
Part 3. Cycadopsida
F20. ZAMIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Encephalartos kisambo Faden & Beentje – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Low canopy dry
evergreen mist forest, 900–1025 m. Vouchers: Faden RB, Faden AJ, Smeenk C,
Smeenk N & Kichoi D 71/965, Archer PG 606 & 614, Willing TD & Robertson
IJ 85/1 (EA). Endangered.
NE
Part 4. Pinopsida
F21. CUPRESSACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
*Callitris preissii Miq. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Shrubland, ca. 1371 m. Vouchers:
Dyson WG 334 & 535 (EA).
F22. PODOCARPACEAE
2 Genera, 2 species
Afrocarpus usambarensis (Pilg.) C.N.Page – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Montane forest,
1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 540 (EA). Endangered.
Podocarpus latifolius (Thunb.) R.Br. ex Mirb. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, 1550–2170 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0309 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM
& Mwangangi OM 101, Bytebier B 2329, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 84 &
313, Drummond RB & Hemsley HJ 4353 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
33
Part 5. Liliopsida
F23. AMARYLLIDACEAE
3 Genera, 3 species
Cryptostephanus haemanthoides Pax – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen woodland,
deciduous bushland on granitic rocks, 720–1250 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005364
(EA, HIB), Luke WRQ et al. 5523 & 6424, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/252, Bjørnstad A 270, Ossent J 165, Hildebrandt JM 2578 (EA).
Cyrtanthus sanguineus (Lindl.) Walp. subsp. wakefieldii (Sealy) Nordal – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Sandy soils in deciduous woodland, rocky slopes, ca. 1000 m.
Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 69/444, Archer PG 564 (EA).
Scadoxus multiflorus (Martyn) Raf. subsp. multiflorus – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Montane forest undergrowth, 1400–1763 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0025 &
W0051 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 48, Faden RB et al. 71/216 (EA).
F24. ARACEAE
4 Genera, 4 species
Culcasia falcifolia Engl. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Moist evergreen forest, 1425–
1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0124 (EA, HIB), Joanna B 8774, NMK Taita
Hills Exped. 260, Gardner HM 3009 (EA).
Stylochaeton salaamicum N.E.Br. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Lowland evergreen forest,
wooded grassland, 700–1000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1357, Faden
RB, Evans A & Githui M 70/155 (EA).
Wolffia arrhiza (L.) Horkel ex Wimm. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Ditches and pools,
1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 1052 (EA).
Zamioculcas zamiifolia (G.Lodd.) Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Humid to dry
evergreen forest, often on rocks, 900–1100 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Faden AJ
71/956 (EA).
F25. ARECACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Phoenix reclinata Jacq. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Disturbed forest sites, open rocky
hillsides, 1000–1850 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0137 (EA, HIB), Drummond
RB & Hemsley JH 4369 (EA), Raler I 0019 (EA), Faden RB et al. 71/242 (EA).
F26. ASPARAGACEAE
5 Genera, 26 species
Albuca abyssinica Jacq. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, soils on rocks and inselbergs,
ca. 1794 m. Voucher: SAJIT–004520 (EA, HIB).
34
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Albuca donaldsonii Rendle – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, grassland, ca.
862 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004623 (EA, HIB), Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 954 (EA).
Albuca virens (Lindl.) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt subsp. virens – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Bushland, woodland and woodland edges, 800–1000 m. Voucher: SAJIT–005366 (EA, HIB).
Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Mist forest remnants,
forest on basement complex, 1440–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004517 & 006371
(EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 686, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 103 & 368, Joanna B 9024, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4322, Faden
RB et al. 70/533, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 1712 (EA).
Asparagus buchananii Baker – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Dry bushland, woodland,
grassland, ca. 960 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005380 (EA, HIB), Bally JB 13528 (EA).
Asparagus falcatus L. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Dry forest margins, deciduous or evergreen bushland, 500–1610 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0272 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW184, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4272, Bally JB 13408 (EA).
Asparagus flagellaris (Kunth) Baker – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Wooded grassland, dry
bushland, regularly burned areas. Vouchers: Hucks M 450, Bally PRO 232 (EA).
Asparagus racemosus Willd. – Habit: Climber/Shrub. Habitat: Forest margins, wooded grassland, secondary bushland, ca. 856 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006417, Watuma
BM W0082 (EA, HIB), Medley KE 1002 (EA).
Asparagus setaceus (Kunth) Jessop – Habit: Climber/Shrub. Habitat: Forest and forest margins, 900–1875 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 346,
Mwachala G et al. EW820, Mungai GM et al. EW3198, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 211 & 436, Medley KE 991, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6623 (EA).
Chlorophytum andongense Baker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open woodland, forest
margins, riverine thicket, termite mounds, ca. 930 m. Vouchers: Polhill RM &
Kibuwa SP 975, Bally 12699A (EA).
Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Undergrowth
in rainforest, riverine, woodlands, 859–1850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005333 &
006415, Watuma BM W0020 (EA, HIB), Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 357,
Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4335, Faden RB et al. 70/750 (EA).
Chlorophytum sparsiflorum Baker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist clearings in forest, forest margins, 1425–1850 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 949,
Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4335 (EA).
Chlorophytum suffruticosum Baker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky wooded bushland, 800–1100 m. Voucher: SAJIT–005363 (EA, HIB).
Chlorophytum tuberosum (Roxb.) Baker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Woodland, bushland, seasonally flooded areas, 487–1000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW026,
Greenway PJ & Kanuri 12718, Rauh W 12471 (EA).
Dracaena arborescens (Cornu ex Gérôme & Labroy) Byng & Christenh. – Habit:
Herb. Habitat: Evergreen bushland, ca. 548 m. Voucher: Bally PRO 8651 (EA).
Dracaena afromontana Mildbr. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Understorey in rainforest,
1740–2203 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006362 (EA, HIB), Christenhusz MJM et al.
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
35
6646 (EA), Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 915, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
1130, Kimeu JM et al. KEFRI 502 (EA).
Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker Gawl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Moist forest near streams,
1300–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004604 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ & Luke PA
4166, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 199 & 1049, Luke WRQ et al. 5348, Gardner
HM 3014, Dale IR 3766 (EA).
Dracaena laxissima Engl. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Moist and riverine forests, dry
forest near water, 1200–1800 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1076,
Beentje HJ 2149, Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/268, Raler I 0017, Breteler FJ 7507,
Bally PRO 8702, Battiscombe E 860, Gardner HM 11415 (EA).
Dracaena parva N.E.Br. Byng & Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry forest,
rocky bushland, termite hills, 600–1371 m. Vouchers: Joanna B 8898, Bally PRO
13416 (EA).
Dracaena powellii N.E.Br. Byng & Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry bushland, scattered tree grassland, 590–700 m. Voucher: Faden RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/403A (EA).
Dracaena raffillii N.E.Br. Byng & Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry forest,
woodland, bushland, ca. 1010 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW1858 (EA).
Dracaena serpenta Byng & Christenh. var. humbertiana (Guillaumin) Byng &
Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry bushland in rocky sites, thicket, ca. 600
m. Voucher: Bally PRO 13416 (EA).
Dracaena singularis (N.E.Br.) Byng & Christenh.– Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry
bushland. Vouchers: Powell 10, Pfenning 1019 (EA).
Dracaena steudneri Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Moist or dry forest margins, 1000–
1640 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0128 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. 69/459,
Medley KEM p.r. (EA).
Dracaena volkensii Gürke Byng & Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora-Euphorbia bushland, 600–800 m. Vouchers: Drummond RB & Hemsley
JH 4420, Bos JJ 10419 (EA).
Drimiopsis botryoides Baker subsp. botryoides – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist shaded thickets, ca. 840 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/505 (EA).
F27. ASPHODELACEAE
2 Genera, 10 species
Aloe ballyi Reynolds – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland & Acacia with
succulents, 609–865 m. Vouchers: Bally PRO 8115, Mrs Robertson SA 3589,
Reynolds GW 6378 (EA). Endangered.
NE
Aloe classenii Reynolds – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky outcrops in deciduous bushland, ca. 792 m. Vouchers: Archer PG 565 & 566 (EA). Critically Endangered.
Aloe deserti A.Berger – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland edges on sandy
soils, 548–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 589, Bally PRO
8652 & 13571 (EA). Near Threatened.
36
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Aloe lateritia Engl. var. lateritia – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky places, grassy hillsides, 1500–1250 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 21 & 293, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4289, Bally PRO 8790 (EA).
NE
Aloe penduliflora Baker – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Rocky slabs, deciduous dry forest, thick bush edges, 700–1640 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 5400, Luke WRQ
& Luke PA 9439, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 21, Newton LE 3543 & 3241,
Bally PRO 13303, Gillett JB 18739, Chase s.n. (EA). Endangered.
Aloe rabaiensis Rendle – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Woodland, open bushland and
sandy soil, ca. 1600 m. Voucher: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1136 (EA).
Aloe ruspoliana Baker – Habit: Herb. Deciduous bushland on sandy and rocky soils,
ca. 600 m. Voucher: Bally PRO 8791 (EA).
Aloe secundiflora Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open deciduous woodland. Vouchers: Rauh W Ke871, Reynolds 6374 (EA).
Aloe volkensii Engl. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry forest on steep slopes, dense riverine woodland, ca. 1200 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 5513, Bally PRO 12713
(EA). Near Threatened.
Kniphofia thomsonii Baker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane bushland and grassland on watercourse edges, 2000–2195 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006378 (EA, HIB),
Christenhusz MJM, Kamau P, Chase MW, Mbale M & Kyaa J 6651, Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 93, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2719 (EA), Gardner HM (EA).
F28. BURMANNIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Gymnosiphon usambaricus Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habit: Evergreen forest floor among
leaf mould, 1300–1900 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–003290 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ & Luke
PA 4136, Bytebier B 1200 & 1217, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 484, Faden RB et al.
71/9, 50 & 155, Gillett JB et al 17141 & 18759, Bally PRO 8747 (EA). Endangered.
NE
F29. COLCHICACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Gloriosa superba L. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Rainforest, forest edges and glades,
open Acacia-Commiphora woodland, 1000–1875 m. Vouchers: Mungai G et al.
EW2821, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 590, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2745 (EA).
F30. COMMELINACEAE
4 Genera, 13 species
Aneilema aequinoctiale (P.Beauv.) G.Don – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest undergrowth and edges, 1500–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 69/839, Faden RB
et al. NMK Exped. 245 (EA).
Aneilema hockii De Wild. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, grassland,
520–1180 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW242, Faden RB et al. 74/502 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
37
Aneilema johnstonii K.Schum. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora woodland, scrub, 985–1100 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW229, Faden RB, Evans
A & Siggins 69/323, Faden RB et al. 74/490 (EA).
Aneilema leiocaule K.Schum. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland forest, shaded areas
near streams, 1530–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 78, Beentje
HJ et al. NMK Exped. 904, Faden RB et al. 70/485, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn 17077 (EA).
Commelina africana L. var. villosior (C.B.Clarke) Brenan – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Forest undergrowth and edges, woodland, grassland, roadside banks, cultivated
lands, 2000–2200 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 70/497 (EA).
Commelina benghalensis L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, forest edges and clearings, disturbed areas, weed of cultivation, 1400–1640 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 23 (EA).
Commelina bracteosa Hassk. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edge, moist thickets,
woodland, grassland, bushland, cultivated grounds, 590–700 m. Voucher: Faden
RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/409 (EA).
Commelina latifolia Hochst. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest and thicket
edges, disturbed places, roadsides, weed in cultivated lands, 1240–1830 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW2813, Faden RB & Faden AJ 77/317 (EA).
Commelina lukei Faden – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges and clearings, moist
thickets, bushland, grassland, roadsides, 680–750 m. Vouchers: Faden RB, Evans
A & Rathbun G 69/412, Faden RB et al. 70/149 (EA).
Cyanotis arachnoidea C.B.Clarke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rock crevices, exposed
rock faces over shallow soil on hilltops, 1700–2100 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
W0111 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS 82/62, Faden RB & Faden AJ 77/316, Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 256, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4301, Bally PRO
13635 (EA).
Cyanotis lanata Benth. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rock outcrops in open grasslands, bushlands and woodlands, ca. 850 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW175 & 754 (EA).
Murdannia semiteres (Dalzell) Santapau – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest near on
rocky outcrops, ca. 1603 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0223 (EA, HIB).
Murdannia simplex (Vahl) Brenan – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky outcrops, forest
clearings, woodland, grassland, 1676–1838 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0108 &
W0262 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 813, Faden RB & Faden AJ
77/315 (EA).
F31. CYPERACEAE
9 Genera, 42 species
Abildgaardia ovata (Burm.f.) Kral – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Hilltop grasslands,
wooded grassland, grazed fallow areas, ca. 1100 m. Voucher: Sacleux C 2560 (EA).
Bulbostylis coleotricha (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) C.B.Clarke var. coleotricha – Habit:
Herb. Habitat: Shallow soil overlaying rock outcrops and crevices, 800–1050 m.
Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW586 & 3297 (EA).
38
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Bulbostylis hensii (C.B.Clarke) R.W.Haines – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry grassland
in hilly areas, roadside banks, 1400–1600 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS 82/108 (EA).
Bulbostylis hispidula (Vahl) R.W.Haines subsp. filiformis (C.B.Clarke) R.W.Haines
– Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland, Acacia scrub, roadsides, seasonal pools and wet
rock crevices, ca. 500 m. Vouchers: Muasya AM 2091, 2092 & 2093 (EA).
Bulbostylis hispidula (Vahl) R.W.Haines subsp. halophila (Lye) R.W.Haines
– Habit: Herb. Habitat: Short grasslands, abandoned cultivations, ca. 850 m.
Voucher: Gillett JB & Napper DM 2170 (EA). Endangered.
Bulbostylis hispidula (Vahl) R.W.Haines subsp. hispidula – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland with scattered trees, shrubs, roadside, seasonally water-logged soils,
1030–1875 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW809, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 229 & 433 (EA).
Bulbostylis hispidula (Vahl) R.W.Haines subsp. pyriformis (Lye) R.W.Haines –
Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open Commiphora-Acacia-Sterculia-Delonix-Euphorbia
scrub, ca. 564 m. Voucher: Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 953 (EA).
Carex castanostachya K.Schum. ex Kük. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Intermediate wet
evergreen forest, 1500–1850 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Githui M 70/736, Luke
WRQ et al. 4190 (EA).
Coleochloa abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Gilly – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wet rock
surfaces, hilly grasslands, ca. 1295 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et al. 3091A (EA).
Coleochloa setifera (Ridl.) Gilly – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shallow soil overlaying
rocky outcrops and crevices, 610–700 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 4172, Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 947 (EA).
Cyperus alternifolius L. subsp. flabelliformis Kük. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Streambanks, swampy areas, 950–1371 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/31, Mwachala G
et al. EW237 & 2808 (EA).
Cyperus amabilis Vahl – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Seasonally wet habitats, ca. 500 m.
Voucher: Muasya AM 2089 (EA).
Cyperus amauropus Steud. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland and wooded grassland
on rocky slopes, 500–579 m. Vouchers: Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2713, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12802, Muasya AM 2095 & 2102 (EA).
Cyperus bulbosus Vahl – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open grassy places in mist forest, ca.
1873 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–003297 (EA, HIB), Fleuret A 25 (EA).
Cyperus cyperoides (L.) Kuntze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest clearings, path sides,
grassland, woodland, stream sides, 1040–1100 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW239 & 600 (EA).
Cyperus difformis L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Temporary pools, seasonally wet grasslands, along water edges, roadside ditches, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et
al. NMK Exped. 704 (EA).
Cyperus distans L.f – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins, moist shaded bushland,
woodland, forest zones, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped.
711 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
39
Cyperus dubius Rottb. var. macrocephalus (C.B.Clarke) Kük. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins and clearings, riverine, dry bushland, grassland, thin soils over
rock, 850–1875 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW154, Mbale M et al. NMK
965, Muasya AM 2100, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 496, Verdcourt B 2741
(EA).
Cyperus elegantulus Steud. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wet forest margins, grasslands
and riverine margins. Voucher: Kirika P et al. 01/2006/17 (EA).
Cyperus ferrugineoviridis (C.B.Clarke) Kük. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland and
forest clearings, weed of cultivated lands, 900–1050 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et
al. EW602 (EA).
Cyperus fischerianus G.W.Schimp. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, secondary areas in forest zone, stream sides, 998–1400 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et
al. EW153 & 993, Mungai GM et al. EW3104/A (EA).
Cyperus glaucophyllus Boeckeler – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, secondary areas in
forest zone, stream sides, 1425–1850 m. Voucher: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
429 (EA).
Cyperus grandibulbosus C.B.Clarke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Seasonally wet habitats,
wooded grasslands and grasslands, 487–600 m. Vouchers: Hucks M 575, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12716, Scott-Elliot 6284 (EA).
Cuperus hemisphaericus Boeckeler – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open and wooded grassland, ca. 1626 m. Voucher: Kirika P et al. 01/2006/32 (EA).
Cyperus hortensis (Salzm. ex Steud.) Dorr – Habit. Herb. Habitat: Riverine, 800–
1750 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 709, Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 607 (EA).
Cyperus latifolius Poir. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Swampy areas, roadside ditches and
stream sides, 600–1350 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/1, McDonald J 840, Bally
B 13597 (EA).
Cyperus longus L. subsp. longus – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Temporary pools in grassland
and bushland, ca. 500 m. Voucher: Faden RB, Faden AJ & Holland P 72/151 (EA).
Cyperus maranguensis K.Schum. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland, swampy grassland, weed of cultivation, roadsides, 1404–1875 m. Vouchers: Mbale M et al.
NMK 963, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 431 & 585, Gilbert M & Gilbert C
6108 (EA).
Cyperus microstylus (C.B.Clarke) Mattf. & Kük. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shallow
soil over rock, bushland, scattered tree grassland, 840–1020 m. Vouchers: Mbale
M, Muthoka P, Chesire C & Hay F NMK 972, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/510
(EA).
Cyperus mollipes (C.B.Clarke) K.Schum. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland, open
woodland, bushed grassland, ca. 450–600 m. Vouchers: Muasya AM 2086, 2103
& 2107 (EA).
Cyperus pectinatus Vahl – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Floating on shallow waters, ca. 1573
m. Voucher: Mbale M et al. NMK 969 (EA).
40
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Cyperus plateilema (Steud.) Kük. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Roadsides in rainforest,
montane grassland, swampy sides, stream banks, 1400–1640 m. Vouchers: Kabuye
CHS 82/52, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 18 (EA).
Cyperus purpureoviridis Lye – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forests, steep rocky
slopes, swampy habitats edges, ca. 1573 m. Voucher: Mbale M et al. NMK 971
(EA). Near Threatened.
Cyperus richardii Steud. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland in damp sites, roadsides,
ca. 1515 m. Voucher: Mbale M, Muthoka P, Chesire C & Hay F NMK 966 (EA).
Cyperus rohlfsii Boeckeler – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky outcrops, scattered tree
grassland, 610–1326 m. Vouchers: Mbale M et al. NMK 959, Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 946 (EA).
Cyperus rotundus L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest glades, damp sites, riverbanks, ca.
998 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW116 (EA).
Cyperus rubicundus Vahl – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Seasonally wet habitats, temporary
pools or swamps, 453–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 596,
Muasya AM 2106 (EA).
Cyperus schimperianus Steud. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Sandy or stony riverbanks, ca.
450 m. Voucher: Faden RB, Faden AJ & Holland P 72/145 (EA).
NE
Cyperus scott-elliotii Govaerts – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shallow soil over rock,
swampy grassland, ca. 500 m. Voucher: Muasya AM et al. 2090 (EA).
Cyperus sesquiflorus (Torr.) Mattf. & Kük. subsp. sesquiflorus – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open forest, forest margins, open grassland, 1371–2103 m. Vouchers: Kabuye
CHS 82/26, Osborn RM 8, Joanna B 8817 (EA).
Eleocharis atropurpurea (Retz.) J.Presl & C.Presl – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Seasonal
pools and seepage areas, ca. 500 m. Voucher: Faden RB, Faden AJ & Holland P
72/149 (EA).
Fimbristylis dichotoma (L.) Vahl – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riverbanks, grasslands,
cultivated areas, 950–1371 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0249 (EA, HIB), Kabuye
CHS 82/22, Mwachala G et al. EW770 (EA).
Fuirena pubescens (Poir.) Kunth var. pubescens – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Seasonally
wet grasslands, swamp and stream edges, ca. 1150 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al.
EW3551 (EA).
Fuirena stricta Steud. subsp. chlorocarpa (Ridl.) Lye – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Seasonally
wet grasslands, swamp and stream edges, 1371 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS 82/23 (EA).
Scleria lithosperma (L.) Sw. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shady and open places in evergreen forest, 1030–1150 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW607 & 792 (EA).
F32. DIOSCOREACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Rain-forest, dry evergreen
forest, forest edges, 1425–1850 m. Voucher: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1098
(EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
41
F33. HYPOXIDACEAE
1 Genus, 3 species
Hypoxis schimperi Baker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland, swampy grassland, ca.
2050 m. Voucher: Gillett JB 17261 (EA).
Hypoxis rigidula Baker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open grassland or woodland. Voucher: Joanna B 9023 (EA).
Hypoxis urceolata Nel – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open bushland, disturbed woodland,
grassland, 600–800 m. Voucher: Hildebrandt JM 2542 (EA).
F34. IRIDACEAE
1 Genus, 4 species
Gladiolus candidus (Rendle) Goldblatt – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist highlands in
rock outcrops, woodland and bushland, 610–1000 m. Vouchers: Sacleux CJ 2279,
Johnston HH s.n. (EA).
Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel subsp. dalenii – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open grassland
on rocky outcrops, 1800–1850 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0066 (EA, HIB).
NE
Gladiolus rupicola Vaupel – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mountains in grasslands or in
rocky outcrops, 1280–2230 m. Vouchers: Lavranos JJ & Newton 17640, Dale IR
3802, Gardner HM 2957 (EA).
NE
Gladiolus usambarensis Marais ex Goldblatt – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane
habitats, rocky sites and cliffs, ca. 1219 m. Vouchers: Archer PG 547, Bally PRO
13579, Joanna B 8840 (EA). Near Threatened.
F35. MUSACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland evergreen
forests, ravines, riverbanks, drier lowland forests, 1000–2100 m. Vouchers: Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 456, Medley p.r. (EA).
F36. ORCHIDACEAE
27 Genera, 69 species
Aerangis confusa J.Stewart – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, dry forest and bush,
woodland, ca. 1180 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et al. EW240 (EA).
Aerangis kotschyana (Rchb.f.) Schltr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, woodland,
humid wooded grassland, ca. 1050 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW1660
(EA).
Aerangis somalensis (Schltr.) Schltr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Woodland along
streams, 700–969 m. Vouchers: van der Laan FM 419 (EA), van der Laan FM &
Wubben JM 1286 (WAG), Piers F s.n. (K).
42
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Aerangis thomsonii (Rolfe) Schltr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest, 1818–
2200 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004538 (EA, HIB), Osborn RM 15 (EA).
Angraecum eburneum Bory subsp. giryamae (Rendle) Senghas & P.J.Cribb – Habit: Herb. Habitat: On trees and rocks in forest, ca. 929 m. Vouchers: Archer PG
605, Mr. & Mrs. Stewart DRM 1292, Wakefield TG & Grant s.n. (EA).
Angraecum sacciferum Lindl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dense mist forest, 1480–1875
m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004163 (EA, HIB), Bytebier B 1148 & 1189, Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 457, Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4155 (EA).
Angraecum cf. sacciferum Lindl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: High epiphyte in montane
evergreen forest, 1650–1800 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 72/205 (EA).
Ansellia africana Lindl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dense mist forest, ca. 1524 m.
Voucher: van Someren CGR 827 (EA). Vulnerable.
Brachycorythis pleistophylla Rchb.f. var. pleistophylla – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous woodland edges, glades in forest, ca. 1325 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al.
71/987, Joanna B 8919, van Someren CGR 115 (EA).
Bolusiella iridifolia (Rolfe) Schltr. subsp. iridifolia – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest
and savannah trees, ca. 1600 m. Voucher: Bytebier B 1188 (BR, EA).
Bulbophyllum intertextum Lindl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Intermediate to montane
evergreen forest, mist forest, 1640–1730 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ
72/263, Faden RB et al. 70/778, Bytebier B 1211 & 1324 (EA).
Bulbophyllum josephi (Kuntze) Summerh. var. josephi – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist
forest, 1560–1640 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4163, Bytebier B 1210,
Faden RB, Evans A & Smeenk C 70/565 (EA).
Calanthe sylvatica (Thouars) Lindl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riverine forest, 1425–
1850 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 995 (EA), Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 764 (EA).
Cheirostylis lepida (Rchb.f.) Rolfe – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest floor in leaf
mounds, 1440–1680 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004267 (EA, HIB), Faden RB, Evans
A, Smeenk C 70/545, Bytebier B 1678 (EA).
NE
Cynorkis buchwaldiana Kraenzl. subsp. braunii (Kraenzl.) Summerh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest in open grassland, heath zone, 1643–2195 m.
Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 636, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
859, Bytebier B 1661 & 1675, Dale IR 3778, Archer PG 571 & 725, Napper DM
et al. 2166, Gardiner N s.n. (EA). Near Threatened.
NE
Cynorkis uncata (Rolfe) Kraenzl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Secondary forest in humus layer, 1400–1850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005324 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et
al. EW3573, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 360, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 997 & 1067, Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/260, Bytebier B 1153, 1161 &
1753, Archer PG 611, Campbell H s.n. (EA). Vulnerable.
Cyrtorchis arcuata (Lindl.) Schltr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, woodland, bushland on trees and rocks, ca. 1050 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et al. EW1661 (EA).
Diaphananthe fragrantissima (Rchb.f.) Schltr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, gallery forests, 868–900 m. Voucher: Archer PG 603 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
43
Diaphananthe lorifolia Summerh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: In montane and riverine
forest. No voucher seen. Recorded in Orchids of Kenya (Stewart and Campbell
1996).
Diaphananthe odoratissima (Rchb.f.) P.J.Cribb & Carlsward – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Primary and secondary forest on rocks or trees, ca. 1219 m. Voucher: Archer
PG 582 (EA).
Disperis kilimanjarica Rendle – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shaded evergreen forest, ca.
1700–2200 m. Voucher: SAJIT–004288 (EA, HIB).
Disperis nemorosa Rendle – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mossy places and leaf litter on
floor of evergreen and mist forest, 1730–1900 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0105
(EA, HIB), Bytebier B 1662, Beentje HJ 2184, Faden RB & Evans A 69/883, Dale
IR 3790 (EA).
Disperis reichenbachiana Welw. ex Rchb.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest epiphyte,
ca. 1350–2100 m. Voucher: SAJIT–004195 (EA, HIB).
Eulophia mechowii (Rchb.f.) T.Durand & Schinz – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland
and wooded grassland, ca. 1524 m. Voucher: Gardner HM 3018 (EA).
Eulophia schweinfurthii Kraenzl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland, thicket, bushland, woodland, 1220–1525 m. Voucher: Joanna B 8773 (EA).
Eulophia speciosa (R.Br.) Bolus – Habit: Herb. Habitat: In grassland, deciduous
bushland and woodland, ca. 609 m. Voucher: Napier ER 1038 (EA).
Eulophia streptopetala Lindl. var. streptopetala – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins and grasslands, 1580–1730 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. 3068A, Beentje
HJ 2185 (EA).
Eulophia streptopetala Lindl. var. stenophylla (Summerh.) P.J.Cribb – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Shade of bushes, open grasslands, rocky hillsides, 1430–2000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004582 (EA, HIB), Friis I & Hansen OJ 2685, Bally PRO 8703, 8772
& 8779 (EA).
Eulophia taitensis Pfennig & P.J.Cribb – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia thicket on
sandy soils, woodland, 1000–1348 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0235 (EA, HIB),
Pfennig H 1113, Meyer H 1432 (EA).
Habenaria huillensis Rchb.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland without trees, rock
crevices on basement complex, 1643–2110 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004551, 006407
& 006412 (EA, HIB), Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17079, Archer PG 581
(EA).
Habenaria humilior Rchb.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Short grassland over rocks, ca.
1219 m. Voucher: Napier ER 1144 (EA).
Habenaria ndiana Rendle – Habit: Herb. Habitat: In Themeda, Hyparrhenia grassland, with or without Acacia or Combretum scrub, ca. 1000 m. Voucher: Gregory
s.n. (BM).
Habenaria peristyloides A.Rich. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Short upland grassland,
open scrub, ca. 1850 m. Voucher: SAJIT–006369 (EA, HIB).
Habenaria thomsonii Rchb.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edge, among rocks,
swampy grassland. Voucher: Bally PRO 13638 (EA).
44
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Microcoelia corallina Summerh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mixed woodland near river. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5572 (K).
Microcoelia exilis Lindl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riverine forest, woodland, secondary forest, plantations, 670–945 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/470,
Faden RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/410, Archer PG 624 (EA).
Microcoelia globulosa (Hochst.) L.Jonss. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Margins of evergreen forest, relict rainforest forest, riverine forest, ca. 1180 m. Voucher: Mwachala
G et al. EW245 (EA).
Microcoelia obovata Summerh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Woodland, wooded grassland, riverine forest, ca. 1097 m. Voucher: Archer PG 660 (EA).
NE
Microcoelia smithii (Rolfe) Summerh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest, ca. 540 m. Voucher: Bytebier B 424 (EA).
Microcoelia stolzii (Schltr.) Summerh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest,
dry evergreen and riverine forest, 627–1100 m. Vouchers: Miyawa D et al. NMK
961, Faden RB, Evans A, Msafiri F 70/979 (EA).
Oberonia disticha (Lam.) Schltr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rainforest, dry evergreen
mist forest, 700–1050 m. Voucher: Faden RB, Faden AJ & Smeenk C 71/960
(EA).
Oeceoclades decaryana (H.Perrier) Garay & P.Taylor – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky
outcrop, in leaf mold under bushes, 975–1006 m. Voucher: Archer PG 530 (EA).
Platylepis glandulosa (Lindl.) Rchb.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocks in forest, shady,
marshy places on river banks, 1200–1300 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 70/522a
& 72/258 (EA).
Polystachya albescens Ridl. subsp. kraenzlinii (Rolfe) Summerh. – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Mist forest, 1219–2100 m. Voucher: Archer PG 569 (EA).
Polystachya caespitifica Kraenzl. subsp. latilabris (Summerh.) P.J.Cribb & Podz. –
Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest, 1490–2100 m. Vouchers: Faden RB, Evans
A, Msafiri F & Smeenk C 71/57A, Faden RB et al. 70/776, Friis I & Hansen OJ
2678 (EA). Vulnerable.
Polystachya concreta (Jacq.) Garay & H.R.Sweet – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest
epiphyte, ca. 1097 m. Voucher: Archer PG 601 (EA).
Polystachya cultriformis (Thouars) Lindl. ex Spreng. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rainforest, 1425–2100 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005328 (EA), Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 794 & 1175, Bytebier B 1180, 1323 & 1516, Drummond RB & Hemsley
JH 4388, Polhill RM & Verdcourt B 2735, Gillett JB, Burtt BL, Osborn RM
17100, Bally PRO 8793 (EA).
Polystachya dendrobiiflora Rchb.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Growing on Vellozia
and on rocks, Philippia bushland, 609–1700 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005341, Polhill
RM & Kibuwa SP 949, Faden RB et al. 71/214, van Someren C 66, Gardner HM
2904, Joanna B 8901, Bally PRO 13373, Uhlig C 1a (EA).
Polystachya disiformis P.J.Cribb – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest, 1400–
1450 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5568, Bytebier B 1155, Drummond
RB & Hemsley JH 4386 (EA). Endangered.
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
45
Polystachya golungensis Rchb.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen, riverine forest.
Voucher: None. Recorded in Orchids of Kenya (Stewart and Campbell 1996).
Polystachya lindblomii Schltr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dense forests and forest
margins, 1350–1470 m. Vouchers: Bytebier B 1158, Seki T 85, Faden RB et al.
70/777 (EA).
Polystachya modesta Rchb.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riverine forest, woodland,
bushland, wooded grassland, 500–700 m. Voucher: Archer PG 601 (EA, K).
Polystachya polychaete Kraenzl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rainforest, ca. 1097 m.
Voucher: Archer PG 599 (EA).
Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest, drier woodland, 1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 195 (EA).
E
Polystachya teitensis P.J.Cribb – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest, 800–975 m.
Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 9438A, Faden RB, Evans A & Githui M
70/166, Archer PG 612, Stewart J 1347 (EA). Endangered.
Polystachya transvaalensis Schltr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest and
mist forest, 1425–2195 m. Vouchers: Bytebier B 1515, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 159 & 947, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2724, Friis I & Hansen OJ 2677,
Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/254, Faden RB et al. 70/774 (EA).
Porpax repens (Rolfe) Schuit., Y.P.Ng & H.A.Pedersen var. repens [Stolzia repens
(Rolfe) Summerh.] – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mossy trunks and branches in forest, 1425–1850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004262 (EA, HIB), Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 1020, Faden RB et al. 71/57b (EA).
NE
Rhipidoglossum leedalii (P.J.Cribb) Farminhão & Stévart [Margelliantha leedalii
P.J. Cribb] – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane or mist forest on mossy branches, ca.
1524 m. Voucher: Archer PG 548 (EA).
Rhipidoglossum rutilum (Rchb.f.) Schltr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane and riverine forest, 820–1000 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. s.n. (EA).
Rhipidoglossum xanthopollinium (Rchb.f.) Schltr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Lower
areas of montane forest, ca. 884 m. Voucher: Archer PG 608 (EA).
Satyrium crassicaule Rendle – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest glades, near
streams, 1360–1573 m. Vouchers: Miyawa D et al. NMK 970, Mwachala G et al.
EW3601 (EA).
Solenangis wakefieldii (Rolfe) P.J.Cribb & J.Stewart – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Lowland bushland, ca. 945 m. Voucher: Archer PG 625 (EA).
Sphyrarhynchus brevilobus (Summerh.) Bytebier [Angraecopsis breviloba Summerh.]
– Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland forest, light forest on hills, 807–1332 m. Vouchers: Miyawa D et al. NMK 962, Archer PG 631 (EA).
Tridactyle anthomaniaca (Rchb.f.) Summerh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riverine and
lower montane forest, ca. 914 m. Voucher: Archer PG 715 (EA).
Tridactyle bicaudata (Lindl.) Schltr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Lowland to montane
forest, riverine forest, ca. 1400 m. Voucher: Bally J 8863 (EA).
NE
Tridactyle cruciformis Summerh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest,
1440–1680 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–003294 (EA, HIB), Faden RB, Evans A, Msafiri
46
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
F & Smeenk C 71/46, Faden RB et al. 70/568, Bytebier B 1137, 1146, 1152 &
1198 (EA). Endangered.
Tridactyle filifolia (Schltr.) Schltr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest, 1873
m. Voucher: SAJIT–004185 (EA, HIB).
Vanilla roscheri Rchb.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open evergreen scrub, 550–700 m.
Vouchers: Hucks M 456, Jex-Blake M 6872 (EA).
Ypsilopus amaniensis (Kraenzl.) D’haijère & Stévart – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Juniperus procera montane forest, open bushland, ca. 1829 m. Vouchers: SAJIT-004125
(EA, HIB), Joanna B 9052 (EA).
NE
Ypsilopus tanneri (P.J.Cribb) D’haijère & Stévart [Tridactyle tanneri P.J. Cribb]
– Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane evergreen forest, 1480–1641 m. Vouchers:
Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4159, Bytebier B 1143, Faden RB, Faden AJ, Smeenk C,
Smeenk N & McNee J 71/971, Archer PG 580 & 595 (EA). Endangered.
F37. POACEAE
25 Genera, 47 species
Andropogon heterantherus Stapf – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and
scrub, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 674 (EA).
Andropogon schirensis Hochst. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, wooded grassland, 1425–1850 m. Voucher: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
1194 (EA).
Aristida adscensionis L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry soils and waste ground, 548–945
m. Vouchers: Kirika P et al. EW306 & 921, Kirika P et al. 2188 & 8648B (EA).
Aristida stenostachya Clayton – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous thicket and bushland, 485–600 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 16115, Leuthold W 122 (EA).
Cenchrus ciliaris L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, wooded grassland
ca. 500–700 m. Vouchers: Muasya AM & Archibald S 2077, Bally PRO 8645,
Greenway PJ 12631 (EA).
Cenchrus massaicus (Stapf ) Morrone – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland
on alluvial black soils, ca. 548 m. Voucher: Bogdan A 3614 (EA).
Cenchrus trachyphyllus (Pilg.) Morrone – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Glades, semi-shaded and wet sites in rainforest, pathsides, 1550–2000 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et
al. NMK Exped. 890 & 941 (EA).
Chloris gayana Kunth – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riverine woodland, scattered tree
grassland, open grassland. Voucher: Rauh W Ke951 (EA).
*Coix lacryma-jobi L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Stream sides and swampy places, occasionally cultivated, 579–1350 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1244, Kabuye
CHS 82/127, Faden RB, Evans A, Glover PE 70/459, Napier ER 998, McDonald
J 864 (EA).
Digitaria abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Stapf – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Ruderal
sites, grazed lands, weed of cultivated areas, 1524–1646 m. Vouchers: Mrs. Robertson SA 2179, Frowd BH 2 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
47
Digitaria aridicola Napper – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry open deciduous bushland,
ca. 600 m. Voucher: Leuthhold W 123 (EA).
Digitaria pearsonii Stapf – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins and open weedy
places, 1400–1640 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 19, Mrs. Robertson SA 2182 (EA).
Digitaria pennata (Hochst.) T.Cooke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry open deciduous
bushland, ca. 487 m. Voucher: Archer PG 627 (EA).
Digitaria rivae (Chiov.) Stapf – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Terminalia-Commiphora open bushland, 457–609 m. Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12779 & 12796,
Leuthold W 113, Sheldrick D NP21, Bogdan A 3902, FitzGerald V 4971 (EA).
Ehrharta erecta Lam. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest glades, margins and pathsides,
1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 572 (EA).
Eleusine africana Kenn.-O’Byrne – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Disturbed ground, along
roadsides, old cultivations, ca. 1000 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et al. EW2835
(EA).
Enteropogon macrostachyus (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Munro ex Benth. – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Disturbed places, Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 600–950 m. Vouchers:
Mwachala G et al. EW71 & 860, Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 683, Bally
PRO 8648, Brown E 2139G, Frowd BH 11 (EA).
Enteropogon rupestris (J.A.Schmidt) A.Chev. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Scattered tree
grassland on black clay, ca. 548 m. Voucher: Bogdan A 3613 (EA).
Eragrostis ciliaris (L.) R.Br. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Farmlands, clearings, overgrazed
areas, trodden weedy places, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK
Exped. 703 (EA).
Heteropogon contortus (L.) P.Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult. – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Wooded grassland and deciduous bushland, ca. 1600 m. Voucher: Beentje HJ et
al. NMK Exped. 1189 (EA).
Hyparrhenia cymbaria (L.) Stapf – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open hillsides bordering
upland evergreen forest, 1740–2000 m. Voucher: Beenje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
939 (EA).
Isachne mauritiana Kunth – Habit: Herb. Habitat: In forest shade, 1500–1800 m.
Vouchers: Beentje HJ 2131, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1105, Bytebier B
1220, Bally PRO 8704 (EA).
Megathyrsus infestus (Andersson) B.K.Simon & S.W.L.Jacobs – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous woodland, bushland, grassland, ca. 550–600 m. Voucher: Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12726 (EA).
Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K.Simon & S.W.L.Jacobs – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, riverbanks and damp sites, roadsides, cultivations, 518–
1010 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW51, 70, 342 & 950, Vesey-Fitzgerald LD
4963, Mrs. Robertson SA 2198, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12784 (EA).
Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open hillsides, forest edges,
1425–1850 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1179, Bally PRO 8581
(EA).
48
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed of disturbed places and
old farmlands. Voucher: Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12972 (EA).
Microchloa kunthii Desv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open places with bare and shallow soil
in bushland or grassland, 1040–1100 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW238 (EA).
Oplismenus undulatifolius (Ard.) P.Beauv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: In forest shade,
1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 231 (EA).
Panicum calvum Stapf – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest shade and margins, 1040–2170
m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW219, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 102 (EA).
Panicum hirtum Lam. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, wooded grassland on poor sandy soils, 610–980 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW2653,
Napper DM 1965 (EA).
Panicum hochstetteri Steud. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest shade, ca. 1400 m.
Voucher: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 659 (EA).
Panicum trichocladum Hack. ex K.Schum. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Bush or forest
edge on sandy soils, 1400–1850 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 17
& 441 (EA).
Pseudechinolaena polystachya (Kunth) Stapf – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest shade
and disturbed sites, 1425–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 351
& 442 (EA).
Pseudobromus africanus (Hack.) Stapf – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest floor grass
near forest margin, 1700–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 234
& 558 (EA).
*Setaria sulcata Raddi – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest and woodland shades, 1700–
1875 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ 2132, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 574, Bally
PRO 13618 (EA).
Sporobolus natalensis (Steud.) T.Durand & Schinz – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest
margins, roadsides, disturbed and grazed places, 1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 265 (EA).
Tetrapogon bidentatus Pilg. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, grassland,
549–853 m. Vouchers: Bogdan A 3903, Greenway PJ Kanuri K 12638 (EA).
Tetrapogon roxburghiana (Schult.) P.M.Peterson – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wooded
grassland, bushland and disturbed habitats, on dry or stony sandy soils, 548–945
m. Vouchers: Trapnell CG 2226, Frowd BH F13, MacDonald J 850, Graham MD
5, Mrs. Robertson SA 2186 (EA).
Themeda triandra Forssk. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open deciduous bushland, 1040–
1100 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW349 (EA).
Urochloa brizantha (A.Rich.) R.D.Webster – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous
woodland, wooded grassland, upland grassland, ca. 1780 m. Voucher: Wakanene
KM & Mwangangi OM 748 (EA).
Urochloa deflexa (Schumach.) H.Scholz – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Margins of riverine
forest, deciduous bushland, weedy places, 600–823 m. Vouchers: Bally PRO 8646,
Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 963 (EA).
Urochloa dictyoneura (Fig. & De Not.) Veldcamp – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wooded
grassland, deciduous bushland, ca. 998 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW301 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
49
Urochloa distachya (L.) T.Q.Nguyen – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shrubland, grassland,
weedy places. Voucher: Greiling 48 (EA).
Urochloa lachnantha (Hochst.) A.M.Torres & C.M.Morton – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Damp soils, ca. 487 m. Voucher: Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12717 (EA).
Urochloa leersioides (Hochst.) A.M.Torres & C.M.Morton – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Path sides, weedy places, old farmland, 600–1300 m. Vouchers: Muasya AM &
Archibald S 2072, Christiaensen AR 205, Bally PRO 8643, Ciba-Geigy 2, Mrs.
Robertson SA 2192, Hitchcock AS 24681 (EA).
Urochloa nigropedata (Munro ex Ficalho & Hiern) A.M.Torres & C.M.Morton –
Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry rocky and sandy soils in deciduous bushland, wooded
grassland. Voucher: Rauh W Ke957 (EA).
Urochloa xantholeuca (Hack.) H.Scholz var. leucacrantha (K.Schum.) Sosef –
Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, sandy soils in disturbed places, 550–
700 m. Vouchers: Leuthold W 121, Vesey-FitzGerald LDEF 4966 (EA).
F38. SMILACACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Smilax anceps Willd. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Forest edges, clearings and secondary
associations of bushland, 1700–1875 m. Voucher: Gardner HM 1207 (EA).
F39. VELLOZIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Xerophyta spekei Baker – Habit: Herb/Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Rocky slopes and outcrops, 600–1000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/449, Gardner HM 2924,
Medley KE p.r. (EA).
F40. ZINGIBERACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Aframomum angustifolium (Sonn.) K.Schum – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riverine forest, swampy places, 1260–1450 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped.
801, Bally PRO 8799, Faden RB et al. 71/1001 (EA).
Part 6. Magnoliopsida
F41. ACANTHACEAE
20 Genera, 37 species
Barleria acanthoides Vahl – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Roadside vegetation in savanna
with many tall Euphorbia trees, 1400–1800 m. Voucher: Christenhusz MJM,
Kamau P, Chase MW, Mbale M & Kyaa J 6677 (EA).
Barleria eranthemoides R.Br. ex C.B.Clarke var. eranthemoides – Habit: Subshrub.
Habitat: Open dry bushland, grassland on rocky slopes, disturbed and grazed ar-
50
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
eas, 800–1000 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0005 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al.
NMK Exped. 746, Medley KE 507 (EA).
Barleria eranthemoides R.Br. ex C.B.Clarke var. agnewii I.Darbysh. – Habit:
Subshrub. Habitat: Open and dense dry bushland, grassland, degraded areas, ca.
823 m. Voucher: Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 961 (EA).
Barleria prionitis L. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Open Euphorbia-Acacia-Commiphora forest, rocky outcrops, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 868 (EA).
Barleria submollis Lindau – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest edges, bushland, roadside, 800–1350 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 605, Mungai GM
et al. EW3576 (EA).
Barleria taitensis S.Moore – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Terminalia-Combretum woodland, Acacia-Commiphora bushland, rocky hillsides and sandy soils, 640–1206 m.
Vouchers: Watuma BM W0013 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM
512, Polhill RM & Paulo S 935, Hucks M 894, Hildebrandt JM 2457 (EA).
Barleria volkensii Lindau – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Acacia bushland, drier parts of
montane forest, ca. 1220 m. Voucher: Napier ER 1080 (EA).
Blepharis maderaspatensis (L.) B.Heyne ex Roth – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Disturbed
and secondary vegetation, woodland and forest habitats, 800–950 m. Voucher:
Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 652 (EA).
Brillantaisia cicatricosa Lindau – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Mist forest margins, ca.
1557 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0214 (EA, HIB).
Crabbea velutina S.Moore – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riverine vegetation, 800–950 m.
Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 715 (EA).
Crossandra friesiorum Mildbr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist and dry evergreen mist
forest, 820–1850 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 996, Faden RB,
Evans A, Githui M 70/173 (EA). Vulnerable.
Crossandra mucronata Lindau – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora woodland and bushland on sandy soils and rocky outcrops, 609–750 m. Vouchers: Polhill
RM & Kibuwa SP 942, Napier ER 890, Gillett JB 17223, McDonald JM 878 (EA).
Crossandra tridentata Lindau – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Undergrowth in upland
rainforest, 1400–2135 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–003293, Watuma BM W0022 &
W0053 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 262, 393 & 688, De
Block P et al. 256, 257 & 259, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 191, Faden RB et al.
69/860, Bally PRO 8753 & 13519 (EA), Joanna B 9067 (EA).
NE
Dyschoriste keniensis Malombe, Mwachala & Vollesen subsp. glandulifera
Malombe, Mwachala & Vollesen – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Combretum, Acacia & Terminalia woodland, wooded grassland and bushland, old cultivation, 800–
1370 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0156 (EA, HIB), Malombe I et al. EW4004,
4013, 4041, 4047 & 4065, Mwachala G et al. EW756 & 846, Luke WRQ et al.
5389, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2738, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4409,
Napier ER 1089 (EA). Vulnerable.
Ecbolium subcordatum C.B.Clarke var. glabratum Vollesen – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, riverbanks and riverbeds, 500–1000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005392 (EA, HIB), Napier ER 960 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
51
Hypoestes aristata (Vahl) Sol. ex Roem. & Schult. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins and clearings, 609–1850 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 591,
Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 446, Hildebrandt JM 2563, Johnston HH s.n. (EA).
NE
Isoglossa candelabrum Lindau – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Moist lowland and midaltitude forest, 1220–1350 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4137, Hemp A
5375, Archer PG 570 (EA). Endangered.
Isoglossa gregorii (S.Moore) Lindau – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins and
clearings, ericaceous bushland, 1800–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 112, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4311, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn
RM 17098 (EA).
Isoglossa lactea Lindau ex Engl. subsp. saccata I.Darbysh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Undergrowth and margins of moist forest, 1200–1980 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ
et al 4129, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 871, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH
4373, Bally PRO 8771, Napier ER 1118 (EA).
Isoglossa laxa Oliv. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Montane forest understorey, clearances and secondary growth, 1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 349 (EA).
Isoglossa punctata (Vahl) Brummitt & J.R.I.Wood – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane
forest undergrowth, pathways and margins, ca. 1728 m. Voucher: SAJIT–006355
(EA, HIB).
Isoglossa substrobilina C.B.Clarke – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Montane forest undergrowth, glades, margins and disturbed places, 1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 298 (EA).
Justicia flava (Forssk.) Vahl – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest margins and clearings,
ca. 609 m. Voucher: Johnston HH s.n. (EA).
Justicia galeata Hedrén – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Semi-deciduous lowland forest,
Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 880–1200 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al EW984
& 1449, Luke WRQ 5515 & 6236 (EA). Vulnerable.
Justicia heterocarpa T.Anderson – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, forest margins, roadsides, ca. 880 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW959,
Verdcourt B 5316 (EA).
Justicia pseudorungia Lindau – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Montane evergreen forest,
riverine forest, 1300–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 530, Faden
RB et al. 71/260 (EA).
Lepidagathis scariosa Nees – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Dry Acacia-CommiphoraGrewia-Combretum-Euphorbia bushland and woodland, 600–720 m. Vouchers:
Medley KE 993, Mrs Robertson SA 6536 (EA).
Monechma debile (Forssk.) Nees – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Disturbed forest, AcaciaCommiphora bushland, roadsides, weed of cultivation, 609–1602 m. Vouchers:
Watuma BM W0275 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 625, Mwachala G et al. EW916, Hilderbrandt JM 2397, Johnston HH s.n. (EA).
Neuracanthus tephrophyllus Bidgood & Brummitt subsp. tsavoensis Bidgood &
Brummitt – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Acacia and Acacia-Commiphora bushland,
ca. 590 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/519 (EA). Endangered.
52
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Nicoteba betonica (L.) Lindau – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen forest clearings,
disturbed areas ca. 1584 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0135 (EA, HIB).
Phaulopsis imbricata (Forssk.) Sweet – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest edges,
secondary scrub, clearings and disturbed places, 1400–1850 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW3197, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 999, Drummond RB &
Hemsley JH 4381 (EA).
Pseuderanthemum hildebrandtii (C.B.Clarke) Lindau – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat:
Riverine forest, thicket and bushland, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al.
NMK Exped. 733 (EA).
Rhinacanthus angulicaulis I.Darbysh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dense or open Acacia-Commiphora bushland, dry semi-evergreen forest, 900–1250 m. Voucher: SAJIT–005376 (EA, HIB).
Ruellia prostrata Poir. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Woodland, bushland and grassland,
ca. 800 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW3301 (EA).
Ruttya fruticosa Lindau – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Disturbed bushland, woodland,
620–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 548, 551 & 711 (EA).
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Wet forest margins, Acacia-Commiphora bushland, disturbed places, 1100–1925 m. Vouchers: Wakanene
KM & Mwangangi OM 724, Faden RB & Evans A 69/856, 857 & 887, Bally
PRO 13506 & 14203, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 255, Kluguess LM 25 (EA).
Thunbergia guerkeana Lindau – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 450–550 m. Vouchers: Medley KEM 980 (EA), Verdcourt B 1112, Holm
K & Holm L 10, Dale IR K2048, Gillett JB 17214, Scott Elliott GF 6166 (EA).
Thunbergia schimbensis S.Moore – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora, Combretum-Terminalia woodland, bushland, ca. 890 m. Voucher: Faden RB, Faden AJ
& Smeenk C 71/988 (EA).
F42. ACHARIACEAE
2 Genera, 2 species
Dasylepis integra Warb. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Understorey in rainforest, 1400–1925
m. Vouchers: SAJIT–003291 & 006356 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW1445,
Faden RB & Evans A 69/879, Faden RB et al. 71/19, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
242 & 1050, Medley KE 1006a, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4341, Gardner
HM 1212 & 2937, Gardiner N 2949, Joanna B 8918 & 8759, Raler I 0011 (EA).
Rawsonia lucida Harv. & Sond. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Understorey and shrub layer
in upland rainforest, 1000–1750 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4100 &
5489, Faden RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/479, Medley KE 1015 (EA).
F43. AIZOACEAE
2 Genera, 3 species
Trianthema ceratosepalum Volkens & Irmsch. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Acacia
bushland on alkaline soils, ca. 600 m. Voucher: Hucks M 440 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
53
Trianthema portulacastrum L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed of cultivation, disturbed places, sandy soils, 600–900 m. Vouchers: Hucks M 729, Mrs Robertson
SA 3612 & 3680 (EA).
Zaleya pentandra (L.) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open woodland and bushland, cultivation and roadside weed, 480–900 m. Vouchers: Napier ER 1000,
Hildebrandt JM 2400, Mrs Robertson SA 3673, Leuthold W 109 (EA).
F44. ALISMATACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Alisma plantago-aquatica L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Swampy places, water drainage,
ca. 1200 m. Voucher: Lubai IK HB14 (EA).
F45. AMARANTHACEAE
15 Genera, 25 species
Achyranthes aspera L. var. aspera – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open areas in mist forest patches, along paths, weed of cultivation or disturbed ground, 600–1957 m.
Vouchers: Watuma BM W0266 (EA, HIB), Hucks M 885 & 1050 (EA).
Achyranthes aspera L. var. sicula L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest edges,
1450–1780 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM, Mwangangi OM & Dunn B 300, 387
& 744, Bally JB 13613 (EA).
*Alternanthera pungens Kunth – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed in trodden places,
along tracks and roadsides, 500–950 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. in EW502,
Mrs Robertson SA 3678, Bally PRO B13249a, Robel B 125, Geigy Ciba 10, Ivens
GW 2611 (EA).
*Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex DC. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Along river, damp
forests, ca. 1372 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS 82/42 (EA).
*Amaranthus graecizans L. subsp. thellungianus (Nevski) Gusev – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Weed in disturbed and grazed lands, 550–610 m. Voucher: Napier ER
911 (EA).
*Amaranthus hybridus L. subsp. hybridus – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Cultivations and
ruderal lands, roadsides and forest edges, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et
al. NMK Exped. 620 (EA).
Celosia anthelminthica Asch. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Bushes on forest edges, roadside, 800–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0258 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al.
NMK Exped. 604, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 534, Hucks M 738 (EA).
Celosia hastata Lopr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges, 900–1875 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/69, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 232, Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 352, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 402, Faden RB, Evans A
71/119 (EA).
Celosia schweinfurthiana Schinz – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest clearings, rocky
scrubland, wooded grassland, 1150–1250 m. Vouchers: Mungai G et al. EW1409,
Luke WRQ et al 2 (EA).
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Celosia trigyna L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Roadsides, short grassland, weed of cultivation, 610–1580 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/111, Napier ER 995 (EA).
Centemopsis kirkii (Hook.f.) Schinz – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous woodland
and bushland, waste ground, roadsides. Vouchers: Bally PRO 8657, Hittu 45 (EA).
Chenopodiastrum fasciculosum Aellen – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed of forest margins, roadside, waste places, ca. 1700 m. Voucher: Gillett JB, Burtt BL, Osborn
RM 17073 (EA).
Cyathula cylindrica Moq. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest, riverside, woodland,
open bushland and rocky places, 998–2170 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW48
(EA), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 720, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 130
& 432, Klungness LM 60 (EA).
Cyathula uncinulata (Schrad.) Schinz – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dense forest, open
bush, short grassland, disturbed places, near water, 1200–1780 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 751, Napier ER 1115, Gillett JB 23890 (EA).
Digera muricata (L.) Mart. var. macroptera C.C.Towns. – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 700–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK
Exped. 736, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/265 (EA).
Digera muricata (L.) Mart. subsp. trinervis C.C.Towns. – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Acacia-Commiphora bushland, dry seasonal beds, ca. 900 m. Vouchers: Gardner H
2988, MacDonald J 869, Bally PRO 8803, ERV 906, Mrs Robertson SA 3674 (EA).
*Gomphrena celosioides Mart. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Trodden paths, roadsides,
weed of cultivation, 520–1100 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW912, Mungai
GM et al. EW2837, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/475, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K
12783, Hucks M 1023 (EA).
*Guilleminea densa (Willd. Ex Schult.) Moq. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Trodden and
waste ground, roadside, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped.
682 (EA).
Ouret lanata (L.) Kuntze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed in open habitats, 800–1450
m. Vouchers: Mwachala et al. EW943, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 294,
Msafiri F & Ojiambo L 326 (EA).
Psilotrichum cyathuloides Suess. & Launert – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open grassy
areas in forest, disturbed places. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4233 (EA).
Psilotrichum elliotii Baker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Semi-evergreen bushland and
thicket, 960–1873 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004562 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS 82/152,
Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5520, Gillett JB 19568 (EA).
Psilotrichum scleranthum Thwaites – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Riverine forest and
scrub, secondary vegetation, roadsides, 650–1050 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et
al. NMK Exped. 632, Mwachala G et al. EW3296, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/488,
Medley KE 563, 690 & 756, Bally PRO 13587, Gilbert MG 6109 (EA).
Psilotrichum majus Peter – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest floor and margins, ca.
1746 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0056 (EA, HIB).
Pupalia lappacea (L.) Juss. var. argyrophylla C.C.Towns – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Forest edges, clearings, bushland, abandoned cultivations, 600–1766 m. Vouchers:
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
55
Watuma BM W0282 (EA, HIB), Mungai GM et al. EW2836, Napier ER 924,
Hucks M 787 (EA).
Sericocomopsis hildebrandtii Schinz – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Semi-desert scrub and
deciduous bushland, 500–800 m. Vouchers: Hildebrandt JM 2584, Ossent JR 26
(EA).
Sericocomopsis pallida (S.Moore) Schinz – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Semi-desert scrub
and deciduous bushland, ca. 500–650 m. Vouchers: Napier ER 1006, Rauh W 30
(EA).
Suaeda monoica Forssk. ex J.F.Gmel. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Open bushland and
scrub, ca. 600 m. Voucher: Hucks M 872 (EA).
F46. ANACARDIACEAE
5 Genera, 11 species
Lannea alata (Engl.) Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland,
rocky hill outcrops, 518–1700 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 509, Faden RB & Faden
AJ 74/279, Friis I & Hansen OJ 2660, Dale IR 14565, Bally PRO 20505, Hucks
M 455, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12687 (EA).
Lannea rivae (Chiov.) Sacleux – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Wooded grassland, deciduous
bushland, rocky lava areas, 500–1000 m. Vouchers: Sacleux C 2353, Medley KE
973, Uhlig C 39 (EA).
Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland
and bushland, river valleys, 950–1100 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0321 (EA,
HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW187, Medley KE 426 & 851, Bally PRO 17117,
Cheseny CMC 28/72, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 8866, Gillett JB 19574 (EA).
Ozoroa insignis Delile subsp. reticulata (Baker f.) J.B.Gillett – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Wetter deciduous woodland and bushland, wooded grassland, 650–1200 m.
Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW152, Mungai GM et al. EW1457, Medley KE
797 (EA).
Searsia crenulata (A.Rich.) Moffett – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous and evergreen
woodland and bushland, 650–1200 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW1293,
Medley KE 447 & 574 (EA).
Searsia longipes (Engl.) Moffett – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland evergreen bushland,
forest edges, 650–1836 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0115 (EA, HIB), Medley KE
646 & 790, Heller E s.n. (EA).
Searsia pyroides (Burch.) Moffett var. pyroides – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland
evergreen bushland, forest edges, 1700–2000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 301, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 933 (EA).
Searsia quartiniana (A.Rich.) A.J.Mill. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen bushland, wooded grassland, riverine, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK
Exped. 601 (EA).
Searsia tenuinervis (Engl.) Moffett – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen bushland,
wooded grassland, riverine, 800–1800 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Exped. 661, Christenhusz MJM, Kamau P, Chase MW, Mbale M & Kyaa J 6680
(EA).
Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro – Habit: Tree.
Habitat: Bushland, 550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 953, Mungai GM et al.
EW s.n. (EA).
Sorindeia madagascariensis DC. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland evergreen forest,
1425–1850 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 381 & 653, Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 381, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 880, Faden RB et al.
71/1012 (EA).
F47. ANNONACEAE
5 Genera, 7 species
*Annona cherimola Mill. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Cultivated, 700–900 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW3281, Bally PRO 8598 (EA).
Artabotrys monteiroae Oliv. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Forest edges in evergreen forest,
900–925 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW902, Mungai GM et al. EW3540
(EA).
Monanthotaxis buchananii (Engl.) Verdc. – Habit: Shrub/Liana. Habitat: Riverine
and hillside thicket, 1040–1100 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW201 (EA).
Uvaria acuminata Oliv. – Habit: Shrub/Liana. Habitat: Wet evergreen forest, scrubby forest, woodland, 600–1075 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005397 (EA, HIB), Kabuye
CHS et al. NMK Exped. 615, Mwachala G et al. EW194, 512 & 3324, Muasya J
et al. 02/2006/06, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/465, Medley KE 505 & 872, Faden
RB et al. 70/956 & 957, Gillett JB 19566, Bally PRO 13589 (EA).
Uvaria lucida Bojer ex Benth. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Moist montane forest, rocky
outcrops, 1450–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 560, Faden RB,
Faden AJ & Smeenk C 71/1008 (EA).
Uvaria scheffleri Diels – Habit: Shrub/Liana. Habitat: Forest, evergreen thicket and
scrub, 650–1350 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0010 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS
et al. NMK Exped. 622, Mwachala G et al. EW50, 112, 135, 280, 397 & 1297,
Mungai GM et al. EW2824 (EA), Medley KE 742 (EA).
Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A.Rich. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen and deciduous
bushland, riverine associations, ca. 1078 m. Voucher: SAJIT–004635 (EA, HIB).
F48. APHLOIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Aphloia theiformis (Vahl) Benn. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Montane evergreen
forest, 1000–1950 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006351 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 249 & 369, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4362, Raler I 0060,
Faden RB & Faden AJ 71/1007, Gardner HM 2953, Joanna B 8939, Medley
KEM s.n. (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
57
F49. APIACEAE
8 Genera, 8 species
Afroligusticum linderi (C.Norman) P.J.D.Winter – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest
remnants, margins and glades, 2000–2170 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped.155 (EA).
*Cyclospermum leptophyllum (Pers.) Sprague ex Britton & P.Wilson – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Weed of cultivated and waste ground, ca. 1316 m. Voucher: Kirika P et
al. GBK 47990 (EA).
Daucus incognitus (C.Norman) Spalik, Reduron & Banasiak – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest margins and clearings, cultivated areas, 1700–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 477, Lubai lK HB19 (EA).
Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest clearings, damp grasslands,
ca. 1200 m. Voucher: Gillett JB & Burtt BL 17056 (EA).
Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat:
Montane forest margins, open woodland, rocky hill slopes, 650–1850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005336 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. in EW3524, Luke WRQ &
Luke PA 6434, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 258, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 394, Raler I 0102, Medley KE 489, 644 & 821 (EA).
Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland evergreen forest
and margins, roadside, 810–1550 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/90, Mwachala G
et al. EW3561, Muasya J et al. GBK4799, Napier ER 1146 (EA).
Sanicula elata Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest, secondary forest, 1400–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005322 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ
et al. 4193B, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6645, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 99 &
417, Faden RB et al. 71/246, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17083 (EA).
Steganotaenia araliacea Hochst. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Dry woodland, deciduous
bushland, rocky hillslopes, 720–1000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW566
& 967, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4413, Medley KE 750, Kluguess LM 46
(EA).
F50. APOCYNACEAE
34 Genera, 64 species
Acokanthera oppositifolia (Lam.) Codd – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest edges, dry
forest, woodland, 1195–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004529 & 006398, Watuma
BM W0274 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW3057a, Medley KE 939, Taita Hills
NMK Exped. 305, Joanna in CM 8902 (EA).
Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry woodland and bushland, 487–800 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005404 (EA, HIB), Archer PG
622, Bally PRO 8675b, Alof E 318 (EA).
Ancylobothrys petersiana (Klotzsch) Pierre – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Woodland and
bushland, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 553 (EA).
58
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Baseonema gregorii Schltr. & Rendle – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Dry bushland, evergreen forest on rocky outcrops, ca. 850 m. Voucher: Gilbert M & Gilbert C
6122 (EA).
*Calotropis gigantea (L.) W.T.Aiton – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Bare red soils near
roads and villages, 600–700 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005337 & 005388 (EA, HIB).
Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T.Aiton – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen bushland
and scrub on red soils, roadside, ca. 622 m. Voucher: SAJIT–005360 (EA, HIB).
Caralluma arachnoidea (P.R.O.Bally) M.G.Gilbert – Habit: Climber. Habitat:
Grass or succulent dominated communities, in the open or in between shrubs,
600–750 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005411 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4173,
Newton LE 5589 (EA).
Caralluma turneri E.A.Bruce subsp. tuneri – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Sparse grassland, succulent bushland on sandy to loamy soil, ca. 1350 m. Voucher: Goyder DJ,
Masinde PS, Ulrich M & Christopher WM 4033 (EA).
Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Merxm. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry forest, 1000–
1180 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. in EW248, Mungai G et al. in EW1330
(EA).
Carissa spinarum L. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Roadside, bushland, forest edge, 650–
1786 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0264 (EA, HIB), Omino EA 73 & 86, Medley
KE 511, 767 & 850 (EA).
Carissa tetramera (Sacleux) Stapf – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Montane woodland,
thicket and bushland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 483 & 850 (EA).
Carvalhoa campanulata K.Schum. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Moist and evergreen
forest, riverine forest, 1000–1640 m. Voucher: Medley KE 437 (EA).
*Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Cultivated in villages, ca.
670 m. Voucher: Medley KE 424 (EA).
Ceropegia affinis Vatke – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora woodland, ca.
500 m. Vouchers: Archer PG 110 & 397 (EA).
Ceropegia affinis Vatke × Ceropegia racemosa N.E.Br. subsp. racemosa – Habit:
Climber. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest, bushland and thicket, rocky slopes, 800–
1060 m. Vouchers: Masinde PS 844, Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 587, Gilbert M & Gilbert C 6120 (EA).
Ceropegia albisepta Jum. & H.Perrier var. albisepta – Habit: Climber. Habitat:
Upland forest patches and riverine areas, 900–1300 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ &
Luke PA 5529, Archer PG 468 (EA).
Ceropegia ampliata E.Mey. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest edges, bushland on
rocky ground, ca. 914 m. Voucher: Archer PG 558 (EA).
Ceropegia aristolochioides Decne. subsp. aristolochioides– Habit: Climber. Habitat:
Semi-evergreen scrub, thickets and dry forests, 800–1000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala
G et al. EW3345, Gillett JB 19563, Napier ER 940, Mrs Robertson SA 3588
(EA).
Ceropegia ballyana Bullock – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest patches, wooded
bushland, riverine, 850–1250 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006421 (EA, HIB), Kabuye
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
59
CHS et al. NMK Exped. 681, Mungai GM et al. EW1296 & 1375, Faden RB,
Evans A & Rathbun G 69/456, Napier ER 1145, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH
4419 (EA).
Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest clearings and glades,
wooded grassland, ca. 1873 m. Voucher: SAJIT–003299 (EA, HIB).
Ceropegia denticulata K.Schum. var. denticulata – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest edges and bushland, 862–1100 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004620, Watuma BM
W0191 (EA, HIB), Masinde PS and Meve 820 & 870 (EA).
NE
Ceropegia distincta N.E.Br. var. rostrata Masinde – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest edges and clearings, near streams and rivers, ca. 985 m. Voucher: Faden RB &
Faden AJ 74/494 (EA).
Ceropegia inornata P.R.O.Bally ex Masinde – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Rocky deciduous bushland, 700–1050 m. Vouchers: Masinde PS, Goyder DJ, Meve U,
Christopher MW 838, 839 & 853, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/493, Archer PG 391
& 587, Gillett JB 19565 (EA).
NE
Ceropegia konasita Masinde – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Bushland and thickets,
sandy soil with high humus content, 985–1050 m. Vouchers: Masinde PS & Meve
U 819 & 854, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/492, Archer PG 428 (EA).
Ceropegia meyeri-johannis Engl. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest edges and clearings, thickets on hills, 800–1000 m. Voucher: Masinde PS & Meve U 936, Kabuye
CHS et al. NMK Exped. 748, Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4109 (EA).
Ceropegia nilotica Kotschy – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, forest edges, 1000–1220 m. Vouchers: Masinde PS 836 & 840, Mwachala
G et al. EW3267, Faden RB et al. 69/405, Napier ER 1137, Unknown collector
KEN1002 (EA).
Ceropegia speciosa H.Huber – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Moist forest, 1795–1800
m. Voucher: Christenhusz MJM, Kamau P, Chase MW, Mbale M & Kyaa J 6671
(EA).
E
Ceropegia verticillata Masinde – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Dense and open evergreen forest, 1600–1800 m. Vouchers: Christenhusz MJM, Kamau P, Mbale M,
Chase MW & Kyaa J 6671, Bytebier B 1160, Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/277,
Joanna B 8790 & 8988 (EA).
Cryptolepis nigrescens (Wennberg) L.Joubert & Bruyns – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Gallery forests, thickets, 800–1200 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005387 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G, Mungai GM & Lusweti A 261, Verdcourt B 3598A (EA).
Cynanchum gerrardi (Harv.) Liede subsp. gerrardi – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Acacia scrub, dry bushland, 850–930 m. Voucher: Goyder DJ & Masinde PS 3964
(EA).
Cynanchum gerrardi (Harv.) Liede subsp. lenewtonii (Liede) Goyder – Habit:
Climber. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 610–1300 m. Voucher: Napier
ER 1064 (EA).
Cynanchum insipidum (E.Mey.) Liede & Khanum – Habit: Climber. Habitat:
Upland rainforest, Acacia-Commiphora bushland, open grassland, 750–1850 m.
60
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Vouchers: Gillett JB 17228, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6658, Beentje HJ et al.
NMK Exped. 1048 (EA).
Cynanchum stoloniferum (B.R.Adams & R.W.K.Holland) Goyder – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Rocky ground, ca. 1400 m. Voucher: Gilbert MG 5824 (EA).
Cynanchum viminale (L.) L. subsp. crassicaule Liede & Meve – Habit: Herb/
Climber. Habitat: Montane forest margins over rocks, ca. 1150 m. Vouchers: Goyder DJ, Masinde PS, Meve U & Whitehouse C 4029, Joanna B 9015 (EA).
Cynanchum viminale (L.) L. subsp. odontolepis (Balf.f.) Goyder – Habit: Herb/
Climber. Habitat: Dry Acacia-Commiphora woodland. Voucher: Bally PRO 16663
(EA).
Cynanchum viminale (L.) L. subsp. suberosum (Meve & Liede) Goyder – Habit:
Herb/Climber. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, sandy soils, rocky ground, ca.
1050 m. Voucher: Godyer DJ, Masinde PS, Meve U & Whitehouse C 4031 (EA).
Cynanchum viminale (L.) L. subsp. viminale – Habit: Herb/Climber. Habitat: Commiphora bushland, 487–950 m. Vouchers: Watuma W0189 (EA, HIB), Mwachala
G et al. EW769, Gillett JB 19585, Bally PRO 13566, Ossent JR 125, Greenway
PJ & Kanuri K 12679 (EA).
Desmidorchis retrospiciens Ehrenb. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat. Semi-arid, open overgrazed lands, 600–800 m. Voucher: Hucks M 1045 (EA).
Desmidorchis speciosa (N.E.Br.) Plowes – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry bushland and
wooded grassland, ca. 590 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/521 (EA).
*Gomphocarpus physocarpus E.Mey. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Seasonally wet pastures
and disturbed lands, ca. 1400 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et al. EW1323 (EA).
Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Schult. – Habit: Liana/Shrub. Habitat: Riverine
forest margins, thicket and dry bushland, 900–1200 m. Voucher: SAJIT–005395
(EA, HIB).
Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G.Don – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Riverine forest, woodland, evergreen bushland, 650–1400 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al.
NMK Exped. 810 & 948, Mungai GM et al. EW2815, Medley KE 459, Bally
PRO 13610 (EA).
NE
Huernia andreaeana (Rauh) L.C.Leach – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry deciduous
bushland on rocky ground, ca. 480 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5576
(EA).
Hunteria zeylanica (Retz.) Gardner ex Thwaites – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Riverine
and evergreen forest, 1500–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 217,
Faden RB et al. 69/881 (EA).
Landolphia buchananii (Hallier f.) Stapf – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Upland rainforest margins, riverine forest, 1200–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004606 (EA, HIB),
Beentje HJ 2192, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 509, Medley KE 687 (EA).
Marsdenia abyssinica (Hochst.) Schltr. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Forest margins,
montane woodland, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 771 (EA).
Mondia whitei (Hook.f.) Skeels – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Moist habitats, riverine and
disturbed forests, 1200–1300 m. Voucher: SAJIT–005352 (EA, HIB).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
61
Orbea semota (N.E.Br.) L.C.Leach – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland on steep slope,
rocky places, ca. 1200 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Mrs. Robertson SA 5511 (EA).
Orbea subterranea (E.A.Bruce & P.R.O.Bally) Bruyns – Habit: Climber. Habitat:
Bare ground, thin grassland, succulent communities, 600–680 m. Vouchers: Faden
RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/480B, Joanna s.n. in Bally S20 (EA).
NE
Orbea taitica Bruyns – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky outcrops and inselbergs, ca.
1300 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5561 (EA).
Pachycarpus lineolatus (Decne.) Bullock – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open deciduous
woodland, seasonally waterlogged grasslands, ca. 1158 m. Voucher: Bally PRO
8577 (EA).
Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. subsp. daemia – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Dry
bushland, 450–1200 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0026 (EA, HIB), Goyder DJ
& Masinde PS 3956 & 3957, Gillett JB 17210 & 17221 (EA).
Pleiocarpa bicarpellata Stapf – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Moist evergreen forest,
1465–1616 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006384 (EA, HIB), Omino EA 82 & 157, Luke
WRQ & Luke PA 4202 (EA).
Rauvolfia caffra Sond. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Moist forest, riverine forest, 650–1640
m. Voucher: Medley KEM s.r. (EA).
Rauvolfia mannii Stapf – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Moist forest, 1000–1925 m.
Vouchers: SAJIT–005347, Watuma BM W0049 (EA, HIB), Omino EA 52 &
81, Harvey YB, Mwachala G & Vollesen KB 32, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
172 & 354, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 851, Faden RB & Faden AJ 77/325,
Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4329, Faden RB & Evans A 69/876, Raler I 0042,
Faden RB, Evans A, Msafiri F & Smeenk C 71/20, Lubai lK HB27, Medley KE
700 & 882 (EA).
Saba comorensis (Bojer ex A.DC.) Pichon – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Moist forest, forest edges, secondary forest, woodland, rocky places, 500–1350 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0153 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS 82/131, Mwachala G et al. EW583
& 910, Muasya J 2096, Omino EA 87, Kluguess LM 45, Bally PRO 1940, 1949,
8580, 13612, Greenwayi PJ 8771, Skinner FE & Mcgough JM s.n. (EA).
Sacleuxia newii (Benth.) Bullock – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora-Euphorbia deciduous bushland on rocky outcrops, 600–1000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB
and Faden AJ 74/450, Luke WRQ & Luke PA 16117, Goyder et al. 4030, Medley
KE 895, Gillett JB 16877 & 17237 (EA).
Secamone alpini Schult. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Montane forest, 1400–1875 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 665, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 552 (EA).
Secamone punctulata Decne. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Forest, riverine and thickets,
800–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005357 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK
Exped. 723B, Mwachala G et al. EW81, Mungai GM et al. EW1666, Beentje
HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1012, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 563, Medley KE 753
(EA).
Secamone schweinfurthii K.Schum – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland and woodland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK
62
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Exped. 611 & 723A, Mwachala G et al. EW948, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/463,
Medley KE 488, 500 & 864 (EA).
Strophanthus mirabilis Gilg – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland,
550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 653 & 785 (EA).
Tabernaemontana stapfiana Britten – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Montane forest, 1400–
1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004597, Watuma BM W0125 (EA, HIB), Beentje HJ
et al. NMK Exped. 869, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 235 & 278, Drummond
RB & Hemsley JH 4368, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17102, Faden RB,
Faden AJ, Smeenk C 71/980, Raler I 0001 (EA).
Tabernaemontana ventricosa Hochst. ex A.DC. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest margins, riverine and grassy areas. Voucher: Omino EA 85 (EA).
Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Mist forest patches, stream sides,
1800–2000 m. Voucher: SAJIT–004583 (EA, HIB).
Tacazzea conferta N.E.Br. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Podocarpus afromontane forest,
moist bushland, 1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 339 (EA).
Telosma africana (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Margins of wet forest,
800–850 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW3338 (EA).
Vincetoxicum fleckii (Schltr.) Meve & Liede – Habit: Liana. Habit: Dry forest remnants, 800–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 594, Verdcourt B
& Polhill RM 2737 (EA).
E
Vincetoxicum sp. B of FTEA [Tylophora sp. B of FTEA] – Habit: Climber. Habitat:
Montane forest, ca. 1760 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5494 (EA).
F51. AQUIFOLIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Ilex mitis (L.) Radlk. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, dry evergreen forest, derived thicket, 1350–1850 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4220, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 620 & 624, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 377,
Medley KE 923, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1102, Raler I 0123 (EA).
F52. ARALIACEAE
3 Genera, 5 species
Astropanax myrianthus (Baker) Lowry, G.M.Plunkett & al. – Habit: Liana/Tree:
Habitat: Wet upland forest edges, 1400–2195 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004578 (EA,
HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 140, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 884,
Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4323, Raler I 0052, Medley KE 926, Verdcourt
B & Polhill RM 2720, Gillett JB, Burtt BL, Osborn RM 17090, Dale IR 11539,
Gardner HM 2931, Faden RB et al. s.n. (EA) Near Threatened.
Cussonia holstii Harms ex Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland dry evergreen forest,
evergreen montane woodland, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 1009 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
63
Cussonia spicata Thunb. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest and dry evergreen
forest, 1200–1640 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0127 (EA, HIB), Medley KE
1007, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM EAH11987, Raler I 0018 (EA).
Polyscias fulva (Hiern) Harms – Habit: Tree. Habit: Upland and lowland rainforest,
1400–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 264, Drummond RB &
Hemsley JH 4378, Raler I 0023, Medley KEM p.r. (EA).
Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Rain- and mist-forest, 1425–
1981 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0305 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 630, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 288, 374 & 461, Raler I 0048,
Faden RB & Githui M 70/745, Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/266 & 77/320, Faden
RB, Faden AJ, Smeenk C 71/1004, Dale IR 1130, Gardner HM 2922 (EA). Endangered.
F53. ASTERACEAE
46 Genera, 77 species
Acmella caulirhiza Delile – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins, riverbanks, seasonally wet areas, cultivated areas, 1000–1560 m. Vouchers: Gillett JB & Burtt BL
17069, Sacleux C 1386 (EA).
*Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Damp moist forest zone,
grassland near rivers ca. 1100–1200 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW570 (EA).
Adenostemma mauritianum DC. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Margins of pathways
through forest, forest edges, 1371–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006372 (EA, HIB),
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 292 & 954, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4383,
Dale IR 3808, Napier ER 1117 (EA).
Ambassa hochstetteri (Sch.Bip. ex Walp.) Steetz – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest
and forest margins, 1500–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004106 (EA, HIB), Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4297, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 144 (EA).
Anisopappus chinensis Hook. & Arn. subsp. oliverianus (Wild) S.Ortíz, Paiva &
Rodr.Oubiña – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins and ruderal sites, 1100–
2000 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5357, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH
4347, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 439, Sacleux C 1397, Lewis WH 5933, Dale
IR 3805 (EA).
Aspilia mossambicensis (Oliv.) Wild – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest margins,
woodland, bushland and grassland, ruderal sites, 500–1359 m. Vouchers: Watuma
BM W0250 (EA, HIB), Medley KE 900 (EA).
Baccharoides lasiopus (O.Hoffm.) H.Rob. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest clearings
or margins, secondary bush derived from forest, ca. 700–1121 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 831, Hildebrandt JM 2551 (EA).
Bidens hildebrandtii O.Hoffm. – Habit. Subshrub. Habitat: Scrub on hillsides, rock
crevices, 609–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 649, Hildebrandt JM 2432, Napier ER 1016, Verdcourt B 3890A (EA).
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Bidens holstii Sherff – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest margins, disturbed forests, open
bushland next to forest, 1000–2195 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4168,
Ojiambo 31, Beentje HJ 2136, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 14, Hildebrandt JM
2432a, Sacleux C 2503, Gillett JB 18769, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2718, Napier
ER 1321, Faden RB et al. 71/130, Lewis WH 5934, Lynes H 282 (EA).
Bidens kilimandscharica (O.Hoffm.) Sherff – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins, wooded grassland, 750–1582 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0255 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW3141, Kirika P et al. 1/2006/07, Muasya J & Medley KE
817, Sacleux C 2424 (EA).
Blepharispermum zanguebaricum Oliv. & Hiern – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry forest, forest margins, woodland, bushland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
W0027 (EA, HIB), Medley KE 543 & 570, Gillett JB 17225 (EA).
Bothriocline argentea (O.Hoffm.) Wild & G.V.Pope – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Montane forest in rock crevices, 1700–2000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
291, Bally PRO 13510, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4348 (EA).
NE
Bothriocline glomerata (O.Hoffm. & Muschl.) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Evergreen forest, 1600–2000 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 4209, Drummond
RB & Hemsley JH 4361 (EA). Endangered.
Bothriocline longipes (Oliv. & Hiern) N.E.Br. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest
margins and clearings, disturbed places, 1650–1850 m. Vouchers: Wakanene K,
Mwangangi & Dunn B 388, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4287, Kluguess LM
1 (EA).
Brachylaena huillensis O.Hoffm. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Dry evergreen and
semi-deciduous forest, bushland on sandy soils, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB
& Faden AJ 74/467, Medley KE 921 (EA). Near Threatened.
Conyza newii Oliv. & Hiern – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest margins and grassy
clearings, 1500–2057 m. Vouchers: Lewis WH 5935, Murray High School 25,
Klungness LM 57 (EA).
Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth.) S.Moore – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest
margins, secondary vegetation, disturbed places, cultivation weed, 1000–2000 m.
Vouchers: Sacleux C 894 & 2506 (EA).
Crassocephalum montuosum (S.Moore) Milne-Redh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist
and evergreen forest in edges and clearings, 1350–1400 m. Voucher: Joanna B
8866 (EA).
Dichrocephala chrysanthemifolia (Blume) DC. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Secondary
vegetation, margins of cultivated lands, ca. 1800 m. Voucher: Drummond RB &
Hemsley JH 4318 (EA).
Emilia discifolia (Oliv.) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland, disturbed areas,
roadside, cultivated areas, 900–1300 m. Voucher: Sacleux C 2606 (EA).
Emilia somalensis (S.Moore) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Short grassland
on rocky slopes, mountain summits, 1330–1750 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et
al. EW3149, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 561, Hilderbrandt JM 2557
(EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
65
*Erigeron karvinskianus DC. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest, roadside
banks and clearings, 1150–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 85,
Friis I & Hansen OJ 2668, Bally PRO 13629, Kluguess LM 62 (EA).
Eriosema nutans Schinz – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges, grassland with Acacia,
1675–1725 m. Voucher: SAJIT–003298 (EA, HIB).
Erythrocephalum marginatum (O.Hoffm.) S.Ortíz & A.P.Cout. – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Subshrub. Dry forest, riverine forest margins, rocky slopes, deciduous woodland, 800–1700 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 623,
Mwachala G et al. EW521, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 447, Gillett JB,
Burtt B & Osborn RM 17162, Hildebrandt JM 2559 (EA).
Eschenbachia subscaposa (O.Hoffm.) G.L.Nesom – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland
grassland, rocky areas, 1300–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
152, Gilbert MG 7094 (EA).
*Flaveria trinervia (Spreng.) C.Mohr – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Waste ground, weed
of cultivation, 800–1500 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004121 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM
& Mwangangi OM 710, Bally PRO 13905 (EA).
*Galinsoga parviflora Cav. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins, roadside, waste
places, weed of cultivation. Voucher: Cheseny CMC 24/72 (EA).
Gutenbergia cordifolia Benth. ex Oliv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins and
roadsides, grassland, rocky hillsides, cultivated lands, 950–1700 m. Vouchers:
Mwachala G et al EW98, 331, 339, 804, 917 & 3121, Gillett JB, Burtt BL &
Osborn RM 17074, Klungness LM 3 (EA).
Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip. – Habit: Liana/Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Forest margins, woodland, secondary bushland, ca. 1400 m. Voucher: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 657 (EA).
Gymnanthemum auriculiferum (Hiern) Isawumi – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest
clearings and margins, woodland, secondary bush, 1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 330 (EA).
Gymnanthemum myrianthum (Hook.f.) H.Rob. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest clearings and margins, cultivated areas, 1676–1700 m. Vouchers:
Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4371, Klungness LM 54 (EA).
Helichrysum forskahlii (J.F.Gmel.) Hilliard & B.L.Burtt – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Upland grassland, forest margins and secondary vegetation, 610–2000 m. Vouchers: Kimeu JM et al. KEFRI 500, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 437b, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4308, Knox EB 2693 & 2712, Sacleux C 2428, Lisowski S 7301 (EA).
Helichrysum glumaceum DC. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland in dry bushland on
hillsides, 450–950 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1275, Luke WRQ & Luke
PA 16119, Kokwaro JO 2601, Napier ER 942, Bremer K 13, Gillett JB 21003B,
Leuthold W 65 (EA).
Helichrysum luteoalbum (L.) Rchb. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane grassland,
streambanks, cultivation weed, 1150–1800 m. Vouchers: Joanna B & Opiko B
8994, Fleuret A 15 (EA).
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Helichrysum kilimanjari Oliv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane grassland, shallow
rocky soil on exposed hilltops, ca. 1676 m. Voucher: Joanna B 9004 (EA).
Helichrysum nudifolium (L.) Less. var. oxyphyllum (DC.) Beentje – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Grassland or scattered tree grassland, 1100–1500 m. Voucher: Sacleux C
2378 (EA).
Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane grassland
or bushland, forest margins, 1100–1900 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006403 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW1188, Knox EB 2708 (EA).
Helichrysum panduratum O.Hoffm. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland or forest
margins, secondary bush, 1400–1600 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ et al. 4212 (EA).
Helichrysum stenopterum DC. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margin, montane
bushland in rocky sites, cultivations, 1100–2000 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et
al. NMK Exped. 437a, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4307, Sacleux C 2501,
Klungness LM 10, Joanna B s.n. (EA).
Hoffmannanthus abbotianus (O.Hoffm.) H.Rob., S.C.Keeley & Skvarla – Habit:
Herb. Habitat: Dry forest margins, riverine forests, secondary bushland derived
from forest, 610–1584 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0136 (EA, HIB), Medley KE
726 & 888, Hildebrandt JM 2466 & 2499 (EA).
Jeffreycia usambarensis (O.Hoffm.) H.Rob., S.C.Keeley & Skvarla – Habit: Shrub.
Habitat: Secondary bushland, grassland, roadside, abandoned cultivations, 900–
1875 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/9, Mwachala G et al. EW798, 817 & 1249,
Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 389 & 529, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
490A & 490B, Napier ER 1126, Freidberg A & Kaplan 91/45, Murray High
School 30 (EA).
Kleinia abyssinica (A.Rich.) A.Berger var. hildebrandtii (Vatke) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Bushland, dry grassland, woodland, open forest, 609–950 m.
Vouchers: SAJIT–004618, Watuma BM W0184 (EA, HIB), Bally PRO 13953,
Napier ER 898A (EA).
Kleinia grantii Hook.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open bushland on stony sites, scattered tree grassland, ca. 609 m. Voucher: Napier ER 899 (EA).
Kleinia implexa (P.R.O.Bally) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora
bushland, sandy or rocky sites, ca. 775 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Faden AJ 77/314
(EA).
Kleinia odora (Forssk.) DC. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia bushland on rocky hillsides, overgrazed sites, 560–700 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 761, Faden RB & Faden
AJ 74/271 (EA).
Kleinia squarrosa Cufod. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry and moist bushland, 609–
1750 m. Vouchers: Joanna B 8984, Archer PG 563, Gillett JB, Burtt BL, Osborn
RM 17108 & 20730, Napier ER 1057, Bally J 13524 (EA).
Lactuca glandulifera Hook.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins, derived bushland, roadsides, ca. 1591 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0219 (EA, HIB).
Lactuca inermis Forssk. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open forest path sides, grassland,
weed of cultivation, ca. 1814 m. Voucher: SAJIT–006400 (EA, HIB).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
67
Laggera brevipes Oliv. & Hiern – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest edges, 1425–
1850 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 440 (EA).
Lipotriche scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Orchard subsp. madagascariensis
(Baker) D.J.N.Hind – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Swamp and swamp margins, ca.
1200 m. Voucher: Lubai lK HB11 (EA).
Microglossa densiflora Hook.f. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest margins and clearings, 1773–2170 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0285 (EA, HIB), Drummond RB
& Hemsley JH 4313, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 158 (EA).
Microglossa pyrifolia (Lam.) Kuntze – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Drier forest margins,
secondary bushland, abandoned cultivations, ca. 1818 m. Voucher: SAJIT–004541
(EA, HIB).
Microglossa pyrrhopappa (Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich.) Agnew – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Forest margins, secondary bushland, grassland, 750–2024 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006359 (EA, HIB), Hildebrandt JM 2508, Bally PRO 8714, Sacleux C 134
(EA).
Mikania chenopodiifolia Willd. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, stream banks, ca.
1632 m. Voucher: SAJIT–004590 (EA, HIB).
Orbivestus cinerascens (Sch.Bip.) H.Rob. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 834 (EA).
Osteospermum vaillantii (Decne.) Norl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane heath
and scrub, Acacia-Commiphora bushland, ruderal sites, 1000–1500 m. Vouchers:
Mwachala G et al. EW1187, Sacleux C 2368 (EA).
Piloselloides hirsuta (Forssk.) C.Jeffrey ex Cufod. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous forest, open deciduous woodland, grassland, ca. 1400–1800 m. Vouchers:
Kirika P et al. 01/2006/33, Gillett JB 17256 (EA).
Pseudoconyza viscosa (Mill.) D’Arcy – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist sites along river,
weed of cultivation, ca. 610 m. Voucher: Napier ER 981 (EA).
Psiadia punctulata (DC.) Vatke – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen bushland, dry
forest margins, secondary bushland, 1700–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 539, Gardner HM 3005 (EA).
Senecio deltoideus Less. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Moist forest margins, secondary
bushland in forest margin, 1500–1900 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004115 (EA, HIB),
Knox EB 2713, Sacleux C 2430 (EA).
Senecio hadiensis Forssk. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Dry forest or forest margins, evergreen or semi-deciduous bushland, 800–1200 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW197, Luke WRQ & Luke PA 6426, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4418,
Sacleux C 2417, Medley KE 808 (EA).
Senecio syringifolius O.Hoffm. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Evergreen forest, forest margins, 1500–2170 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0140 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM
& Mwangangi OM 645 & 723, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 134, Beentje HJ et
al. NMK Exped. 1110 (EA).
*Senecio vulgaris L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: N/A. Voucher: Verdcourt B & Polhill
RM 1418 (EA).
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Sigesbeckia orientalis L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Ruderal sites, weed of cultivation,
1200–1400 m. Voucher: Bally PRO 8788 (EA).
Solanecio angulatus (Vahl) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Riverine forest,
bushland and thicket, 800–1583 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0194 & W0254
(EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 726 (EA).
NE
Solanecio buchwaldii (O.Hoffm.) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Moist forest,
rock outcrops and crevices, 700–1875 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4222,
Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17108, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 331,
Newton LE 3247, Archer PG 563 & 14092, Bally PRO 13524 (EA).
Solanecio mannii (Hook.f.) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest glades and
margins, near cultivated areas, 1400–1937 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0092
(EA, HIB), Beentje HJ 2140, Christenhusz MJM, Kamau P, Chase MW, Mbale
M & Kyaa J 6630, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 22 (EA).
Solanecio mirabilis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist upland forest,
1525–1850 m. Vouchers: Bytebier B 1279, Faden RB & Githui M 70/712 (EA).
Endangered.
Sonchus oleraceus L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Ruderal sites, roadsides, weed of cultivation, ca. 1295 m. Voucher: Murray High School 101 (EA).
Sphaeranthus kirkii Oliv. & Hiern – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Seasonally wet sites,
ditches in bushland, 500–600 m. Vouchers: Faden RB, Faden AJ & Holland P
72/143, Rauh W Ke68 (EA).
*Tagetes minuta L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed of cultivated lands, ruderal sites,
600–1200 m. Vouchers: Cheseny CMC 104, Rauh W KE69a (EA).
*Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Roadside, waste
ground, hedge plant, 1524–1950 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0216 (EA, HIB),
Kluguess LM 39 (EA).
*Tridax procumbens L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed of cultivation and waste
ground, 503–800 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 704, Bremer
K 14, Gardner HM 3003, Ciba-Geigy 8, Napier ER 934, Hucks M et al. 90,
Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 13023 (EA).
Vernonia galamensis (Cass.) Less. subsp. galamensis – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest clearings, secondary bushland, 1624–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004126 (EA,
HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 570 (EA).
Vernonia galamensis (Cass.) Less. subsp. mutomoensis M.G.Gilbert – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland and woodland, rocky outcrops, 609–1150
m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0007 (EA, HIB), Gilbert MG & Gilbert CI 6107,
Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 955, Hildebrandt JM 2455 & 2847 (EA).
Vernonia holstii O.Hoffm. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Margins and clearings of
dry evergreen forest, secondary bushland, 650–1440 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005344
(EA, HIB), Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1101, Medley KE 596, Gillett JB
18757 (EA).
Vernonia wakefieldii Oliv. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest, deciduous
bushland and thicket on rocky slopes, 600–1450 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
69
al. NMK Exped. 745, Mwachala G et al. EW3117A & 3310, Kokwaro JO 2602,
Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/479, Medley KE 701, Gardner HM 3007, Gillett JB
16873 & 19576, Gilbert MG 6111, Parker I 552H (EA).
Vernoniastrum aemulans (Vatke) H.Rob. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Disturbed sites,
roadsides, old cultivations, 500–1524 m. Vouchers: Kluguess LM 3A, Hucks M
680 & 762, Bremer K 7 (EA).
F54. BALSAMINACEAE
1 Genus, 8 species
Impatiens engleri Gilg subsp. pubescens Grey-Wilson – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Densely shaded forests, 1425–2134 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–05335 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 687, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 279, 481, 767
& 946, Faden RB et al. 70/709 & 71/973, Bally PRO 8769, Drummond RB &
Hemsley JH 4356, Knox EB 2689 (EA).
Impatiens nana Engl. & Warb. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist and shaded places in
upland rainforest, ca. 1750 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 370,
Stella W 173 (EA).
Impatiens pseudoviola Gilg – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Damp shaded upland rainforest, on mossy river banks, 1000–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004534 & 004542,
Watuma BM W0021 & W0116 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. 1051 & EW1340,
Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4156, De Block P et al. 497, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
1, 97 & 395, Beentje HJ 2138, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 850, Bally PRO
8699, Faden RB & Githui M 70/734, Knox EB 2638, Gillett JB, Burtt BL &
Osborn RM 17082 & 18760 (EA).
Impatiens sodenii Engl. & Warb. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest in damp
shaded or open areas, 1400–2200 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G, Nyaboke & Saidi S
1052 (EA), Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4192, Bytebier B 1676, De Block P et al. 307,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 36 & 289, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4294,
Knox EB 2699, Gardner HM 2908 (EA).
Impatiens stuhlmannii Warb. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Damp areas in upland rainforest, 1650–1900 m. Voucher: Knox EB 2697 (EA).
E
Impatiens teitensis Grey-Wilson – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest, 1425–2170
m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005316 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5492, Wakanene
KM & Mwangangi OM 215 & 373, Beentje HJ 2137, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
60 & 361, De Block P et al. 300, 313 & 496, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4339,
Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17097, Knox EB 2697, Faden RB et al. 71/972,
Bally PRO 8584, 12714 & 18714, Gardner HM 2941, Joanna B & Opiko 8775 (EA).
Impatiens tinctoria A.Rich. subsp. elegantissima (Gilg) Grey-Wilson – Habit:
Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest in moist shaded places, ca. 1500 m. Voucher:
Bally PRO 13606 (EA).
Impatiens walleriana Hook.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Damp shaded places in
upland rainforest, 1000–1450 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1341, Luke
E
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
WRQ & Bytebier B 5328, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1065, Knox EB 2715,
Faden RB, Faden AJ, Smeenk C, Smeenk N & Kichoi D 71/963, Bally PRO 8700,
Archer PG 661 (EA).
F55. BASELLACEAE
1 Genus, 2 species
Basella alba L. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest and cultivation margins, forestgrassland transitions, 1500–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0071 (EA, HIB),
Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 721, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 562 &
847 (EA).
Basella paniculata Volkens – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Margins of dry evergreen forest and bushland, ca. 1371 m. Voucher: Joanna B 8878 (EA).
F56. BEGONIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Begonia johnstonii Oliv. ex Hook.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist sites in rock crevices, 800–1515 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 588, Mbale M et
al. NMK 967, Luke WRQ et al. 4181, Faden RB, Evans A & Smeenk C 71/32,
Faden RB, Evans A & Msafiri F 70/989, Faden RB et al. 71/215 (EA).
F57. BIGNONIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. subsp. africana – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Grassland
with scattered trees, woodland, remnants in farmed lands, 800–950 m. Vouchers:
Watuma BM W0202 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 671 (EA).
F58. BORAGINACEAE
6 Genera, 10 species
Bourreria teitensis (Gürke) Thulin – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest,
Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 500–1367 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0232 (EA,
HIB), Faden RB et al. 69/423, Medley KE 429 & 492, Hildebrandt JM 2359
(EA).
Ehretia bakeri Britten – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Mist forest on rocky slopes,
deciduous woodland and bushland, 550–1450 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW1410, Gardner HM 2986, Medley KE 520 & 728, Faden RB et al. s.n. (EA).
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. silvatica (Gürke) Brenan – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Rainforest, riverine forest, derived grassland and bushland, 1425–1875 m. Vouchers:
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 491 & 564, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 855 &
957 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
71
Cordia monoica Roxb. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia woodland, Acacia-Commiphora
bushland, 550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 524 & 533, Verdcourt B 3895B
(EA).
Cordia sinensis Lam. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora open bushland, riverine, 550–650 m. Voucher: Medley KE 497 (EA).
Cynoglossum coeruleum Hochst. ex A.DC. var. mannii (Baker & C.H.Wright) Verdc. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Submontane forest edges, 1700–2170 m. Vouchers:
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 118 & 322, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4315
(EA).
Cynoglossum lanceolatum Forssk. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edge, grassland,
bushland, ca. 1581 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0218 (EA, HIB), Gillett JB &
Burtt BL 17053 (EA).
Heliotropium steudneri Vatke subsp. steudneri – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Combretum,
Acacia and Commiphora bushland, grassland, 500–750 m. Vouchers: Gillett JB,
Burtt BL & Dunn B 17172 & 17190, Bally PRO 8649, Thulin M 295 (EA).
Heliotropium steudneri Vatke subsp. bullatum Verdc. – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Acacia-Commiphora bushland and woodland, roadside, 970–1180 m. Voucher:
Mwachala G et al. EW380 (EA).
Heliotropium zeylanicum (Burm.f.) Lam. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, roadsides and cultivation, 950–1050 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et
al. EW1446 (EA).
Trichodesma zeylanicum (Burm.f.) R.Br. var. zeylanicum – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Commiphora-Grewia bushland, disturbed ground and cultivations, 1750–1800 m.
Voucher: Christenhusz MJM, Kamau P, Chase MW, Mbale M & Kyaa J 6678
(EA).
F59. BRASSICACEAE
5 Genera, 6 species
*Brassica rapa L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Cultivated land, abandoned fields, ca. 1524
m. Voucher: Klungness LM 9 (EA).
Cardamine africana L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest, clearings, along road
and paths, 1700–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 151 & 332
(EA).
Erucastrum arabicum Fisch. & C.A.Mey. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Disturbed places
in upland forest, ca. 1295 m. Voucher: Murray High School 103 (EA).
Farsetia stenoptera Hochst. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open bushland, overgrazed and
cultivated lands. Voucher: Cheseny CMS 33/73 (EA).
Farsetia stenoptera Hochst. subsp. boivinii (E.Fourn.) Jonsell – Habit: Subshrub.
Habitat: Open grassland on sandy soils, ca. 487 m. Voucher: Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12722 (EA).
Farsetia undulicarpa Jonsell – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Bushland and wooded grasslands on volcanic soils, ca. 925 m. Voucher: Kuchar P 11069 (EA).
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*Lepidium bonariense L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open grassland, roadside, waste
places, settlements, 1585–1814 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004655, Watuma BM
W0252 (EA, HIB).
F60. BURSERACEAE
2 Genera, 12 species
Boswellia neglecta S.Moore – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland,
400–850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005400 (EA, HIB), Medley KE 966, Faden RB &
Faden AJ 74/250, Engler A 1973, Davey PRA 36 Dale IR 3897 (EA).
Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora
bushland, bushed grassland, 660–950 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005384, Watuma BM
W0176 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW151, 338, 526 & 1177, Cheseny CMC
49/75, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/282, Medley KE 526, Gillett JB 19584, Bally
PRO 16895, Dale IR 2000 (EA).
Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. glaucidula (Engl.) J.B.Gillett – Habit:
Tree. Habitat: Bushed grassland, Acacia-Commiphora open bushland, 540–990 m.
Vouchers: Gillett JB & Glover PE 16857, 19577, 19592, 19624 & 19632, Dale
IR 2002, Leippert H 5645, Ivens GW 410 (EA).
Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. venosa (Mattick) Govaerts – Habit:
Tree. Habitat: Bushed grassland, ca. 600 m. Vouchers: Cheseny CMC 44/74, Mrs.
Robertson SA 6552 & 6556 (EA).
Commiphora baluensis Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and dry
forest, often on rocky ground, 650–990 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 970, Gillett JB
& Glover PE 19643, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2743 (EA).
Commiphora campestris Engl. subsp. campestris – Habit: Tree. Habitat: AcaciaCommiphora bushland, 550–650 m. Vouchers: Medlely KEM 775 (EA), Gillett
JB & Glover PE 19623 (EA), Dale IR 3881 & 3894 (EA), Hildebrandt JM 2516
(EA), Bally PRO 8551 (EA). Near Threatened.
Commiphora campestris Engl. var. heterophylla (Engl.) J.B.Gillett – Habit: Tree:
Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland. Voucher: Gilbert MG & Gilbert CI 6096
(EA).
Commiphora edulis (Klotzsch) Engl. subsp. boiviniana (Engl.) J.B.Gillett – Habit:
Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora and semi-evergreen bushland, 600–770 m.
Vouchers: SAJIT–005399 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW1513, Medley KE
84, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/278, Verdcourt B 3895, Leakey PH s.n. (EA).
Commiphora edulis (Klotzsch) Engl. subsp. holosericea (Engl.) J.B.Gillett – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, ca. 762 m. Vouchers: Dale IR
3880, Verdcourt B 1113 (EA).
Commiphora eminii Engl. subsp. trifoliolata (Engl.) J.B.Gillett – Habit: Tree.
Habitat: Dry evergreen forest and forest margins, 650–1250 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005372, Watuma BM W0243 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4099,
Medley KE 446 & 600, Faden RB, Evans A, Smeenk C & Kariuki B 131 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
73
Commiphora kataf (Forssk.) Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Montane woodland,
Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 550–1024 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0317
(EA, HIB), Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/276, Medley KE 525, 721 & 774,
Dale IR 3892, Engler A 1945 (EA).
Commiphora kua (R.Br. ex Royle) Vollesen – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: AcaciaCommiphora bushland, rocky places, bushed grassland, 550–940 m. Vouchers:
SAJIT–005398, Watuma BM W0185 (EA, HIB), Medley KE 523, 550 & 723,
Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12658, 12893 & 12894, Hucks M 892 (EA).
Commiphora oblongifolia J.B.Gillett – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland in rocky places, 600–840 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke
PA 16116, Cheseny CMC 11/72, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12661, Gillett JB
& Glover PE 17233 & 19644, Verdcourt B 3889, Napier ER 1015 (EA). Near
Threatened.
Commiphora paolii Chiov. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, ca. 600 m. Voucher: Verdcourt B & Polhill R 2709 (EA).
Commiphora samharensis Schweinf. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora
bushland and woodland, 750–870 m. Voucher: Medley KE 815 (EA).
Commiphora schimperi (O.Berg) Engl. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora open deciduous woodland and bushland, 600–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 684, Gillett JB & Glover PE 19582, 19588 & 19639 (EA).
F61. CACTACEAE
2 Genera, 2 species
*Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry deciduous bushland
and thicket, 1019–1600 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0316 (EA, HIB), Beentje
HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1144 (EA).
Rhipsalis baccifera (J.S.Muell.) Stearn – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland rainforest,
evergreen bushland, rocky cliffs, 650–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0203
(EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS 82/155, Mungai G et al. EW2830, Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 272, Mbale M et al. NMK 964, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
227, 450 & 779, Bally PRO 8794 & 16662, Faden RB, Evans A, Smeenk C
71/1013, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17101 (EA).
F62. CAMPANULACEAE
2 Genera, 5 species
Lobelia giberroa Hemsl. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland secondary forest, forest edges, streamsides, 1500–2170 m. Vouchers: Kirika P et al. NMK 814, Christenhusz
MJM et al. 6659, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 88 & 243, Gillett JB, Burtt BL &
Osborn RM 17076, Bally PRO 8757, Knox EB 2694 & 2696, Dale IR 3797 (EA).
Lobelia holstii Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland grassland, forest edges, rocky
or disturbed places, 1425–2100 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0017 (EA, HIB),
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Christenhusz MJM et al. 6631, Beentje HJ 2146, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
290 & 438, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4303, Hildebrandt JM 2463, Knox
EB 2692, 2695 & 2702 (EA).
Lobelia trullifolia Hemsl. subsp. trullifolia – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland grassland, forest margins, stream sides, roadsides, 1600–1640 m. Voucher: Faden RB
et al. 71/188 (EA).
Wahlenbergia krebsii Cham. subsp. arguta (Hook.f.) Thulin – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins, upland grassland, ca. 1250 m. Voucher: Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 443 (EA).
Wahlenbergia napiformis (A.DC.) Thulin – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous
woodland, grassland, old cultivations, roadsides, ca. 1600 m. Voucher: Beentje HJ
et al. NMK Exped. 1141 & 1158 (EA).
F63. CANELLACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Warburgia ugandensis Sprague subsp. ugandensis – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Lowland
rainforest, secondary bushland and grassland, ca. 1219 m. Vouchers: Kishewitsch
S s.n., Stephen K s.n. (EA).
F64. CANNABACEAE
3 Genera, 4 species
Celtis africana Burm.f. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Understorey in mist forest, riverine,
1050–1875 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW2567, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 528 (EA).
Celtis gomphophylla Baker – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Mist forest, by forest streams in
valleys, 1170–1850 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3205, Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 775, Faden RB, Evans A, Msafiri F, Smeenk C 71/58 (EA).
Chaetachme aristata Planch. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Lowland and upland forest, 1000–1640 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW2579, Medley KE 619 (EA).
Trema orientale (L.) Blume – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland and lowland rainforest margins, 800–2000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005343, Watuma BM W0081 (EA,
HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW2573, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 398, Beentje HJ
et al. NMK Exped. 940, Raler I 0089, Medley KE 629 (EA).
F65. CAPPARACEAE
6 Genera, 27 species
Boscia coriacea Pax – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, grassland with scattered trees, 500–690 m. Vouchers: Muasya J et al. KEFRI 82, Ochung HO 63/BE,
Medley KE 657, Zùmer M 38, Hildebrandt JM 2478 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
75
Boscia integrifolia J.St.-Hil.– Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and bushland, 500–1000 m. Vouchers: Muaysa J & Medley KE 655 & 769, Gardner HM
2911 (EA).
Boscia salicifolia Oliv. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and bushland,
ca. 900 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW900 (EA).
Cadaba carneoviridis Gilg & Gilg-Ben. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen bushland, grassland with scattered trees, 500–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 503, 685,
842 & 876, Ossent JR 113 (EA).
Cadaba farinosa Forrsk. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia thornbush, bushland,
grassland with scattered trees, 500–650 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW198,
Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4250, Ossent J 46, Gillett JB 16872, Medley KE
502 & 838 (EA).
Cadaba glandulosa Forssk. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, grassland
with scattered trees. Vouchers: Njoroge T 21, Rauh W s.n. (EA).
Cadaba linearifolia (J.Graham) M.R.Almeida – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia bushland. Vouchers: Greenway PJ & Kanuri 9786, Ossent JR 40 (EA).
Cadaba mirabilis Gilg – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and semi-desert
scrub, Voucher: Ochung H H012 (EA).
Cadaba ruspolii Gilg – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, grassland with
scattered trees. Vouchers: Wamukoya OW 103, Greenway PG & Kanuri 10 (EA).
Cadaba stenopoda Gilg & Gilg-Ben. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland,
riverine forest, ca. 600 m. Vouchers: Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4276, Ossent
JR 112 (EA).
Capparis cartilaginea Decne. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland,
exposed rocks. Voucher: Ossent JR 702 (EA).
Capparis erythrocarpos Isert var. rosea (Klotzsch) DeWolf – Habit: Liana. Habitat:
Deciduous woodland, bushland and secondary scrub, ca. 925 m. Voucher: Mungai
GM et al. EW3585 (EA).
Capparis fascicularis DC. var. fascicularis – Habit: Liana/Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, grassland with scattered trees, 500–1180 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G
et al. EW259, Medley KE 951 (EA).
Capparis fascicularis DC. var. scheffleri (Gilg & Gilg-Ben.) DeWolf – Habit:
Shrub. Habitat: Lowland dry evergreen forest, deciduous bushland and secondary
scrub. Voucher: Ossent JR 136 (EA).
Capparis sepiaria L. var. fischeri (Pax) DeWolf – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous
bushland, grassland with scattered trees. Voucher: Gillet JB 19579 (EA).
Capparis sepiaria L. var. stuhlmannii (Gilg) DeWolf – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Deciduous woodland and bushland, riverine forest. Voucher: Napper D 1469
(EA).
Capparis tomentosa Lam. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, 500–650
m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005410 (EA, HIB), Medley KE 611, 725 & 762, Gardner N
2923, Bally PRO 8640 (EA).
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Maerua angolensis DC. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and
woodland, edges of upland rainforest, 550–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 504b,
827, 871 & 933 (EA).
Maerua crassifolia Forssk. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, thicket and
semi-desert scrub, 550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 512 & 957, Ossent JR 66
(EA).
Maerua decumbens (Brongn.) DeWolf – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, 550–865 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0200 (EA, HIB), Kimeu JM et al.
KEFRI 506, Chepkwony & Esilaba 29, Medley KE 857, Bally PRO 13370, Gardner HM 3011, Ossent JR EAH 1092S & 11468 (EA).
Maerua denhardtiorum Gilg – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, termite
mounds. Voucher: Hucks M 119 (EA).
Maerua endlichii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland
and grassland with scattered trees or shrubs, 550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE
765 & 786, Leuthhold W 89, Gillett JB 16871, Bally J 13392 (EA).
Maerua grantii Oliv. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous woodland, bushland,
grassland with scattered trees, 450–600 m. Voucher: Bally PRO 13298 (EA).
Maerua holstii Pax – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous woodland in dry sandy places, 550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 734 & 779, Ossent JR 110 (EA).
Maerua kirkii (Oliv.) F.White – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: High altitude bushland, riverine forest, 600–1180 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW286 & 1506, Kokwaro
JO 2614, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/435, Medley KE 848, Bally PRO 8746, Ossent JR 41 & 11470 (EA).
Maerua triphylla A.Rich. var. calophylla (Gilg) DeWolf – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous and evergreen bushland, riverine forest on rocky ground, 1080–1250 m.
Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 488, Faden RB & Evans A 71/123
(EA).
Maerua triphylla A.Rich. var. johannis (Volkens & Gilg) DeWolf – Habit: Tree.
Habitat: Deciduous bushland, grassland with scattered trees, termite mounds,
650–1371 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005386 & 005394 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS
82/33, Medley KE 578, 599, 685, 731, 739 & 896 (EA).
Ritchiea albersii Gilg – Habit: Tree. Habit: Upland rainforest, often at margins,
1000–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006385, Watuma BM W0132 (EA, HIB), Raler
I 0087, Faden RB et al. 71/127 & 72/208, Medley KE 1011 (EA).
Thilachium africanum Lour. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland, bushland and thicket, 550–1180 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004633 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW273, 2591 & 3312, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM
713, Medley KE 431, 853 & 964, Joanna B 9017, Gardner HM 2995, Dyson WG
538, Forest Dept. 2995 (EA).
Thilachium thomasii Gilg – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and
bushland, 550–1000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G, Nyaboke B & Matheka K 1031,
Kirika 1, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/235, Agnew ADQ & Part 1 Botany 7341,
Mildbraed 17, Murray High School 106, Medley KEM s.n. (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
77
F66. CARYOPHYLLACEAE
4 Genera, 4 species
Cerastium lanceolatum (Poir.) Volponi – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins &
glades, bushland, roadsides, weed of cultivated areas, 1371–2100 m. Vouchers:
Napier ER 1130, Kluguess LM 59, Drummond RB Hemsley JH 4283, Lavranos
JJ 11921 (EA).
Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex Roem. & Schult. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest and bushland margins, roadsides, cultivated lands, 1160–2170 m. Vouchers:
SAJIT–006366, Watuma BM W0107 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW3552,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 40, 126 & 435, Beentje HJ 2141, Napier ER 1113,
Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17068 (EA).
Pollichia campestris Aiton – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Open woodland, bushland,
waste places, ca. 1400 m. Voucher: Gilbert MG 5823 (EA).
Silene macrosolen Steud. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland, rocky places,
1430–1829 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW3095A, Gardner HM 2952 (EA).
F67. CELASTRACEAE
8 Genera, 15 species
Elaeodendron buchananii (Loes.) Loes. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, deciduous woodland, sometimes secondary forest, 1700–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 544, Raler I 0126 (EA).
Elaeodendron schlechterianum (Loes.) Loes. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Dry deciduous
woodland, fringing forest, 640–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 642, 718, 773,
825, 837 & 1039 (EA).
Elaeodendron schweinfurthianum (Loes.) Loes. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous
and semi-evergreen woodland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0003 (EA,
HIB), Medley KE 791 & 915 (EA).
Gymnosporia gracilis Loes. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest margins, thickets, 600–1402 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 5284, Faden RB, Evans A, Msafiri
F et al. 70/960, Medley KE 451, 452 & 472, Joanna B 8868 (EA).
Gymnosporia heterophylla (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Loes. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat:
650–1300 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005351 & 005405 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al.
71/118, Medley KE 522, 525, 526, 626 & 720 (EA).
Gymnosporia putterlickioides Loes. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry deciduous woodland, wooded grassland often in rocky places, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE
738 (EA).
Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland, thickets and scrub, 650–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006354 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW384, 523, 773, 909, 3145, Mungai GM et al. EW3579,
Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 460, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 122, Medley KE 510, 586 & 636, Hucks M 820 (EA).
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Loeseneriella africana (Willd.) R.Wilczek – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Moist evergreen
forest, forest margin, riverine forest. 900–1300 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005393 (EA,
HIB), Mungai G et al. EW1406, Hildebrandt JM 2581 (EA).
Maytenus acuminata (L.f.) Loes. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Understorey and margin
of upland of riverine forest, 1605–1902 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005330 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G, Nyaboke & Saidi S 1044, Faden RB et al. 71/52, Drummond RB
& Hemsley JH 4357 (EA).
Maytenus undata (Thunb.) Blakelock – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest, evergreen bushland and woodland, 800–1050 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004631 (EA, HIB), Medley
KE 717, 748, 803, 866 & 891 (EA).
Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest,
fringing forest, open woodland. 800–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 543, Raler I 0128, Medley KE 632, 668, 898 & 932 (EA).
Pleurostylia africana Loes. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest margins, deciduous woodland, termite mounds on rocky hillsides, 800–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et
al. NMK Exped. 612, Mungai GM et al. EW1294 (EA).
Pristimera goetzei (Loes.) R.H.Archer– Habit: Liana. Habitat: Evergreen forest,
1400–1814 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004515 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 5, Faden RB & Faden AJ 71/1011, Raler I 0036 (EA).
Salacia madagascariensis (Lam.) DC. – Habit: Shrub/Liana. Habitat: Lowland evergreen
forest, deciduous woodland, 1350–1450 m. Voucher: SAJIT–005339 (EA, HIB).
Salacia stuhlmanniana Loes. – Habit: Shrub/Liana. Habitat: Rainforest, riverine,
deciduous woodland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Cheseny CMC 72/1, Medley KE
946, 947 & 975 (EA).
F68. CLEOMACEAE
1 Genus, 6 species
Cleome briquetii Polhill – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and thickets
on rocky ground, 500–823 m. Vouchers: Napier ER 978, Gillett JB 17231, Polhill
RM & Kibuwa SP 958 (EA).
Cleome gynandra L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, waste, disturbed
and cultivated lands. Voucher: Hucks M 711 (EA).
Cleome hirta (Klotzsch) Oliv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and
grassland, 550–700 m. Vouchers: Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 934, Rauh W Ke 57,
Ossent JR 24, MacDonald J 866, Hucks M 707 (EA).
Cleome monophylla L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland, deciduous woodland
and bushland, roadside, disturbed areas, 1371–1580 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS
82/112, Napier ER 1102 (EA).
Cleome silvatica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest clearings, rocky grasslands & roadsides. Voucher: Gardiner N 2932 (EA).
Cleome usambarica Pax – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Bushland and thicket, streamside,
cultivated ground. Voucher: Joanna B 8843 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
79
F69. CLUSIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Garcinia volkensii Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Understorey in evergreen forest,
1000–1900 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–003292 & 005320, Watuma BM W0162 (EA,
HIB), Kabuye CHS 82/52, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 304 & 400, Beentje HJ
et al. NMK Exped. 1115, De BlocK P et al. 243, 299, 316 & 490, Faden RB et
al. 71/129, 226, 979 & 77/319, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4344, Medley
KE 793 & 997, Bally PRO 13624, Gardner HM 2967, Joanna B 9401, Raler I
0026 (EA).
F70. COMBRETACEAE
2 Genera, 12 species
Combretum aculeatum Vent. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and
woodland, grassy slopes, 580–750 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 457, Faden RB &
Faden AJ 74/260, Hooper SS & Townsend CC 1260 (EA).
Combretum exalatum Engl. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, thicket and wooded grassland, 575–1000 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0028
(EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 740, Mwachala G et al. EW554,
Mungai G et al. EW1767, Kuchar P, Msafiri F & Karime N 5695, Medley KE
1019, Hildebrandt JM 2561 (EA).
Combretum hereroense Schinz subsp. hereroense – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Wooded
grassland, Acacia-Commiphora bushland, ca. 700 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al.
EW3298 (EA).
Combretum hereroense Schinz var. parvifolium (Engl.) Wickens – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, wooded grassland. Voucher: Ossent JR 133 (EA).
Combretum hereroense Schinz subsp. volkensii (Engl.) Wickens – Habit: Shrub/
Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, wooded grassland, 600–950 m.
Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW858, Medley KE 547, Ossent JR 145 (EA).
Combretum molle R.Br. ex G.Don – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Wooded grassland and
bushland, 600–1250 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0008 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G
et al. EW220 & 283, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 450, Medley KE 637 &
780, Bally PRO 17123 (EA).
Combretum mossambicense (Klotzsch) Engl. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous and secondary bushland, wooded grassland, 610–950 m. Vouchers: Mungai G
et al. EW1765, Lavranos JJ 12340A, Gardner HM 1198 (EA).
Combretum psidioides Welw. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland, rocky hill
slopes, ca. 1300 m. Voucher: Mungai G et al. EW1322 (EA).
Terminalia brownii Fresen. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland, bushland,
grassland, riverine forest, 650–1200 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005367, Watuma BM
W0009 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW72, 949 & 1556, Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 483, Medley KE 419 & 854 (EA).
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Terminalia kilimandscharica Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland,
bushland and wooded grassland, rocky outcrops, 548–1200 m. Vouchers: Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12779, Small R 823 (EA).
Terminalia orbicularis Engl. & Diels – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora
bushland, 520–914 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/245 & 515, Dale IR
3896, Agnew ADQ & Part 1 Botany 7316, Verdcourt B Ke19, Rauh W 12521,
Ossent JR 147 & 1195 (EA).
Terminalia parvula Pamp. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 426–853 m. Vouchers: Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12641 & 12919 (EA).
Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora and Acacia-Combretum bushland, 550–1067 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et
al. EW975, Mungai GM et al. EW1769, Musya J & Safary 28, Faden RB & Faden
AJ 74/473, Medley KE 427, 652 & 841, Napier ER 897, Dale IR 2005, Ossent JR
158, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12640, Mr & Mrs Hucks HP 318 (EA).
Terminalia spinosa Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 500–
620 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 710, 759 & 840, Bally PRO 17121 (EA).
F71. CONNARACEAE
2 Genera, 2 species
Agelaea pentagyna (Lam.) Baill. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Upland rainforest, riparian forest, 1275–1850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006383 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et
al. EW1869, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4367, Bally PRO 8783, Joanna B
9079, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 866 & 1014, Raler I 0137 (EA), Faden RB
et al. 71/44 (EA).
Rourea thomsonii (Baker) Jongkind – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Montane forest remnants, upland rainforest, 1400–2000 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0143 (EA,
HIB), Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4337 & 4375, Joanna B 8998 (EA).
F72. CONVOLVULACEAE
7 Genera, 19 species
Astripomoea hyoscyamoides (Vatke) Verdc. var. hyoscyamoides – Habit: Subshrub.
Habitat: Deciduous bushland, roadside, cultivated or disturbed ground, ca. 600 m.
Voucher: Hucks M 576 (EA).
Cuscuta planiflora Ten. var. holstii Baker & Rendle – Habit: Climber. Habitat: On
herbs in grasslands, ca. 1710 m. Voucher: Gardner HM 2964 (EA).
Hildebrandtia sepalosa Rendle – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-CommiphoraEuphorbia-Sanseveria bushland, 500–650 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ
74/461, Ossent JR 10, 50 & 54, Lubai lK HB20 (EA).
Ipomoea biflora (L.) Pers. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Dry bush, woodland, grassland, cultivated lands, 1056 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0158 (EA, HIB).
Ipomoea bullata Oliv. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Dry bushland, 548–914 m. Vouchers: Joanna B 8877, Ossent JR 126, Bally PRO 74 & 8613, Rauh W 840 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
81
Ipomoea eriocarpa R.Br. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Grassland, hedgerows, cultivated lands, ca. 610 m. Voucher: Napier ER 1049 (EA).
Ipomoea hartmannii Vatke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora deciduous bushland, 600–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 603,
Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2763, Hildebrandt JM 2564, Ossent JR 10952
(EA).
Ipomoea hildebrandtii Vatke subsp. hildebrandtii – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: AcaciaCommiphora deciduous bushland, 914–1371 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0151
(EA, HIB), Napier ER 1078, Bally PRO 8117, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2739
& 2744, Irwin PH 156 (EA).
Ipomoea involucrata P.Beauv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, secondary forest, abandoned cultivations, 2000–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006360 (EA, HIB), Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 120, Gillett JB et al. 17096 (EA).
Ipomoea kituiensis Vatke var. kituiensis – Habit: Herb/Climber. Habitat: Deciduous
bushland and woodland, 650–950 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0001 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW847, Medley KE 420 (EA).
Ipomoea mombassana Vatke var. mombassana – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Commiphora, Combretum bushland and woodland, secondary bushland, ca. 610 m.
Vouchers: Ossent JR 11003, Jeffrey GW 815 (EA).
Ipomoea ochracea (Lindl.) G.Don – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest clearings, thickets, rocky places, ca. 950 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW766 (EA).
Ipomoea pes-tigridis L. var. pes-tigridis – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Grassland, bushland and plantations, ca. 610 m. Voucher: Napier ER 970 (EA).
Ipomoea pes-tigridis L. var. longibracteata Vatke – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and thickets. Vouchers: Hildebrandt JM 2420, Bally PRO 8801
(EA).
Ipomoea sp. A of FTEA – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Woodland, ca. 866 m. Voucher:
Mwachala G, Nyaboke B & Matheka K 1059 (EA).
Ipomoea stenosiphon Hallier f. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora deciduous bushland, rocky areas, ca. 1219 m. Voucher: Napier ER 1125 (EA).
Ipomoea wightii (Wall.) Choisy var. kilimandschari (Dammer) Verdc. – Habit:
Climber. Habitat: Open forest and scrub, 800–1550 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS
et al. NMK Exped. 613, Mwachala G et al. EW3055A, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 845, Klungness LM 5 (EA).
Lepistemon owariensis (P.Beauv.) Hallier f. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Rainforest,
riverine forest, 1100–1220 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW2572, Napier ER
1138 (EA).
Metaporana densiflora (Hallier f.) N.E.Br. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Secondary evergreen bushland, abandonded cultivated ground, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Kimeu
JM, Meso M & Wafula A KEFRI 507, Medley KEM 636 (EA).
Stictocardia incomta (Hallier f.) Hallier f. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: TerminaliaCombretum-Acacia bushland on rocky slopes, 500–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS
et al. NMK Exped. 613, Hucks M 1074 (EA).
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F73. CRASSULACEAE
3 Genera, 13 species
Cotyledon barbeyi Schweinf. ex Baker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky slopes, termite mounds in Acacia bushland, 1000–1330 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al.
EW3092A, Bally PRO 13404 (EA).
Crassula alata (Viv.) A.Berger subsp. pharnaceoides (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Wickens
& Bywater – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist rock crevices, stream banks, ca. 1600
m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW3136 (EA).
Crassula alba Forssk. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rock crevices and rocky outcrops,
1270–1600 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3158, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 1139 (EA).
Crassula alsinoides (Hook.f.) Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland forest margins,
moist grounds, streams, 1700–1950 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004543 & 006405 (EA,
HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 899, Gillett JB & Burtt BL 17066, Mwachala
G s.n. (EA).
Crassula globularioides Britten – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rock crevices. Vouchers:
Bally PRO 13525, Joanna B 9062 (EA).
Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. subsp. phyturus (Mildbr.) R.Fern. – Habit:
Herb. Habitat: Rocks in upland forest and grassland, 1400–1640 m. Voucher:
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 2 (EA).
Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. subsp. schimperi – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Moist rocks, rock crevices, epiphyte on tree trunks, ca. 1800 m. Voucher: Kabuye
CHS 82/61 (EA).
Crassula volkensii subsp. coleae (Baker) Wickens & Bywater – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist thicket, volcanic rock crevices, 980–1371 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et
al. EW2650, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/486, Napier ER 756 (EA).
Crassula volkensii Engl. subsp. volkensii – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shady rocky
ground, 950–2000 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/65, Mwachala G et al. EW1274,
Luke WRQ & Luke PA 6413, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 324, Bally PRO
13414, Gardner HM 3013 (EA).
Kalanchoe × auriculata (Raadts) V.V.Byalt – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dense or open
bushland on rocky slopes, ca. 914 m. Voucher: Magius in EA Polhill RM 404 (EA).
Kalanchoe densiflora Rolfe – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest margins,
glades and riverbanks, 1450–1800 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/106, Wakanene
KM & Mwangangi OM 236 & 641, Bytebier B 1280, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 495 (EA).
Kalanchoe lateritia Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous and semi-deciduous
woodland and forest, 760–1150 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped.
651, Mungai G et al. EW2659, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/535, Faden RB, Evans
A & Githui M 70/150 (EA).
Kalanchoe miniata Hilsenb. & Bojer ex Tul. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wooded grassland, bushland and scrub, ca. 1060 m. Voucher: Bally PRO 13533 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
83
Kalanchoe nyikae Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, 760–1040 m.
Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW2657, Faden RB et al. 70/151 (EA).
Kalanchoe prittwitzii Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, open bush and grassland,
ca. 1350 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW2666 (EA).
F74. CUCURBITACEAE
13 Genera, 29 species
Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Grassland
and bushland, old plantations and cultivation, 610–1150 m. Voucher: Ogola B &
Mwangangi OM et al. 25 & 26 (EA), Napier ER 1048 (EA).
Coccinia grandiflora Cogn. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Upland rainforest, 1425–
1850 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0209 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
423 & 799, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 879, Bally 13759 (EA).
Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, woodland & wooded grassland, riverine, 600–1250 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al.
NMK Exped. 423, Muchelle WN HB 16/94, Sanganyi SK HB 14, Joanna B 8929
(EA).
Coccinia microphylla Gilg – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Deciduous dry bushland and
Combretum wooded grassland, ca. 950 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW1318
& 1319 (EA).
Coccinia trilobata (Cogn.) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Wooded grassland,
deciduous bushland, 685–823 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005338 (EA, HIB), Polhill
RM & Kibuwa SP 962, Verdcourt B 3888 (EA).
Corallocarpus epigaeus (Rottler) Hook.f. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Margins of
upland forest, wooded grassland, deciduous bushland, 600–800 m. Vouchers: Verdcourt B 1111 (EA), Hucks M 554 (EA).
Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenb. ex Spach – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Bushland, woodland, wooded grassland, weed of cultivation, 610–1540 m. Vouchers: Wakanene
KM & Mwangangi OM 331, Bernard O & Mwangangi OM et al. 8, 21 & 23,
Napier ER 967 (EA).
Cucumis ficifolius A.Rich. – Habit: Climber: Habitat: Upland grassland, 1250–1600
m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1154, Greenway PJ 8951 (EA).
Cucumis maderaspatanus L. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Riverine margins, seasonal
swamps, damp woodland and bushland. Vouchers: Lubai lK HB13, Muchelle WN
HB14/94 (EA).
Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Rain and ground
water forest, seasonal swamp grasslands, ca. 1170 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al.
EW3208 (EA).
NE
Gerrardanthus grandiflorus Cogn. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland and lowland
rainforest, 640–1850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004628 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ &
Luke PA 16118, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 1121B & 1216, Faden RB & Faden
AJ 74/234 (EA). Near Threatened.
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Gerrardanthus lobatus (Cogn.) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Deciduous
bushland, woodland and wooded grassland. 600–850 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G
et al. EW3307, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/446, Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 939,
Archer PG 567 (EA).
Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Rainforest margins,
semi-evergreen woodland and bushland, wooded grassland, 600–950 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0173 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW262, 1171 & 1225,
Verdcourt B 3887, Napier ER 922, Hucks M 795 (EA).
Kedrostis leloja (J.F.Gmel.) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, thicket woodland, 600–700 m. Vouchers: Ossent JR 118, Hucks M 560 (EA).
Kedrostis pseudogijef (Gilg) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Deciduous bushland
and woodland, 609–800 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/253, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4414, Verdcourt B 3888A, Gardner HM 2587, Hucks
M 444 (EA).
Lagenaria sphaerica (Sond.) Naudin – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Riverine, ground
water forest, old cultivations, 1000–1665 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0117 (EA,
HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW267, Ogola B & Mwangangi OM 3, Napier ER 969,
Joanna B et al. 9104 (EA).
Momordica boivinii Baill. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and
woodland, 998–1370 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004626 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS
82/8 & 144, Mwachala G et al. EW3162, Mungai GM et al. EW3170 & 3583,
Cheseny CMC 72/3, Napier ER 1095, Joanna B 9100, Fleuret A 7 (EA).
Momordica calantha Gilg – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Secondary forest undergrowth
and margins on steep rocky hill, 1550–1580 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0257
(EA, HIB).
Momordica foetida Schumach. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest edges and clearings,
riverine forests, secondary thickets, 1270–1814 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006409, Watuma BM W0118 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW3193 & 3203, Ogola B &
Mwangangi OM et al. 23 (EA).
Momordica friesiorum (Harms) C.Jeffrey – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Upland rainforest, margins and clearings, 1851–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006368 (EA,
HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 121 (EA).
Momordica rostrata Zimm. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, thicket,
woodland and wooded grassland, 579–1039 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0312
(EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW265, Muasya J et al. KEFRI 78, Verdcourt B &
Polhill RM 2736, Ossent JR 27 & 45, Napier ER 1023 (EA).
Momordica spinosa (Gilg) Chiov. – Habit: Shrub/Climber. Habitat: Deciduous
bushland, 420–600 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/285, Napier ER 1026,
Hucks M 698 & 876, Joanna B 9070 (EA).
Oreosyce africana Hook.f. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Disturbed rainforests, edges
and clearings, 1500–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004525 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 95, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 926, Joanna B 9103 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
85
Peponium vogelii (Hook.f.) Engl. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Upland rainforest,
ground water forest, woodland and bushland near open water, 750–1875 m.
Vouchers: SAJIT–006394, Watuma BM W0209 & W0267 (EA, HIB), Faden RB
et al. NMK Exped. 221 & 463, Gillett JB 17230 (EA).
Trochomeria macrocarpa (Sond.) Hook.f. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Deciduous
woodland and bushland, 859–1200 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006420 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW1443, Joanna B & Opiko 9122 (EA).
Zehneria emirnensis (Baker) Keraudren – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Rainforest,
1700–1875 m. Vouchers: Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17103 (EA), Faden
RB et al NMK Exped 259 (EA).
Zehneria scabra (L.f.) Sond – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Rainforest, moist places in
deciduous bushland, roadside, cultivations, 1115–2000 m. Vouchers: Watuma
BM W0265 (EA, HIB), Mungai GM et al. EW1320, Luke WRQ & Luke PA
et al. 5306 & 5385, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4326, Klungness LM 41
(EA).
Zehneria oligosperma C.Jeffrey – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Rainforest, moist places
in deciduous bushland, 1800–1950 m. Voucher: Drummond RB & Hemsely JH
4333 (EA).
E
Zehneria tuberifera G.W.Hu & Q.F.Wang – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Understorey
and at forest edges of moist forests, 1700–1950 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006350, Watuma BM W0044, W0298 & W0299 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
553 (EA).
F75. DICHAPETALACEAE
1 Genus, 2 species
Dichapetalum eickii Ruhland – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Upland wet evergreen forest, 1400–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005327 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS 84/73,
Mwachala G & Nyaboke 1042, Breteler FJ 7508, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6635,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 324 & 489, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 951,
Faden RB et al. 71/21 & 891, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4330, Raler I 0097
(EA).
Dichapetalum ruhlandii Engl. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Forest, secondary regrowth
on rocky sites, bushland, 1500–1600 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0137 (EA,
HIB), Breteler FJ 7506, Bally PRO 8775 (EA).
NE
F76. DIDIEREACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Calyptrotheca taitense (Pax & Vatke) Brenan – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous
bushland, open woodland and grassland with Acacia, 500–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 877, Hilderbrandt JM 2577 (EA).
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F77. EBENACEAE
2 Genera, 7 species
Diospyros abyssinica (Hiern) F.White subsp. abyssinica – Habit: Tree. Habitat:
Fringing and dry evergreen forest, open montane bushland and woodland, 900–
1875 m. Vouchers: Christenhusz MJM et al. 6660, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
241, Kimuzi D 4, Medley KE 675, Raler I 0056 (EA).
Diospyros consolatae Chiov. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Evergreen dry forest, Acacia, Terminalia, Combretum woodland, 600–1200 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005401
(EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 626, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi
OM 523, Medley KE 430 & 847, Dale IR 3883 (EA).
Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A.DC. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Fringing forest,
Combretum woodland, deciduous bushland, 550–650 m. Voucher: Medley KE
460 (EA).
Diospyros natalensis (Harv.) Brenan – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Moist semi-deciduous
forest, 650–1400 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 71/136, Medley KE 892, Joanna
B 8865 (EA).
Diospyros zombensis (B.L.Burtt) F.White – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Euphorbia, Terminalia, Combretum and Acacia woodland, rocky slopes, 800–950 m. Vouchers:
Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 624, Joanna B 8766 (EA).
Euclea divinorum Hiern – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest margins on
rocky slopes, secondary forest, open bushland, 450–1900 m. Vouchers: Mwachala
G et al. EW509, 1246 & 3254, Mungai GM et al. EW1430, Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 451, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6681, Medley KE 471, 615 &
912, Bally PRO 13297 (EA).
Euclea racemosa L. subsp. schimperi (A.DC.) F.White – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Bushland, grassland with scattered trees, 550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE
435 & 763 (EA).
F78. ERICACEAE
2 Genera, 3 species
Agarista salicifolia (Lam.) G.Don – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest remnants and margins, 1400–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004576 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 664, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 31 & 92, Joanna B 9091,
Faden RB et al. 70/573, Gardner HM R2977 (EA).
Erica arborea L. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Above forest on mountains, open forest
especially in rocky areas, 1450–1750 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi
OM 312 & 637 (EA).
Erica mannii (Hook.f.) Beentje subsp. usambarensis (Alm & T.C.E.Fr.) Beentje
– Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Rocky forest edges, hill forest clearings and secondary association, 1000–2170 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW3559, Faden RB et al.
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
87
NMK Exped. 27 & 107, Medley KE 1018, Gillett JB et al. 17095, Raler I 0070,
Joanna B 8874 (EA).
F79. ERYTHROXYLACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Evergreen and
mist forest, 900–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005417 (EA, HIB), Faden RB, Evans
A & Githui M 70/178, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 516, Medley KE 475, 623,
645 & 908, Dale IR 3822 (EA).
F80. EUPHORBIACEAE
13 Genera, 55 species
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Montane forest and associated woodland, deciduous bushland, 580–1776 m.
Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW29, Medley KE 983, Christenhusz MJM et al.
6637 (EA).
Acalypha paniculata Miq. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forests, clearings and edges, disturbed areas, ca. 1250 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW2582 (EA).
Acalypha volkensii Pax – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest undergrowth, edges and
associated bushland, montane woodland, 650–1750 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
W0226 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 306 & 562, Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 30, Medley KE 994, Mbale M et al. NMK 960 (EA).
Argomuellera macrophylla Pax – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest undergrowth,
1425–1850 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1043, Gardner 2948,
Raler I 0091 (EA).
Croton dichogamus Pax – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Dry forest, bushland and
thicket, 970–1150 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW208, Mungai GM et al.
EW2652, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12825, Morawetz JJ 406, Hucks M 915 (EA).
Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Secondary forests
and forest edges, 1250–1550 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. 1257, Beentje HJ et
al. NMK Exped. 852 (EA).
Croton megalocarpus Hutch. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, 1644–2000
m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0261 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi
OM 77, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 527, Raler I 0062 (EA).
Croton menyharthii Pax – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and thicket,
550–650 m. Voucher: Medley KE 544b (EA).
Croton pseudopulchellus Pax – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest, deciduous woodland, bushland and thicket, 550–1110 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005414
(EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW1289, Mungai GM et al. EW1372, Faden RB
& Faden AJ 74/483, Medley KE 545, 722 & 754, Joanna B 8835 (EA).
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Croton sylvaticus Hochst. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest edges and secondary forests,
1700–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0284, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
546 (EA).
Erythrococca bongensis Pax – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest edges and associated
bushland along rivers, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 694 (EA).
Erythrococca kirkii (Müll.Arg.) Prain – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Bushland and thicket
along streams, ca. 1050 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0152 (EA, HIB), Bally PRO
12694 (EA).
Euphorbia bicompacta Bruyns – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Open deciduous bushland
and woodland on rocky slopes, 800–1826 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0104
(EA, HIB), Luke WRQ et al. 5344, Medley KE 965, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 743, Napier ER 1322 (EA).
Euphorbia breviarticulata Pax var. breviarticulata – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry
open Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 465–600 m. Vouchers: Kirika P, Kamau P &
Ndiege C GBK 44, Leach LC & Bayliss R 10241 (EA).
Euphorbia buruana Pax – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 500–1150 m. Vouchers: Engler 1930a (EA), Bally C 14138 (EA), Bally PRO
13407 (EA), Morawets JJ & Wabuyele E 405 (EA), Leach LC 10301 (EA).
Euphorbia bussei Pax var. bussei – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Open deciduous bushland,
rocky slopes, sandy soils, ca. 953 m. Voucher: Mwachala G, Nyaboke, Saidi S
1033 (EA). Endangered.
Euphorbia bussei Pax var. kibwezensis (N.E.Br.) S.Carter – Habit: Tree. Habitat:
Deciduous woodland, steep rocky slopes, 570–1067 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G
et al. EW501, Morawets JJ & Wabuyele E 400, Dyson WG 537, Leach LC et al.
10299, Bally PRO 14158, 14210, 14211 & 14214, Baslev H 50, Robertson SA
6774, Polhill RM & Paulo S 472 (EA).
E
Euphorbia classenii P.R.O.Bally & S.Carter – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Exposed rock
faces with deciduous woodland, 700–800 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA
4169, Classen SA 70 (EA).
Euphorbia crotonoides Boiss. subsp. crotonoides – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open
woodland, scattered bushland, ca. 874 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0178 (EA,
HIB).
Euphorbia cryptospinosa P.R.O.Bally – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Open dry deciduous
bushland, 426–600 m. Vouchers: Gillett JB 21004, Hucks M 604, Greenway PJ
& Kanuri K 12665 & 13021 (EA).
Euphorbia cuneata Vahl subsp. spinescens (Pax) S.Carter – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry sandy soils in open Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 460–750 m. Vouchers:
Geldermalsen-de Jongh, E van 131, Hucks M 842, Bally PRO 13444, Morawetz
JJ & Wabuyele E 408 (EA).
Euphorbia cuneata Vahl var. pumilans S.Carter – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Grasslands, open Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 950–1400 m. Vouchers: Gillett JB
19589, Bally PRO 13412 & 13812, Gilbert MG 5818 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
89
Euphorbia engleri Pax – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest undergrowth and dense bushland, 1425–2164 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0089 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS
82/75, Mwachala G & Nyaboke 1041, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 41,
Christenhusz MJM et al. 6627, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 206, 380 & 557,
Faden RB & Faden AJ 71/1027 & 77/ 338, Beentje HJ 2129, Drummond RB &
Hemsley JH 4359, Gillett JB et al. 17105, Heller E s.n. (EA).
NE
Euphorbia furcata N.E.Br. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia bushland in dry rocky
sandy soils, ca. 700 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4180 (EA). Vulnerable.
Euphorbia guentheri (Pax) Bruyns – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Amongst grass in open
scrubland, 915–1000 m. Vouchers: Bally PRO E92 & 13405, Uhlig C 48 (EA).
Euphorbia heterochroma Pax subsp. heterochroma – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: AcaciaCommiphora bushland, 600–900 m. Voucher: Lubai IK HB23 (EA).
Euphorbia heterochroma Pax subsp. tsavoensis S.Carter – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Deciduous bushland, rocky outcrops, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Morawetz JJ &
Wabuyele E 402, Bally PRO 13351, Hucks M 978, Medley KEM p.r. (EA).
Euphorbia ingens E.Mey. ex Boiss. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Open wooded grasslands,
rocky slopes, 550–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE p.r. (EA).
NE
Euphorbia neoglaucescens Bruyns – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry deciduous woodland, rocky slopes, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 743
(EA).
Euphorbia nyikae Pax ex Engl. var. neovolkensii (Pax) S.Carter – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Open deciduous woodland, Commiphora scrub, 570–900 m. Vouchers: Polhill
RM & Kibuwa SP 472, Balslev H 50, Dyson WG 537 (EA).
NE
Euphorbia petricola P.R.O.Bally & S.Carter – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry AcaciaCommiphora forest on rocky hillside, ca. 1050 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke
PA 6448 (EA). Endangered.
Euphorbia polyacantha Boiss. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shrub. Habitat: CommiphoraSansevieria bushland thicket, ca. 520 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/477
(EA).
Euphorbia polyantha Pax – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Dry deciduous bushland on
sandy stony soils, ca. 540 m. Voucher: Gillett JB 17211 (EA).
Euphorbia pseudomollis Bruyns – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Open deciduous woodland
on slopes, succulent thicket, 700–900 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 6432,
Bally PRO 12725, Leach LC & Bayliss R 10258 (EA).
Euphorbia quinquecostata Volkens – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Mixed deciduous woodland on rocky hillsides, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Verdcourt B 3891, Bally PRO
8658, Dyson WG 536 (EA).
Euphorbia robecchii Pax – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Open Acacia-Commiphora bushland,
457–650 m. Vouchers: Morawetz JJ & Wabuyele E 409, Greenway PJ & Kanuri
K 12831, Bally PRO E15, Leach LC & Bayliss B 10225, Medley KE p.r. (EA).
Euphorbia scheffleri Pax – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Open Acacia-Commiphora
bushland on sandy stony soils, 640–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 521, Polhill
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RM & Kibuwa SP 933, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4415, Gillett JB 17207
(EA).
Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele var. pubescens (N.E.Br.) S.Carter – Habit: Shrub.
Habitat: Forest clearings and edges, in grass, ca. 1000 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et
al. EW2564 (EA).
*Euphorbia serpens Kunth – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Roadsides, ca. 560 m. Voucher:
Bally PRO 13250 (EA).
Euphorbia systyloides Pax – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open woodland, disturbed sites in
grass, ca. 970 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW20 (EA).
Euphorbia tenuispinosa Gilli var. robusta P.R.O.Bally & S.Carter – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Dry deciduous bushland in rock sandy soils, 550–800 m. Voucher: Luke
WRQ et al. 4256, Medley KEM p.r. (EA).
Euphorbia tenuispinosa Gilli var. tenuispinosa – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, open evergreen forest, 609–1100 m. Vouchers: Napier ER 988,
Bally PRO 13415 & 14139, Gilbert MG 5816, Tweedie 86 (EA). Vulnerable.
Euphorbia tirucalli L. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Grassland, thin woodland,
homesteads, 998–1219 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0318 (EA, HIB), Bally PRO
& Carter S 14136, Napier ER 1147, Medley KEM p.r. (EA).
Euphorbia transvaalensis Schltr.– Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dense bushland, light
woodland near stream beds, 450–500 m.Voucher: Greenway PJ & Kanuri K
12678 (EA).
Euphorbia umbellata (Pax) Bruyns – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Rocky slopes with dry
open woodland, 1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 340 (EA).
Euphorbia usambarica Pax subsp. usambarica – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Understorey in open montane forest, 950–1850 m. Vouchers: Morawetz JJ & Wabuyele E
401, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17105, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
1000, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1072, Bally PRO 8776 & 13599 (EA).
*Jatropha curcas L. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Hedge plant escaping into the
wild. Voucher: Otieno GO 77A (EA).
Jatropha spicata Pax – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and thicket,
shallow soil on rocky hillsides, 487–1000 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA
4175, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/434, Medley KE 479, 508 & 805, Hildebrandt
JM 2428, Napier ER 920, Bally PRO 8674, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2710,
Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12657 & 12719, Verdcourt B 5320, Mrs. Robertson
SA 7503 (EA).
NE
Jatropha velutina Pax & K.Hoffm. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland and mixed thicket, 550–700 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA
4171, Medley KE 504 (EA).
Macaranga capensis (Baill.) Sim – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, 1200–
1850 m. Vouchers: Raler I 0015, Faden RB et al. 70/515, NMK Taita Hills Exped.
1183 (EA).
NE
Macaranga conglomerata Brenan – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland evergreen forest,
1350–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0062 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM &
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
91
Mwangangi OM 213 & 623, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4372, Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 202 & 462, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1097, Faden RB et
al. 71/18, 247, 72/200 & 77/318, Raler 0147 (EA). Vulnerable.
Macaranga kilimandscharica Pax – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, secondary
forest, 1000–1800 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW3557, Bally PRO 13601 (EA).
Mildbraedia carpinifolia (Pax) Hutch var. carpinifolia – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Forest undergrowth and edges, riverine, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al.
NMK Exped. 617 (EA). Vulnerable.
Neoboutonia macrocalyx Pax – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest edges, openings and regrowth, 1700–2000 m. Vouchers: Raler I 0136, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 346
& 500, Gillett JB 17244, Heller E s.n. (EA).
*Ricinus communis L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen bushland, roadsides, near
homesteads, 1040–1778 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0286 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW1219 & 1360 (EA).
Spirostachys africana Sond. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and
bushland, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 914 (EA).
Suregada zanzibariensis Baill. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest, woodland and bushland, 650–1150 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW1654, Medley KE 536, 538,
542, 598, 676 & 712, Faden RB et al. 69/447 (EA).
Tragia brevipes Pax – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest edges and thickets, riverine, disturbed sites, 1048–1250 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0161 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW2576 (EA).
Tragia impedita Prain – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Roadsides, rocky or disturbed deciduous bushland and wooded grassland, ca. 600 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Faden
AJ 74/453 (EA).
F82. FABACEAE
55 Genera, 125 species
Abrus precatorius L. subsp. africanus Verdc. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Woodland,
bushland, grassland with scattered thicket, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004528
(EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 614, Medley KE 584 (EA).
Abrus fruticulosus Wall. ex Wight & Arn. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia woodland,
bushland on rocky slopes, forest edge, 700–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al.
NMK Exped. 728, Mwachala G et al. EW780, Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 957,
Bally J 12705 (EA).
*Acacia mearnsii De Wild. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest and forest remnant margins, 1830–2170 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0094 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 90 (EA).
*Acacia melanoxylon R.Br. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Remnant forest patches, 2000–
2170 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 91 (EA).
Adenocarpus mannii (Hook.f.) Hook.f. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Margins of upland
rainforest, ca. 1814 m. Voucher: SAJIT–004549 (EA, HIB).
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Aeschynomene schimperi Hochst. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Riverine vegetation, 800–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 698,
Mwachala G et al. EW1683 (EA).
Afroamphica africana (Hook.f.) H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Evergreen forest in open areas and path sides, 1100–1980 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004571 & 006363 (EA, HIB), Mungai GM et al. EW1307, Drummond RB
& Hemsley JH 4288 (EA).
Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) W.Wight var. intermedia (De Wild. &
T.Durand) Villiers – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Lowland rainforest, deciduous woodland, ca. 900 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW1689 (EA).
Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boivin – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Edge of deciduous bushland
near stream, bushed grassland, ca. 1059 – 1070 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0150
(EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW1367 (EA).
Albizia anthelmintica (A.Rich.) Brongn. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, 550–650 m. Voucher: Medley KE 943 (EA).
Albizia gummifera (J.F.Gmel.) C.A.Sm. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest,
1220–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0291 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 328, Joanna 8945 & 8961, Faden RB et al. 71/1003, Medley KE 919 (EA).
Albizia harveyi E.Fourn. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Bushland, 500–650 m. Vouchers:
Medley KE 1004, Medley KE s.n. (EA).
Albizia petersiana (Bolle) Oliv. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Ground water forests, bushland, ravines in deciduous woodland. Voucher: Joanna B 8796 (EA).
Albizia zimmermannii Harms – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Secondary bush near lowland
rainforest, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley 689 & 716, Joanna B 8905 (EA).
Antopetitia abyssinica A.Rich. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest clearings, roadsides,
weed in cultivations, 1817–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004550 & 006401 (EA,
HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 110 (EA).
Bauhinia taitensis Taub. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, dry scrub
with trees, 457–640 m. Vouchers: Mwangangi 7, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/444,
Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12728, Bally PRO 8852, Hildebrandt JM 2603, Ossent
JR 148 (EA).
Bauhinia tomentosa L. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Woodland, deciduous bushland and
thicket along river, 800–1061 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005358, Watuma BM W0163
(EA, HIB), Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/468, Medley KE 486 & 818, Drummond
RB & Hemsley JH 4407, Sacleux C 2366 (EA).
* Biancaea decapetala (Roth) O.Deg. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Mist forest margin
next to cultivated lands, pathside, ca. 1851 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0091 (EA,
HIB).
*Calliandra houstoniana (Mill.) Standl. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Margins of relict
montane forest, cultivated lands, ca. 1348 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0228 (EA,
HIB).
Cassia abbreviata Oliv. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and dry scrub
with trees, 500–1000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 69/417, Medley KE 1020,
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
93
Friis I & Hansen OJ 2663, Vesey-FitzGerald LDEF 41, Hucks M 431, Bally PRO
13283, Tim C & Oakley s.n. (EA).
Chamaecrista kirkii (Oliv.) Standl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges and clearings, grassland, ca. 1500 m. Voucher: SAJIT–004116 (EA, HIB).
Chamaecrista mimosoides (L.) Greene – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest clearings and
margins, wooded grassland, cultivated and waste grounds, ca. 1220 m. Voucher:
Napier ER 1073 in CM 2242 (EA).
Chamaecrista zambesica (Oliv.) Lock – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Wooded grassland, grassland, 914–1600 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1156,
Hildebrandt JM 2464 (EA).
Craibia brevicaudata (Vatke) Dunn – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, semideciduous woodland, dry forest on rocky slopes, riverine, 487–1640 m. Vouchers:
Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5526, Faden RB, Evans A & Msafiri F 70/958, Verdcourt
B & Polhill RM 2715, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 13027, Medley KE 556, 581,
719 & 995 (EA). Near Threatened.
Craibia zimmermannii (Harms) Dunn – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest, 1425–1875
m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0270 (EA, HIB), Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
877, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 384 & 537, Faden RB et al. 70/529, 748 &
71/970, Raler I 0013 (EA).
Crotalaria axillaris Aiton – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest margins, deciduous
woodland and bushland, abandoned cultivations, 1250–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005342 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW3526, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 347 & 436, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 188 (EA).
Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. barkae – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous
bushland and grassland, ca. 900 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW2810 (EA).
Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Roadside in bracken zone, sandy places in grassland and stream sides, 900–1360
m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/146, Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/257, Flauret A 13
(EA).
Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. teitensis (Sacleux) Polhill – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and bushland, grassland, 530–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye
CHS et al. NMK Exped. 653, Muasya S 45, Sacleux C 2406, Soest LU EA16062
(EA).
Crotalaria distantiflora Baker f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest clearings
and margins, 1371–1780 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 613a
& 740, Napier ER 1100 (EA).
Crotalaria goodiiformis Vatke – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Margins and clearings of upland rainforest, dry evergreen forest, deciduous woodland, 720–950 m. Vouchers:
Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 735, Gillett JB 18744, Hildebrandt JM 2548
(EA).
Crotalaria greenwayi Baker f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland, deciduous bushland, persisting on cultivated ground, 620–853 m. Vouchers: Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 10428, Gillett JB & Burtt BL 17175 (EA).
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Crotalaria incana L. subsp. incana – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: 950–1580 m.
Vouchers: SAJIT–004109 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW2806 & 3066A (EA).
Crotalaria laburnifolia L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous woodland, bushland,
secondary scrub, grassland, roadsides, 700–1773 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005369,
Watuma BM W0263 (EA, HIB), Kirika P, Rory M, Mbale M NMK 594, Luke
WRQ et al. 4230, Gillett JB 17219 (EA).
NE
Crotalaria lukwangulensis Harms – Habit: Shrub/Liana. Habitat: Rainforest margins and clearings, 1425–2195 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM
375, Mwasaru G 24, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 129 & 950, Faden RB et al.
71/1005, Lavranos JJ & Newton 17642, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2716, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4358, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17088 (EA).
Crotalaria natalitia Meisn. var. rutshuruensis De Wild. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Margins of upland rainforest and grassland, deciduous bushland and woodland, 1350–2000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW2665, Beentje HJ et al.
NMK Exped. 883 & 927, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4300 (EA).
Crotalaria polysperma Kotschy – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and
bushland, Acacia-Commiphora scrub, 600–701 m. Vouchers: Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 967, Mrs. Robertson SA 6542 (EA).
Crotalaria scassellatii Chiov. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest margins, deciduous
bushland and grassland, rocky outcrops, 610–950 m. Vouchers: Kirika P, Rory M
& Mbale M NMK 593, Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 936 (EA).
Crotalaria ukambensis Vatke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and scattered tree grassland, 609–1100 m. Vouchers: Cheseny CMC 32/72, Polhill RM
& Kibuwa SP 932, Gillett JB 17232, Napier ER 930, Rauh W KE71 (EA). Endangered.
Crotalaria vallicola Baker f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland and secondary bushland, rock outcrops, cleared and cultivated lands, 1371–1480 m. Vouchers: Napier
ER 1129 (EA), Hemp A 4566 (EA).
NE
Cynometra sp. A of FTEA – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Moist forest, 1425–1850 m.
Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 70/564, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 783, Raler I
0014 (EA).
Dalbergia lactea Vatke – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland forest, forest margins and
evergreen bushland, 1425–1851 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006341, Watuma BM
W0087 (EA, HIB), Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 425, Hildebrandt JM 2439,
Gardner HM 2945 (EA).
Dalbergia melanoxylon Guill. & Perr. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous
woodland, rocky slopes and valleys, 650–1400 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/95,
Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 680, Mwachala G et al. EW104, 964, 1237,
1326, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 457, Medley KE 865 & 916 (EA). Near
Threatened.
Dalbergia microphylla Chiov. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland,
710–960 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 559 & 860, Gillett JB 19564, Joanna B 8834
(EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
95
Dalbergia vacciniifolia Vatke – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland
and woodland, 600–850 m. Voucher: Medley KE 858b (EA).
Delonix elata (L.) Gamble – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous thickets and bushland,
550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 415, Napier ER Bax TNP/E/36 (EA).
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. cinerea – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Deciduous bushland and woodland, grassy slopes near forest, 944–1150 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0004 (EA, HIB), Mungai GM et al. EW1392 & 1668 (EA).
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. forbesii (Benth.) Brenan & Brummitt – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen bushland, clump grassland, 550–1250 m.
Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 439, Medley KE 464 (EA).
Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. glabrescens Verdc. – Habit: Climber. Habitat:
Bushland and dry evergreen forest, 1219–1400 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW3108A, Napier ER 1085 & 1088, Animal Husbandry Division EA 14194 (EA).
Entada leptostachya Harms – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, dry scrub
with trees, 550–884 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0177 (EA, HIB), Medley KE
519, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/267, Braun K 1540 (EA).
Eriosema montanum Baker f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges, bushland, grassland, 914–2000 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 4221, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 907, Hildebrandt JM 2445 (EA).
Eriosema psoraleoides (Lam.) G.Don – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Grassland with scattered Acacia-Commiphora, bushland, cultivation margins, 1050–1259 m. Vouchers: Kirika P et al. 01/2006/09, Mungai GM et al. EW1754, Bally PRO 8576,
Napier ER 1075 (EA).
Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Scattered tree grassland,
open woodland, 600–1563 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0280 (EA, HIB), Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4403, Medley KEM p.r. (EA).
Erythrina burttii Baker f. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora-Combretum
woodland, derived grassland, ca. 960 m. Voucher: Gillett JB 19561 (EA).
Erythrina melanacantha Taub. ex Harms – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, ca. 420 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/286 (EA).
Faidherbia albida (Delile) A.Chev. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Riverine, ground water
forest and woodland. Voucher: Grenfell (EA).
Gelrebia trothaei (Harms) Gagnon & G.P.Lewis– Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, dry scrub with trees, ca. 487 m. Voucher: Bally PRO 8681 (EA).
Grona barbata (L.) H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous
woodland and grassland, 1425–1850 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
445 (EA).
Hylodesmum repandum (Vahl) H.Ohashi & R.R.Mill – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist
forest in clearings and margins, 920–2170 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0038
(EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW1691, 2594 & 3064A, Napier ER 1112 (EA).
Indigastrum costatum (Guill. & Perr.) Schrire subsp. goniodes (Hochst. ex Baker)
Schrire – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Terminalia-Sansevieria bushland, grassland,
ca. 600 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/244 (EA).
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Indigofera arrecta Hochst. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest margins,
secondary growth, deciduous and upland evergreen bushland, 2000–2170 m.
Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 123 (EA).
Indigofera atriceps Hook.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland grassland, forest margins, along rivers, 900–2000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1694, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4298 (EA).
Indigofera kaessneri Baker f. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Grassland, bushland and
forest margins, 1250–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 124, Napier ER 1087 (EA).
Indigofera lupatana Baker f. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and
thicket on rocky slopes, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0170 (EA, HIB),
Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 642, Mrs. Robertson SA 3587, Medley KE 453,
756 & 810 (EA).
Indigofera sisalis J.B.Gillett – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and bushland, sisal plantations, cultivated lands, 600–762 m. Vouchers: Sampson HC 97
(EA), Hucks M 686 (EA).
Indigofera spicata Forssk. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, cultivated
areas and waste places, ca. 550 m. Voucher: Medley KE 517 (EA).
Indigofera subulata Vahl ex Poir. var. scabra (Roth) Meikle – Habit: Subshrub.
Habitat: Bushland, secondary growth, 550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KEM s.n.,
Grenfell (EA).
Indigofera swaziensis Bolus var. perplexa (N.E.Br.) J.B.Gillett – Habit: Shrub.
Habitat: Upland evergreen bushland and forest margins, 900–1200 m. Voucher:
Gillett JB 18751 (EA).
NE
Indigofera tanganyikensis Baker f. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora open bushland, 600–1000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/451, Uhlig
C 33 (EA).
*Indigofera tinctoria L. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Bush margins, cultivations and secondary growth, ca. 1130 m. Voucher: Medley KE 649 (EA).
Kotschya aeschynomenoides (Welw. ex Baker) Dewit & P.A.Duvign. – Habit: Shrub.
Habitat: Upland forest, evergreen bushland, rocky outcrops on hills, 1371–1800
m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. 82/55, Dale in FD 3782, Bally PRO 13639,
Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4328 (EA).
Kotschya africana Endl. var. bequaertii (De Wild.) Verdc. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Forest edges, fringing forest, thicket, scrub, 1500–1550 m. Voucher: Beentje HJ et
al. NMK Exped. 885 (EA).
*Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest edges, roadside, settlements, ca. 1567 m. Voucher: Watuma W0208 (EA, HIB).
Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var. axillare – Habit: Climber. Habitat:
Grassland with scattered trees, thicket, 1000–1550 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et
al EW3056A (EA), Mungai G et al EW1339 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
97
Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var. glabrum (E.Mey.) Verdc. – Habit:
Climber. Habitat: Grassland, bushland, open forest, ca. 2050 m. Voucher: Gillett
JB 17250 (EA).
Macrotyloma maranguense (Taub.) Verdc. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Grassland
with scattered trees, 1220–1371 m. Vouchers: Napier ER 1090, Bally PRO 12736
(EA).
Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. uniflorum – Habit: Climber. Habitat:
Old cultivations, ca. 1240 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et al. EW3194 (EA).
Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. var. stenocarpum (Brenan) Verdc. – Habit:
Climber. Habitat: Acacia bushland and thicket, old cultivations, ca. 450–610 m.
Vouchers: Napier ER 1011, Gillett JB 21009 (EA).
NE
Millettia oblata Dunn subsp. burttii J.B.Gillett – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous thicket, ca. 890 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1680, Lubai lK HB17
(EA).
NE
Millettia oblata Dunn subsp. teitensis J.B.Gillett – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland
evergreen forest and scrub, 1225–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–003296 & 006386,
Watuma BM W0072 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 546, Maina
17, Bytebier B 1430, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 39, 276, 420 & 485, Beentje
HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1184, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4390, Gillett JB,
Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17118, Dale IR 3781, Bally PRO 8587, Raler I 0022,
Gardner HM 1201, Heller E s.n. (EA). Vulnerable.
Millettia usaramensis Taub.– Habit: Tree. Habitat: Wooded grassland, 800–950 m.
Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 630 (EA).
Mucuna gigantea (Willd.) DC. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Bushland, forest edges along
river, ca. 1056 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0159 (EA, HIB).
Mundulea sericea (Willd.) A.Chev. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous woodland
and bushland on rocky hills, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KEM 468, 745 &
858a (EA).
Neonotonia wightii (Wight & Arn.) J.A.Lackey var. mearnsii (De Wild.) J.A.Lackey
– Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest, grassland with scattered trees and secondary
grassland, ca. 900 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW2809 (EA).
Newtonia buchananii (Baker f.) G.C.C.Gilbert & Boutique – Habit: Tree. Habitat:
Upland rainforest near steams, ground water and riverine forests, 1200–1640 m.
Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1078, Raler I 0005, Medley KE 940
(EA).
Newtonia hildebrandtii (Vatke) Torre – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Riverine forests, dry
areas with high water table, 600–800 m. Vouchers: Drummond RB & Hemsley
JH 4275, Hildebrandt JM 2492, Medley KE 869 & 959, Bally PRO 8777 (EA).
Ormocarpum kirkii S.Moore – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland,
grassland, 750–980 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/506, Medley KE 639
(EA).
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Philenoptera eriocalyx (Harms) Schrire – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Dry evergreen
forest, deciduous bushland, 550–650 m. Voucher: Medley KE 781 (EA).
Platycelyphium voense (Engl.) Wild – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora deciduous bushland, 500–670 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 969, Engler A 1958, Bally
PRO 8851 (EA).
Pleurolobus salicifolius (Poir.) H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Wet
areas in grassland, near rivers, ca. 1000 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et al. EW2819
(EA).
Pseudarthria hookeri Wight & Arn. var. hookeri – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Grassland with scattered trees and thicket, old cultivations, 1030–1220 m. Vouchers:
Mwachala G et al. EW795, Napier ER 1098 (EA).
Pseudarthria hookeri Wight & Arn. var. A – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Deciduous
woodland and bushland, ca. 1000 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW1569 (EA).
Rhynchosia hirta (Andrews) Meikle & Verdc. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest
edges, hillside bushland, cultivation margins, ca. 1000 m. Voucher: Mungai GM
et al EW3558 (EA).
Rhynchosia nyasica Baker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland with scattered trees,
woodland, ca. 1200 m. Voucher: Napier ER 1094 (EA).
Rhynchosia pulchra (Vatke) Harms – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Bushland, open woodland, 600–1100 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5507, Greenway PJ &
Kanuri K 12585, Hildebrandt JM 2528 (EA).
Rhynchosia usambarensis Taub. var. usambarensis – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest
edges, bushland, riverine thicket, 1500–1750 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004112 (EA,
HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW3054 (EA).
Senegalia brevispica (Harms) Seigler & Ebinger – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Bushland,
thickets and scrubs, 850–1200 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped.
732, Mwachala G et al. EW222 & 1201, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 481,
Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/481, Medley KE 423 & 458, Joanna B 8867 (EA).
Senegalia mellifera (Vahl) Seigler & Ebinger subsp. mellifera – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, dry scrub with trees, 457–700 m. Vouchers: Faden RB
& Faden AJ 74/273, Hucks M 871, King AL 14/82 & 13/83 (EA).
Senegalia polyacantha (Willd.) Seigler & Ebinger subsp. campylacantha (Hochst.
ex. A.Rich.) Kyal. & Boatwr. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Grassland and riverbank,
sandy soil, 600–800 m. Voucher: Jeffery GW K808 (EA).
Senegalia senegal (L.) Britton – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, dry
scrub with trees, 485–950 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/269, Medley KE 425, Muasya AM & Safary 64 & 65, Hildebrandt JM 2486, Bally PRO
17124, Leippert H 5643, Friis I & Hansen OJ 2661 (EA).
*Senna bicapsularis (L.) Roxb. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Bushland, grassland, old
cultivations, 600–1250 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW1403, Bally PRO
8744 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
99
Senna didymobotrya (Fresen.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest margins, 1700–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0067 (EA, HIB), Wakanene
KM & Mwangangi OM 718, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 475 (EA).
Sennia longiracemosa (Vatke) Lock – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry scrub with trees,
deciduous bushland, 600–750 m. Vouchers: Hildebrandt JM 2506, Lubai IK HB
6 (EA).
*Senna occidentalis (L.) Link – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Riverine vegetation, weed
of cultivation, roadside and waste ground, 600–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et
al. NMK Exped. 731, Napier ER 971 (EA).
Senna singueana (Delile) Lock – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Woodland, wooded
grassland, bushland, 1200–1371 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM
494, Napier ER 1123 (EA).
Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen bushland along streams,
ca. 1206 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0012 (EA, HIB).
Spathionema kilimandscharicum Taub. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Mixed deciduous bushland, 450–660 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/277, Napier ER
900, Kuchar P et al. 5697, Ossent J 98, Gillett JB 16874 & 21003 (EA).
Stylosanthes fruticosa (Retz.) Alston – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Bushland, grassland
with scattered Acacia, old cultivations, 700–1100 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005382
(EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW94, Jongh EG 129 (EA).
Tamarindus indica L. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Remnant in cleared farmland, open
woodland and bushland, ca. 859 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0197 (EA, HIB).
Tephrosia aequilata Baker – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland grassland, heathland and
scrubland, 1676–2000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 257, Dale IR
3779, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17139 (EA).
Tephrosia villosa (L.) Pers. subsp. ehrenbergiana (Schweinf.) Brummitt – Habit:
Herb. Habitat: Open places in Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 700–865 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0172 (EA, HIB), Jongh EG 130 (EA).
Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest margin, waste grounds,
old cultivations, 1350–1550 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS 82/188 (EA).
Tylosema fassoglense (Kotschy ex Schweinf.) Torre & Hillc. – Habit. Climber. Habitat: Wooded grassland, deciduous bushland, 600–865 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
W0198 (EA, HIB), Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 960, Bally PRO 8591 (EA).
Vachellia ancistroclada (Brenan) Kyal. & Boatwr. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Dry scrub
with trees, 550–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 729 & 909 (EA).
Vachellia bussei (Harms ex Y.Sjöstedt) Kyal. & Boatwr. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and dry scrub, 460–650 m. Vouchers: Dale IR 3884,
King A 16/83, Medley KEM p.r. (EA).
Vachellia etbaica (Schweinf.) Kyal. & Boatwr. subsp. platycarpa (Brenan) Kyal.
& Boatwr. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, dry scrub with trees,
550–1000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/268, Medley KE 845 (EA).
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Vachellia gerrardii (Benth.) P.J.H.Hurter var. gerrardii – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Woodland and wooded grassland, ca. 914 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0324 (EA, HIB).
Vachellia gerrardii (Benth.) P.J.H.Hurter var. calvescens (Brenan) Kyal. & Boatwr.
– Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Riverine forest, wooded grassland. Voucher: Bally
PRO 12013 (EA).
Vachellia hockii (De Wild.) Seigler & Ebinger – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Secondary forest, Acacia-Commiphora woodland and bushland, 950–1371 m. Vouchers: Kabuye
CHS 82/6, Mwachala G et al. EW776 & 2804, Mungai GM et al. EW1978 (EA).
Vachellia horrida (L.) Kyal. & Boatwr. subsp. benadirensis (Harms ex Y.Sjöstedt)
Kyal. & Boatwr. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland,
open grassland, 609–1370 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/122, Dale IR 3891 (EA).
Vachellia nilotica (L.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb. subsp. subalata (Vatke) Kyal. & Boatwr.
– Habit: Tree. Habitat: Woodland, open and clump bushland, 500–700 m. Vouchers:
Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 639, Chemusto 9, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/272,
Medley KE 433, Hildebrandt JM 2591, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12958 (EA).
Vachellia reficiens (Wawra & Peyr.) Kyal. & Boatwr. subsp. misera (Vatke) Kyal.
& Boatwr. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry Acacia bushland, 500–650 m. Voucher:
Medley KE 758 (EA).
Vachellia robusta (Burch.) Kyal. & Boatwr. subsp. usambarensis (Taub.) Kyal. &
Boatwr. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Riverine forest, woodland and bushland, 640–
1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 972, Hucks M 967, Fagg CW 594 (EA).
Vachellia stuhlmannii (Taub.) Kyal. & Boatwr. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Wooded
grassland, deciduous bushlands, ca. 500 m. Voucher: Medley KE 733 (EA).
Vachellia tortilis (Forssk.) Galasso & Banfi subsp. spirocarpa (Hochst. ex. A.Rich.)
Kyal. & Boatwr. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and bushland on
red sandy soil, 500–700 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/267, Medley KE
428 (EA).
Vachellia zanzibarica (S.Moore) Kyal. & Boatwr. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: In
wooded grassland, 457–650 m. Vouchers: Kakande M 36, King AL 12/83, Medley
KE p.r. (EA).
Vigna kirkii (Baker) J.B.Gillett – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Sandy soils by rivers in
semi-desert bushland, old cultivations, ca. 579 m. Voucher: Napier ER 994 (EA).
Vigna membranacea A.Rich. subsp. caesia (Chiov.) Verdc. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, ca. 600 m. Vouchers: Verdcourt B 5265, Friis
F 97, Ossent JR 159, Leuthold W 116 (EA).
Vigna parkeri Baker subsp. maranguensis (Taub.) Verdc. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest, thicket, weed of cultivation, homesteads, 914–2000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004524, Kabuye CHS 82/101 & 115, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 32,
Napier ER 1110, Bally PRO 8778, Gillett JB & Burtt BL 17070, Agriculture
Dept. B867 (EA).
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc. – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Forest edges, grassland, 1100–1550 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 329, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 841, Fleuret A 8 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
101
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. vexillata – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, grassland, cultivations, 1040–1372 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
W0149 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW376, Osborn RM 1 (EA).
Wajira praecox (Verdc.) Thulin & Lavin – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Dry Acacia, Terminalia, Commiphora bushland, ca. 640 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/236,
Mr & Mrs Hucks M 449 & 840 (EA).
Zornia capensis Pers. subsp. tropica Milne-Redh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky
places in dry scrub on shallow soil, ca. 500 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke PA
5577 (EA).
F82. FRANCOACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Secondary evergreen rainforest,
1140–1850 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0241 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 555 (EA).
F83. GELSEMIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Mostuea brunonis Didr. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland rainforest. Voucher: Bally
PRO 8710 (EA).
F84. GENTIANACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Anthocleista grandiflora Gilg – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest, riverine forest, 1225–1550 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 690, Mwachala
G et al. EW1868, Beentje et al. NMK Exped. 1171, Faden RB et al. 70/521 (EA).
F85. GERANIACEAE
2 Genera, 3 species
Geranium arabicum Forssk. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest margins,
bushland and grassland, 1400–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
6, Faden RB et al. 70/506, Christenhusz MJM, Kamau P, Mbale M & Chase MW
6654 (EA).
Pelargonium multibracteatum Hochst. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland
rainforest edges, wooded and open grassland, bushland, 875–1800 m. Vouchers:
Watuma BM W0192 (EA, HIB), Bally PRO 8758 (EA).
Pelargonium quinquelobatum Hochst. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges, bushland and thicket in rocky slopes, cultivated ground, 800–950 m.
Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 744 (EA).
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F86. GESNERIACEAE
1 Genera, 6 species
Streptocarpus caulescens Vatke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist areas in forest and
forest margins, 914–2195 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004124, 006381, 006390 &
006397, Watuma BM W0016 & W0095 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ & Luke PA
4110 & 5549, Kirika P et al. NMK 589, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 259
& 409, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6650, Beentje HJ 2150, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 4, 194 & 393, Bytebier B 1936 & 1941, Faden RB et al. 69/439, 71/38 &
47, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17049, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2727,
Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4295, Burtt BL 3823, Hildebrandt JM s.n. (EA).
Streptocarpus glandulosissimus Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Damp shaded areas
in forest and forest margins. Vouchers: Joanna B 8997, Bally PRO 13513 (EA).
NE
Streptocarpus kirkii Hook.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, 1425–1850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006393 & 006424 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4154, Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 360, Bytebier B 1938, Faden RB et al. 71/38A, Burtt BL
3831, Faden RB & Githui M 70/751, Bally PRO 13605 (EA).
Streptocarpus montanus Oliv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shaded areas in wet montane
or sub-montane forest, 1000–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006347 & 006414 &
006425 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4200, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
83 & 196, Bytebier B 1937 & 1940, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4319, Gillett
JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17091, Faden RB et al. 69/480A & 71/151, Lavranos
J 11806, Burtt BL 3830 (EA). Near Threatened.
NE
Streptocarpus saxorum Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Semi-deciduous
woodland thicket on cliff faces with constant mist, 600–1070 m. Vouchers: Faden RB, Evans A & Msafiri F 70/972, Knox EB 2716, Gardner HM
3006, Glover 2648, Burtt BL 4824 (EA).
E
Streptocarpus teitensis (B.L.Burtt) Christenh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest rock
crevices, cliff faces, 1400–1750 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005323 & 006426, Watuma
BM W0024 (EA, HIB), Simiyu 174, Joanna B 8982, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 1170 (EA). Critically Endangered.
F87. GISEKIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Gisekia pharnaceoides L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Ruderal sites, roadsides, cultivated
lands, bushland, woodland, 600–914 m. Vouchers: Napier ER 941, Hucks M 708
& 786, MacDonald J 858 (EA).
F88. HAMAMELIDACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Trichocladus ellipticus Eckl. & Zeyh. subsp. malosanus (Baker) Verdc. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, often by streams, 900–1200 m. Voucher: Medley KE 648 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
103
F89. HYDNORACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Hydnora abyssinica A.Br. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry woodland, wooded grassland,
bushland, 800–1150 m. Vouchers: Mkala EM 0001 (EA, HIB), Mrs. Robertson
SA 6537 (EA).
F90. HYPERICACEAE
1 Genus, 3 species
Hypericum bequaertii De Wild. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland evergreen bushland, ca. 1250 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et al. EW3201 (EA).
Hypericum conjungens N.Robson – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins, grassland,
dry bush, ca. 1240 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW3191 (EA).
Hypericum peplidifolium A.Rich. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland grassland, streams
and marshes, roadside banks, 1466–1814 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006399 (EA,
HIB), Kabuye CHS 82/109, Mwachala G et al. EW210 (EA).
F91. ICACINACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Pyrenacantha malvifolia Engl. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Dry Acacia-Commiphora or
semi-evergreen bushland and scrub, 500–1650 m. Vouchers: Muchiri J 245, Semlingwa J 20, Leeuwenberg AJM 10783, Hucks M 458, Jeffrey C et al. EPK269,
Hildebrandt JM 2355 (EA).
F92. LAMIACEAE
20 Genera, 50 species
Aeollanthus densiflorus Ryding – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Rock crevices, 1700–
1875 m. Vouchers: Gillett JB 18750, Drummond & Hemsley 4389, Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 300 (EA).
Aeollanthus repens Oliv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges, shallow soils on
rocks, 810–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006395, Watuma BM W0113 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW757 & 1327, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 739,
Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 814 & 858, Medley KE 463, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 488 (EA).
Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. cephalanthum – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Evergreen forest, 1425–1850 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 359 (EA).
Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. hildebrandtii – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat:
Forest edges, bushland, thickets in scattered tree grassland, 600–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 704 & 945, Hildebrandt JM 2389 (EA).
Clerodendrum johnstonii Oliv. subsp. johnstonii – Habit: Shrub/Liana. Habitat:
Moist forest edges, secondary growth, 1600–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
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W0130 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 216 & 505, Drummond RB &
Hemsley JH 4366, Raler I 0028 (EA).
Clinopodium abyssinicum (Hochst. ex Benth.) Kuntze var. abyssinicum – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Upland evevrgreen bushland and grassland, ca. 1600 m.
Voucher: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1160 (EA).
Coleus aegyptiacus (Forssk.) A.J.Paton – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Rocky AcaciaCommiphora bushland, abandoned cultivations, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye
CHS et al. NMK Exped. 713 (EA).
Coleus sp. nr. amboinicus Lour. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry open scrub on red
sandy soils, ca. 777 m. Voucher: Kirika P, Rory M, Mbale M NMK 592 (EA).
Coleus autranii Briq. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest, secondary forest, Philippia
bushland, 1900–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 135, Gillett
JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17094, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4312 (EA).
Coleus barbatus (Andrews) Benth. ex G.Don – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest margins, moist bushland, cultivations, 650–1792 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0100
(EA, HIB), Sacleux C 2580, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4370, Medley KE
824, Kluguess LM 2, Bally J 13531, Nattrass MS B1158 (EA).
Coleus caninus (B.Heyne ex Roth) Vatke subsp. flavovirens (Gürke) A.J.Paton –
Habit: Herb. Habitat: Base of rock outcrops, eroded grassland and Commiphora
scrub, ca. 1220 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et al. EW3196 (EA).
Coleus comosus Hochst. ex Gürke – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Philippia heath, rock
crevices, cliffs, 2000–2070 m. Vouchers: Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4305,
Bjørnstad IN IB733 (EA).
Coleus cylindraceus (Hochst. ex Benth.) A.J.Paton. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: AcaciaCommiphora and dry evergreen bushland on rocky outcrops, 609–777 m. Vouchers: Kirika P, Rory M, Mbale M NMK 591, Warao M 63 (EA).
Coleus gracilis Gürke – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Scrub or thicket on rocky slopes on
dry riverbeds, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 645 (EA).
Coleus grandicalyx E.A.Bruce – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Crevices on rocky outcrops
on hillslopes, 1740–2100 m. Voucher: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 903 (EA).
Coleus hadiensis (Forssk.) A.J.Paton – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora
and dry evergreen bushland on rocky outcrops, 985–1600 m. Vouchers: Mwachala
G et al. EW3177, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/496, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH
4387, Greenway PJ 10464 (EA).
Coleus igniarius Schweinf. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry rocky hillsides, Acacia-Commiphora bushland, ca. 920 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW3257 (EA).
Coleus lactiflorus Vatke – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Rocky hillsides, open forest, Acacia woodland, roadsides, 600–1850 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
1042, Gillett JB 18758, Hildebrandt JM 2522 (EA).
Coleus lanuginosus Hochst. ex Benth. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest and forest
clearings on rocky outcrops, roadsides, 1400–1640 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 20 (EA).
Coleus longipetiolatus Gürke – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Openings and margins of
evergreen forest, 900–1300 m. Voucher: Kokwaro JO 4244 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
105
Coleus melleri (Baker) A.J.Paton & Phillipson – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Moist
montane margins and clearings, semi-deciduous forest, 700–1600 m. Vouchers:
Medley KE 935, Bally PRO 13576 (EA).
Coleus meyeri (Gürke) A.J.Paton – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Montane forest and associated bushland, 1800–2100 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004586 (EA, HIB), Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4317 (EA).
Coleus nyikensis Baker – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Rocks in grassland or steep slopes,
ca. 1500 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4198 (EA).
Coleus otostegioides (Schweinf. ex Gürke) A.J.Paton – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat:
Dry Acacia-Commiphora bushland, often in rocky areas, ca. 600–1100 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW212, Gillett JB & Burtt BL 17174, Mrs. Robertson SA
6541 (EA).
Coleus prostratus (Gürke) A.J.Paton – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia scrub often on
rocks, ca. 914 m. Vouchers: Ochung HK 95, Greensmith P 16236 (EA).
NE
Coleus triangularis (A.J.Paton) A.J.Paton – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Ocotea-Podocarpus evergreen forest, 1425–2100 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5497 &
10806, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 222, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 789,
Gillett JB & Burtt BL 17112, Faden RB et al. 70/735, Seki AH et al. JKCAT
1586, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4338, Bally PRO 8752, Dale IR 3777,
Karimi s.n. (EA). Near Threatened.
Coleus umbrosus Vatke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and bushland,
610–850 m. Vouchers: Gilbert MG & Gilbert CI 6124, Hildebrandt JM 2424
(EA).
Equilabium kamerunense (Gürke) Mwany. & A.J.Paton – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Forest margins, ca. 1800 m. Voucher: Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4310 (EA).
Equilabium laxiflorum (Benth.) Mwany. & A.J.Paton – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins and clearings, 1400–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
96 & 268, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2733, Gillett JB 17247, Lavranos JJ &
Newton LE 17643, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4310, Napier ER 1133 (EA).
Equilabium longipes (Baker) Mwany. & A.J.Paton – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat:
Seasonally dry bushland or woodland in rocky places, 520–1850 m. Vouchers:
Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 367, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/478, 497 & 508,
Gillett JB 17206 (EA).
Hoslundia opposita Vahl – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest, woodland, open grassland,
550–1371 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW97, Msafiri F & Ojiambo L 279,
Napier ER 953 & 1079, Rauh W 67, Medley KE 493 (EA).
Leucas grandis Vatke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland evergreen bushland, forest undergrowth and margins, 610–1792 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0101 (EA, HIB),
Hilderbrandt JM 2423, Johnston HH s.n. (EA).
Leucas neuflizeana Courbon – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, roadsides, rock outcrops and hillsides, 610–950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK
Exped. 597, Hildebrandt JM 2404 (EA).
NE
Leucas oligocephala Hook.f. var. usambarica Sebald – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Phillipia thicket openings, grassland, ca. 2050 m. Voucher: Gillett JB 17257 (EA).
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*Mesosphaerum pectinatum (L.) Kuntze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Edge of rivers and swamps
in thickets and disturbed places, ca. 900 m. Voucher: Mrs. Robertson SA 3568 (EA).
Micromeria imbricata (Forssk.) C.Chr. var. imbricata – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat:
Open woodland or shrubland on sloping ground, 1200–1580 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/110, Joanna B 8821 (EA).
Ocimum americanum L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Bushland, cultivated and disturbed
ground, 503–1010 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW131, Napier ER 1002,
Medley KE 492, Hucks M 719, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 13024 (EA).
Ocimum gratissimum L. subsp. gratissimum – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Edges of dry
montane forest, disturbed places along river, 900–1850 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
W0109 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW818, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi
OM 611, Murray High School 18 (EA).
Orthosiphon thymiflorus (Roth) Sleesen – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open dry forest,
wooded grassland, disturbed places, ca. 1000 m. Voucher: Drummond RB &
Hemsley JH 4408 (EA).
Platostoma hildebrandtii (Vatke) A.J.Paton & Hedge – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Open Acacia-Commiphora or Combretum bushland on rocky ground, 800–
1000 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 598, Hildebrandt JM 2414,
Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4412, Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 959 (EA).
Plectranthus alboviolaceus Gürke – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest, by paths
or rivers, 900–1200 m. Voucher: Bally PRO 13300 (EA).
Premna hildebrandtii Gürke – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Woodland, riverine
thicket, 800–1525 m. Vouchers: Joanna B & Opiko 8777, Bally PRO 8639 (EA).
Premna oligotricha Baker – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland
and woodland, 520–1000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/476 & 507,
Medley KE 481 & 772, Elliot S 6202 (EA).
Rotheca myricoides (Hochst.) Steane & Mabb. subsp. myricoides – Habit: Shrub.
Habitat: Forest, grassland, scrub thicket, open woodland, 1250–1400 m. Vouchers:
Mwachala G et al. EW385, 591 & 1252, Luke WRQ et al. 5550, Bally JB 13508 (EA).
Stachys aculeolata Hook.f. var. aculeolata – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest and secondary forest margins, 1800–2100 m. Vouchers: Drummond RB & Hemsley JH
4325, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 137 & 1132 (EA).
Tetradenia urticifolia (Baker) Phillipson – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest margins,
woodland and bushland, 700–1571 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0206 (EA,
HIB), Nattrass RM B1156 (EA).
Tinnea aethiopica Kotschy ex Hook.f. subsp. aethiopica – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and bushland, riverine forest and scrub, 750–1200 m.
Vouchers: Watuma BM W0148 (EA, HIB), Goyder et al. 4019 (EA).
Tinnea aethiopica Kotschy ex Hook.f. subsp. litoralis Vollesen – Habit: Subshrub.
Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 482 &
984 (EA).
Tinnea aethiopica Kotschy ex Hook.f. subsp. stolzii (Robyns & Lebrun) Vollesen – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Deciduous woodland and bushland, ca. 900 m.
Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4096 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
107
Vitex fischeri Gürke var. keniensis (Turrill) Meerts – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen
forest, 1386–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0236 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 466 (EA). Endangered.
Vitex strickeri Vatke & Hildebr. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest edges, bushland, thickets,
rocky outcrops, 850–1875 m.Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/51, Mwachala G et al. EW1206,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 515 & 1106, Gardner HM 2989, Kluguess LM 50 (EA).
Volkameria eriophylla (Gürke) Mabb. & Y.W.Yuan – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Grassland, Acacia-Commiphora-Combretum bushland and scrub, 762–1100 m. Vouchers: Cheseny CMC 27/72, Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 973 (EA).
F93. LAURACEAE
4 Genera, 4 species
*Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Remnant mist forest fragment, 1700–1800 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW106, Christenhusz
MJM, Kamau P, Mbale M, Chase MW & Kyaa J 6679 (EA).
Cryptocarya liebertiana Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, by rivers,
1425–1850 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 957 (EA).
Kuloa usambarensis (Engl.) Trofimov & Rohwer – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Intermediate to montane evergreen wet forest, 1600–1978 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
W0306 (EA, HIB), Faden RB & Githui M 70/746, Faden RB, Faden AJ &
Smeenk C 71/1019, Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/267 (EA).
Ocotea kenyensis (Chiov.) Robyns & R.Wilczek – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland
rainforest, 1440–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 212, Faden
RB, Evans A, Msafiri & Smeenk C 71/48 (EA). Vulnerable.
F94. LINDERNIACEAE
3 Genera, 3 species
Craterostigma plantagineum Hochst. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shallow soil over rock,
1850–1870 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0065 (EA, HIB).
NE
Linderniella brevidens (Skan) Eb.Fisch., Schäferh. & Kai Müll. – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Rocky hillsides, forest clearings, weed of cultivation, 1700–2200 m.
Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 494, Friis I & Hansen OJ 2676 (EA).
Stemodiopsis buchananii Skan – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Crevices in boulders and
rock cliffs, 686–750 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/258, Verdcourt B
3896, Bally PRO 8800 (EA).
F95. LOGANIACEAE
1 Genus, 7 species
Strychnos decussata (Pappe) Gilg – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland near
rocks, 450–880 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 416, 465 & 654, Gillett JB 21066,
Joanna B 8853 (EA).
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Strychnos henningsii Gilg – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, semievergreen bushland, riverine forest, 650–1850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005413 (EA,
HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 785, Faden RB, Faden AJ, Smeenk C, Smeenk
N & McNee J 71/974, Medley KE 484 & 917 (EA).
Strychnos madagascariensis Poir. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland
and woodland, 650–1140 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW141, Mungai GM
et al. EW2658, Medley KE 541, 724 & 749, Joanna B 8895 (EA).
Strychnos spinosa Lam. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and woodland, 550–1000 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 600, Mwachala G
et al. EW963, 1571 & 3329, Medley KE 576, 613 & 950 (EA).
Strychnos mitis S.Moore – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, riverine forest,
1200–1850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005389 (EA, HIB), Raler I 0066, Faden RB &
Githui M 70/723 (EA).
Strychnos panganensis Gilg – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Rainforest, evergreen bushland,
ca. 1150 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW582 (EA).
Strychnos usambarensis Gilg – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, evergreen bushland, ca. 950 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW1276 (EA).
F96. LOPHIOCARPACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Corbichonia decumbens (Forssk.) Exell – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open bushland,
grassland, roadside and cultivations, 579–600 m. Voucher: Napier ER 989 (EA).
F97. LORANTHACEAE
8 Genera, 15 species
Agelanthus heteromorphus (A.Rich.) Polhill & Wiens – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Bushland, 960–1000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3555, van Someren C
et al. NMK Exped. 1033, 1034 & 1035 (EA).
Agelanthus oehleri (Engl.) Polhill & Wiens – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous
bushland, grassland with scattered trees, 600–1200 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM
& Mwangangi OM 482, Gillett JB 16875 (EA).
Agelanthus sansibarensis (Engl.) Polhill & Wiens – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Montane
and dry hill forest, bushland, 609–1402 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005403 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW762 & 1347, Joanna B 8889, Josnell I 744 (EA).
Emelianthe panganensis (Engl.) Danser – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland on Euphorbia, Adansonia & Sterculia, 500–650 m.
Vouchers: van Someren C et al. NMK Exped. 1038, Polhill RM 4772,
Archer PG 450, Gardiner N 3012, Napier ER 1003 (EA).
Emelianthe panganensis (Engl.) Danser subsp. commiphorae Wiens & Polhill –
Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, wooded grassland on Commiphora,
Sterculia and Lannea, ca. 500–700 m. Voucher: Hucks M 451 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
109
Englerina drummondii Balle ex Polhill & Wiens – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest, hilltop mist forest, wooded grasslands, 1040–1640 m. Vouchers:
Kabuye CHS 82/46, Mwachala G et al. 223, 224 & EW810, Luke WRQ et al.
4133 (EA). Vulnerable.
Englerina sp. nr. kagehensis (Engl.) Polhill & Wiens – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland forest, 1230–1300 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 71/999 (EA).
Englerina woodfordioides (Schweinf.) Balle – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Montane or
riverine forest and associated bushland, 1371–1402 m. Vouchers: Joanna B 8876
& 8925 (EA).
Erianthemum commiphorae (Engl.) Danser – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous
bushland on Acacia, Commiphora, Euphorbia and Lannea, 600–800 m. Voucher:
Joanna B 8993 (EA).
Erianthemum dregei (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Tiegh. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest edges,
woodland, bushland and disturbed places, 960–1875 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et
al. EW608 & 1000, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 449, Joanna B & Opiko
B 8768 & 8768A, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 336, Medley KE 819, Hucks M
895 (EA).
Helixanthera kirkii (Oliv.) Danser – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous woodland,
700–900 m. Voucher: SAJIT–005406 (EA, HIB).
Oliverella hildebrandtii (Engl.) Tiegh. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, 650–1850 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3115A, Luke WRQ & Bytebier B 5258, Hildebrandt JM 2523, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1016, Faden
RB, Evans A, Rathbun G 69/418, Medley KE 798, Napper D 950, Gilbert MG
6100, Joanna B & Opiko 8778 & 9078 (EA).
Oncocalyx fischeri (Engl.) M.G.Gilbert – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry evergreen
forest, 950–1270 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3155, Gillett JB 19581
(EA).
Plicosepalus curviflorus (Benth. ex Oliv.) Tiegh. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and Acacia woodland, 503–1402 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW382 & 382A, Gilbert MG & Gilbert CI 6123 & 6123A, Medley KE 764,
Bally PRO 8552, Joanna B & Opiko 8870 (EA).
Plicosepalus meridianus (Danser) Wiens & Polhill – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland on Commiphora and Acacia, 610–900 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005370
(EA, HIB), Medley KE 782 (EA).
Plicosepalus sagittifolius (Engl.) Danser – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland and Acacia woodland, 600–1000 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW1317,
Cheseny CMC 16/72, Gillett JB 19587, Hucks M 959 (EA).
F98. LYTHRACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Ammannia prieuriana Guill. & Perr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Along rivers and damp
places, ca. 1100 m. Voucher: Mungai G et al. EW1307 (EA).
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F99. MALPHIGIACEAE
2 Genera, 2 species
Caucanthus auriculatus (Radlk.) Nied. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest, deciduous woodland and bushland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
W0182 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW857, Medley KE 867 & 937 (EA).
E
Acridocarpus taitensis Mwadime, Ngumbau & Q.Luke – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Forest margins, 1728–1800 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0061 (EA, HIB),
Mwadime N 2379, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 525, Drummond & Hemsley
4331 (EA).
F100. MALVACEAE
21 Genera, 58 species
Abutilon longicuspe Hochst. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Acacia woodland, forest and forest edges, 1250–1676 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1250,
Kluguess LM 22 (EA).
Abutilon mauritianum (Jacq.) Medik. subsp. mauritianum – Habit: Subshrub.
Habitat: Upland bushland, forest edges, Acacia woodland, roadside, cultivations,
686–1569 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0281 (EA, HIB), Verdcourt B 3890,
Hildebrandt JM 2633 (EA).
Abutilon mauritianum (Jacq.) Medik. var. epilosum Verdc. – Habit: Subshrub.
Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland and thicket, forest edges and clearings, ca.
1050 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5309 (EA).
NE
Abutilon mauritianum (Jacq.) Medik. var. grandiflorum Verdc. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest, near stream, secondary scrub, bushland, ca. 1350–1650 m.
Vouchers: Jex-Blake M 2313, Joanna B 8965, Gardner HM 2984 (EA).
Adansonia digitata L. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Woodland, deciduous bushland, 600–
1250 m. Vouchers: Joanna B 9056, Medley KE p.r. (EA).
*Callianthe megapotamica (A.Spreng.) Dorr – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Hillslopes
around homes and cultivated lands, ca. 1500 m. Voucher: SAJIT–004120 (EA, HIB).
Cola greenwayi Brenan – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, 1425–1875 m.
Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 458 & 771, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 886, Faden RB, Evans A Rathbun G 69/463, Faden RB & Githui M
70/721, Faden RB & Faden AJ 71/975, Medley KE 440 & 999 (EA).
Corchorus tridens L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Cultivated lands, sandy and waterlogged soils, ca. 609 m. Voucher: Napier ER 904 (EA).
Corchorus urticifolius Wight & Arn. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dense Commiphora
bushland on sandy soils, 800–1100 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW569 (EA).
Dombeya kirkii Mast. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Forest edge, Acacia bushland on
rocky slopes, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005378 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et
al. NMK Exped. 737, Mwachala G et al. EW969, Maikweki J 2, Medley KE 455,
Gillett JB 17229, Gardner HM 2985, Verdcourt B 5319, Agnew ADQ & Agnew
S 11185 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
111
Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest edge, woodland, wooded grassland, 1200–1676 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/147, Mungai
GM et al. EW3171, Gardner HM 1200 (EA).
Dombeya torrida (J.F.Gmel.) Bamps – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Open forest and forest edges, disturbed forest, 2000–2170 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 81 (EA).
Gossypioides kirkii (Mast.) Skovst. Ex J.B.Hutch. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest
edges, bushland with scattered trees, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 579 (EA).
Grewia arborea (Forssk.) Lam. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Open woodland, AcaciaCommiphora bushland, thicket, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Goyder DJ, Masinde PS,
Meeve U, Whitehouse C et al. 4016, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/270, Medley KE
849 (EA).
Grewia bicolor Juss. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Woodland, Commiphora-Acacia bushland, 500–950 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005390 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK
Exped. 640, Mwachala G et al. EW77 & 508, Bally PRO 8624, Napier ER 986,
Zùmer M 54 (EA).
Grewia forbesii Harv. ex Mast. – Habit: Shrub/Liana. Habitat: Evergreen dense
bushland, deciduous woodland, secondary vegetation, 550–1000 m. Vouchers:
SAJIT– 004630 & 005407, Watuma BM W0011 (EA, HIB), Medley KE 450 &
530, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/501 (EA).
Grewia mollis Juss. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest, open woodland, Combretum
open grassland, 1200–1467 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0242 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 475 (EA).
Grewia nematopus K.Schum. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Woodland, bushland, open
bushland, 600–950 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 902, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/439,
Gillett JB, Burtt BL 17176, Engler A 1941, Archer PG 262, Ossent J s.n. (EA).
Grewia plagiophylla K.Schum. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest, riverine thicket,
Acacia-Commiphora bushland, 450–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 513, 697, 811
& 1021, Lavranos JJ 11892 (EA).
Grewia similis K.Schum. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Woodland, thicket, bushland
and grassland, 750–1750 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004123, Watuma BM W0169 &
W0320 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS 82/38 & 153, Mwachala G et al. EW47, 1195,
1253 & 3182, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 545, Beentje HJ 3280, Medley
KE 442, 575 & 982 (EA).
Grewia tephrodermis K.Schum. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia or Commiphora
bushland, along dry water courses, 550–1070 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW1371, Medley KE 421, 539 & 752 (EA).
Grewia trichocarpa Hochst. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Riverine forest,
scattered tree grassland, Acacia bush, ca. 950 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al.
EW957 (EA).
Grewia truncata Mast. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Thicket and bushland, along river
courses, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 568 (EA).
Grewia villosa Willd. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry Acacia-Commiphora bushland,
550–882 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0180 (EA, HIB), Faden RB & Faden AJ
74/462, Lubai lK HB21, Medley KE p.r. (EA).
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Hermannia exappendiculata (Mast.) K.Schum. ex Engl. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, roadsides, cultivations, 660–900 m. Vouchers:
Mwachala G et al. EW942, Faden RB, Evans A & Smeenk C 71/115, Faden RB &
Faden AJ 74/280, Gilbert MG & Gilbert CI 6099, Napier ER 982 (EA).
Hermannia glanduligera K.Schum. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia bushland, woodland, road edges, old cultivation, 600–915 m. Vouchers: Hildebrandt JM 2385,
Verdcourt B 5313 (EA).
Hermannia oliveri K.Schum. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Dry Acacia or Commiphora bushland, 500–650 m. Vouchers: Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 10463, MacDonald
J 868 (EA).
Hermannia uhligii Engl. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland or
grassland, 600–950 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4249 (EA).
Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest edges, riverine forest, bushland, 650–1048 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0165 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et
al. NMK Exped. 738, Medley KE 740 (EA).
Hibiscus cannabinus L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margin, Acacia woodland and
scrub, wooded grassland, 1795–1800 m. Voucher: Christenhusz MJM, Kamau P,
Chase MW, Mbale M & Kyaa J et al. 6676 (EA).
Hibiscus diversifolius Jacq. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Edges of gallery forest, riverbanks, drainage paths in forests, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 597 & 806
(EA).
Hibiscus fuscus Garcke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, grassland, bushland, 1250–
1582 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0248 & W0256 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et
al. EW1250 (EA).
Hibiscus greenwayi Bakerf. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland,
600–1370 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW191, Tengecho 2, Joanna B 8894
(EA). Vulnerable.
Hibiscus kabuyeanus Mwachala – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Edges of dry woodland,
500–1000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW192, Medley KE 816, Greenway
PJ & Kanuri K 12683 (EA).
*Hibiscus lunariifolius Willd. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Seasonally flooded woodland
and disturbed habitats, 850–1050 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW933 (EA).
Hibiscus macranthus Hochst. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest edges,
cleared forest, bushland, 1030–1150 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0323 (EA,
HIB), Mungai G et al. EW1394 (EA).
Hibiscus micranthus L.f. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia bushland and grassland,
500–650 m. Vouchers: Hucks M 903, Medley KE p.r. (EA).
Hibiscus ovalifolius (Forssk.) Vahl – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest, woodland, bushland, grassland, 800–1050 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW936 (EA).
Hibiscus physaloides Guill. & Perr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Woodland, abandoned
cultivations, 800–850 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW750 (EA).
Hibiscus surattensis L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Bushland, grassland and forest, 600–
1150 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005350 (EA, HIB), Napier ER 991 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
113
Hibiscus vitifolius L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, grassland,
ca. 600–700 m. Vouchers: Gillett JB & Burtt BL 17173, Hildebrandt JM 2851 (EA).
Kosteletzkya adoensis (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Mast. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat:
Montane forest edges, secondary growth and clearings, near streams, ca. 1030 m.
Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW800 (EA).
Leptonychia usambarensis K.Schum. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Moist forest, 1500–
1925 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0059 & W0134 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 675, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 236 & 459, Beentje HJ et al.
NMK Exped. 868, von Someren & Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1050, Faden
RB & Evans A 69/882, Raler I 0142 (EA).
*Malva verticillata L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, bushland, stream banks, cultivation
and waste grounds, ca. 1800 m. Voucher: Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4286 (EA).
Melhania rotundata Hochst. ex Mast. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open to dense Acacia-Commiphora woodland or bushland, ca. 650 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Faden
AJ 74/456 (EA).
Melhania velutina Forssk. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia, Commiphora, Combretum,
Terminalia woodland, bushland, cultivated areas, 800–1180 m. Vouchers: Kabuye
CHS et al. NMK Exped. 688, Mwachala G et al. EW121, 355, 1238 & 1687,
Friis I & Hansen OJ 2647, Bally PRO 1304 (EA).
Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest margins, woodland, rocky places and cultivations, 960–1050 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW1348, Mungai GM et al. EW1364 (EA).
Pavonia urens Cav. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest margins and clearings, 1250–
2000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1258, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 8
& 816, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 932 (EA).
Sida acuta Burm.f. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest edges, bushland, grassland,
1059–1599 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0142 & W0155 (EA, HIB).
Sida ovata Forssk. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland and
thicket, 550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 971 & 1006b (EA).
Sida rhombifolia L. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest margins, 1700–1875 m.
Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 520 (EA).
Sida schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest edges, plantation forest, Acacia woodland, rocky places, 1600–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 533, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1157 (EA).
Sparrmannia ricinocarpa (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Kuntze – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest
patches, secondary bushland, 1900–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
127, Christenhusz MJM, Kamau P, Chase MW, Mbale M & Kyaa J et al. 6657 (EA).
Sterculia africana (Lour.) Fiori – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Combretum dry bushland, 500–914 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1515, Mwachala G, Mungai
G & Peris K 213, Muasya S 47, Battiscombe E 166 (EA).
Sterculia rhynchocarpa K.Schum. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora woodland and bushland, 420–760 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/96, Medley KE 434,
Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/287, Napier ER 1053, Braun 1541 (EA).
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Sterculia stenocarpa H.J.P.Winkl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Commiphora-Terminalia-Combretum-Acacia dry bushland, 600–750 m. Vouchers: Faden RB &
Faden AJ 74/259, Winkler 4047, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12676, Hucks M
448 (EA).
Thespesia garckeana F.Hoffm. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Wooded grassland, bushland,
roadside, 950–1080 m. Vouchers: Mwachala et al. EW1230 & 3179 (EA).
Triumfetta annua L. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest clearings and tracks, shade
in woodland and bushland, 1587–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0227 (EA,
HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 529 (EA).
Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Rainforest clearings, weed
of cultivation, ca. 1480 m. Voucher: Hemp A 5236 (EA).
Waltheria indica L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed of dry bushland and grassland,
disturbed places, cultivation, 500–1580 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/116,
Mwachala G et al. EW1210, Mungai GM et al. EW1362, Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 292, Waita J 41, Jonsell BE 2044, Medley KE 985, Hildebrandt
JM 2468, Napier ER 963, Hucks M 1133 (EA).
F101. MELASTOMATACEAE
3 Genera, 3 species
Heterotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Jacq.-Fél. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Margins of rainforest, riverine thickets, 620–920 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1552 & 1674,
Stone RD, Gitau D & Mwadime P 2413, Muasya J, Nyamongo D & Sang’any S
02/2006/16, Bally 13572 (EA).
NE
Memecylon greenwayi Brenan – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Rainforest, 1040–1480 m.
Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4160, Stone G, Gitau D & Mwadime P 2412,
De Block P et al. 369, Medley KE 670 (EA).
E
Memecylon teitense Wickens – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, 1440–1950
m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0290 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 303,
Faden RB et al. 71/45, 984, 70/537 & 741, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4363,
De Block P et al. 494, Stone RD et al. 2411 & 2414, Seki T et al. 1592, Raler I
0052 (EA). Vulnerable.
F102. MELIACEAE
6 Genera, 12 species
Azadirachta indica A.Juss. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Cultivated in villages. Voucher:
Ossent JR s.n. (EA).
Ekebergia capensis Sparrm. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Understorey often at edges in
montane and mid-altitude forests, 900–1875 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW914, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 344, 460, 541 & 881, Faden RB et al.
72/207, Raler I 0047 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
115
Lepidotrichilia volkensii (Gürke) J.-F.Leroy – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Montane and
mid-altitude forest, 1425–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006388, Watuma BM
W0088 & W0210 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 219 & 399, Beentje
HJ et al. NMK Exped. 43, Raler I 0030 (EA).
*Melia azedarach L. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Secondary grasslands and thickets, 850–
1100 m. Voucher: Kluguess LM 13 (EA).
Melia volkensii Gürke – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora deciduous bushland, 550–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KEM p.r. (EA).
Trichilia emetica Vahl – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Riparian forest and woodland, 800–
1400 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 657, Mwachala G et al.
EW519, 1345, 2555 & 2590, Medley KE 879, Hucks M 878 (EA).
Turraea holstii Gürke – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Understorey and margins of
montane and mid-altitude forest, 1000–1985 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0077
(EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 643 & 732, De Block P et al. 297,
Raler I 0044, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 220, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
849 & 1111, Faden RB & Evans A 69/880, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6632, Medley KE 661 & 936, Bally PRO 8784, Gardner HM 2992 (EA).
Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. cuneata (Gürke) Styles & F.White
– Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry forest, bushland and thicket, rocky slopes, ca. 1640
m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS 82/45 (EA).
Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest undergrowth and margins, secondary forest, 650–1100 m.
Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3507, Medley KE 924 (EA).
Turraea nilotica Kotschy & Peyr. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Woodland and
bushland, 650–1500 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 558, Joanna B 8906, Sacleux C
2355 (EA).
Turraea parvifolia Deflers – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland,
rocky outcrops, ca. 1500 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW3052A (EA).
Turraea robusta Gürke – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, edges of
mid-altitude and riparian forest, 800–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004114, Watuma BM W0080 & W0204 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS 82/91, Mwachala G et
al. EW525 & 935, Mungai GM et al. EW1298 & 1404, Napier ER 1093, Dale
IR 2007 (EA).
Turraea wakefieldii Oliv. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Secondary forest and bushland,
ca. 600 m. Vouchers: Ossent JR 130, Wilson J 53 (EA).
F103. MENISPERMACEAE
5 Genera, 6 species
Chasmanthera dependens Hochst. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Lowland rainforest,
montane woodland, rocky outcrops and dry riverbeds, 650–1100 m. Vouchers:
Mwachala G et al. EW209, Archer PG 623, Medley s.r. (EA).
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Cissampelos mucronata A.Rich. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, riverine forest, cultivated lands, 600–1000 m. Vouchers: Mungai GM et al. EW1667,
Medley KE 776 (EA).
Cissampelos pareira L. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Upland and lowland rainforest,
bushed grassland, 850–1875 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al EW 62, 911, 1199A
& 1200 (EA), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 592 (EA).
Hyalosepalum caffrum (Miers) Troupin – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Upland rainforest,
deciduous bushland, rocky outcrops, 823–862 m. Vouchers: SAJIT-004627 (EA,
HIB), Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 965 (EA).
Tiliacora funifera (Miers) Oliv. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Upland rainforest, riverine
forest, moist shady places in woodland, 1300–1875 m. Vouchers: De Block P,
Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 287, Raler I 0096, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 510, Medley KE 614 & 1017, Faden RB et al. 71/238 (EA).
Triclisia sacleuxii (Pierre) Diels – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Lowland rainforest, riverine
forest, 1050–1200 m. Voucher: Bally PRO 8575 (EA).
F104. METTENIUSACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Apodytes dimidiata E.Mey. ex Arn. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, mostly
disturbed, 650–1550 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005348 (EA, HIB), Beentje HJ et al.
NMK Exped. 840 & 1113, Medley KE 679 & 788 (EA).
F105. MOLLUGINACEAE
2 Genera, 2 species
Hypertelis umbellata (Forssk.) Thulin – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed of roadsides
and cultivated places, ca. 609 m. Voucher: Napier ER 902 (EA).
Paramollugo nudicaulis (Lam.) Thulin – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed of roadsides
waste and cultivated places, ca. 609 m. Voucher: Napier ER 1020 (EA).
F106. MONIMIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Xymalos monospora (Harv.) Baill. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, 1400–
2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004536 & 005313, Watuma BM W0103 (EA, HIB),
Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 380 & 667, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
24, 105 & 372, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 873 & 936, Drummond RB &
Hemsley JH 4380, Medley KE 622, Joanna B 9026, Dale IR 3784, Mutangah JG
& Nakamura E JKCAT 1599, Gilbert MG 7108 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
117
F107. MORACEAE
4 Genera, 22 species
Dorstenia brownii Rendle – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen forest, wet places, often
among rocks, 1425–1850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005326 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 763, Faden RB et al. 70/224 & 552 (EA).
E
Dorstenia christenhuszii M.W.Chase & M.F.Fay – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland
rainforest near streams, 1425–1850 m. Vouchers: Christenhusz MJM et al. 6664,
Malombe & Matheka 1233, Kamau P 457, Matheka K & Miyawa D 841, Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 765, Koen TW s.n. (EA).
Dorstenia goetzei Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wet and dry forests on hill slopes
among rocks, 800–1200 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 669, Luke
WRQ & Luke PA 5517, Luke WRQ et al. 6414 (EA). Near Threatened.
Dorstenia hildebrandtii Engl. var. hildebrandtii – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest,
woodland, bushland near streams, 670–1000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005379 (EA,
HIB), Faden RB, Evans A & Msafiri F 70/955, Sacleux C 2288 (EA).
Dorstenia hildebrandtii Engl. var. schlechteri (Engl.) Hijman – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Moist forest, along streams into woodland and thicket, 670–1550 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 70/181 & 483, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/500, Archer PG
310 (EA).
NE
Dorstenia warneckei Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, in shady, wet and rocky
places, ca. 1500 m. Voucher: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 678 (EA). Near
Threatened.
Dorstenia zanzibarica Oliv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest on ground humus and
rocks, deciduous bushland, 700–1554 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ, Bytebier B, Pakia
M 5326, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 678, Faden RB, Evans A, Githui M
70/152, Archer PG 311 & 492, Gilbert MG 5828 (EA).
Ficus bubu Warb. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest, montane woodland, riverine or
ground water, disturbed places, ca. 905 m. Voucher: Medley KE 732 (EA).
Ficus exasperata Vahl – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest edges, rocky slopes, along rivers,
disturbed areas, 1260–1380 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 805,
Bally PRO 8773 (EA).
Ficus glumosa Delile – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Rocky outcrops in wooded grasslands and
deciduous bushlands, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 514, 555 & 813 (EA).
Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Rock outcrops, stream sides, disturbed forests and wooded grasslands, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS
82/138, Kabuye et al. NMK Exped. 672, Mwachala G et al. EW924 & 3181,
Medley KE 686 & 814 (EA).
Ficus lutea Vahl – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest, montane woodland, riverine, cleared
lands, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 833 (EA).
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Ficus natalensis Hochst. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Wet and dry forest, riverine forest,
high rainfall woodland, 900–1500 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4097,
Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 348 (EA).
Ficus populifolia Vahl – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Riparian, rocky outcrops in deciduous
bushland and wooded grassland, ca. 600–700 m. Vouchers: Polhill RM & Kibuwa
SP 938, Hildebrandt JM 2842 (EA).
Ficus sp. nr. recurvata De Wild. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Lowland forest, riverine and
flood plains, 550–700 m. Voucher: Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12703 (EA).
Ficus salicifolia Vahl – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Seasonal streams, rocky outcrops, 500–
950 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 606, Ossent JR 119 (EA).
Ficus sur Forssk. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest, riverine, wooded grassland, cleared
places, 1000–1850 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0126 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS
82/139, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 640, Faden RB et al. 71/217, Beentje
HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1176, Raler I 0029, Medley KE 443, 628, 832 & 1008
(EA).
Ficus sycomorus L. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest edges, riverine, montane woodland,
650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KEM p.r. (EA).
Ficus thonningii Blume – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest, woodland, bushland, wooded
grassland, 700–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0120 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 15 & 337, Medley KE 885, Raler I 0054 (EA).
Ficus tremula Warb. subsp. acuta (De Wild.) C.C.Berg – Habit: Liana/Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, montane woodland,
650–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 672 & 812 (EA).
Ficus wakefieldii Hutch. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Riverine, grassland, rocky outcrops,
ca. 1300 m. Voucher: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5531 (EA).
Hijmania alta (Engl.) M.D.M.Vianna – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Understorey in evergreen forest near streams, ca. 1180 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW282 (EA).
Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C.Berg – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Rainforest, riverine and
ground water forest, ca. 600 m. Vouchers: Mrs. Robertson SA 4693, Fleuret A 5
(EA). Near Threatened.
F108. MORINGACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Moringa borziana Mattei – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Deciduous bushland on sandy
soils, ca. 600 m. Voucher: Mrs. Robertson SA 7395 (EA).
F109. MYRICACEAE
1 Genus, 2 species
Myrica kilimandscharica Engl. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest,
mist forest, 998–2170 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al EW98 & 1260, Wakanene
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119
KM & Mwangangi OM 342 & 438, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 79 & 302,
Gardner HM 2947, Bally PRO 8719 (EA).
Myrica salicifolia Hochst. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, evergreen bushland, secondary thicket, 1400–2195 m. Vouchers: Rukunga G
et al. 022/04, Medley KE 931, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6649 (EA).
F110. MYRTACEAE
4 Genera, 10 species
*Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest margins,
ca. 1799 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0287 (EA, HIB). Near Threatened.
Eugenia uniflora L. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland evergreen forest slopes, ca. 1500
m. Voucher: SAJIT–004108 (EA, HIB).
Eugenia verdcourtii Byng – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest and
bushland, 900–1200 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ et al. 5332, Faden RB, Evans A &
Githui M 70/179 (EA).
*Psidium cattleyanum Sabine – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Mist forest edge, near homesteads, 1564–1632 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004593, Watuma BM W0215 (EA, HIB).
*Psidium guajava L. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Mist forest edge, near homesteads, ca.
1577 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0225 (EA, HIB).
NE
Syzygium micklethwaitii Verdc. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Mist forest, dry evergreen
forest, rocky slopes, 1000–1900 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0141 (EA, HIB),
Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4152, Kabuye CHS 82/126, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
335, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4360, & 1002, Bally PRO 8711, Medley KE
922 & 1014 (EA). Vulnerable.
NE
Syzygium subcordatum (Verdc.) Byng & N.Snow – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland
rainforest, 1400–1910 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G, Nyaboke B & Matheka K
1048, Faden RB, Evans A, Msafiri F & Smeenk C 71/17, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 386, Raler I 0053 (EA). Vulnerable.
Syzygium afromontanum (F.White) Byng – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest
slopes, 1500–1600 m. Voucher: Dale IR 13529 (EA).
Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest, riverine forest, Acacia-Combretum-Terminalia woodland, 950–1875 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW2805, Medley KE 441, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 187, Raler I 0050 (EA).
*Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Cultivated, 1300–1500 m.
Voucher: Kimuzi D 1 (EA).
F111. NYCTAGINACEAE
2 Genera, 7 species
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Disturbed rocky ground in open
bushland, waste places, roadsides, cultivated areas, 560–800 m. Vouchers: Wa-
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kanene KM & Mwangangi OM 707, Kuchar P, Msafiri F & Karime N 5689,
Hucks M 709 (EA).
Boerhavia diffusa L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Disturbed ground in cultivation, waste
places, grassland, along paths, ca. 750 m. Voucher: Goyder DJ, Masinde PS &
Whitehouse C 4017 (EA).
Boerhavia erecta L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Roadsides in steep grassy slopes, alluvial
soils, 556–750 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/264, Goyder DJ, Masinde
PS, Whitehouse C 4013, Bally B 13248, Ciba-Geigy 6, Hucks M 765, Napier ER
909, Belsky JB 367, Friis IB 98 (EA).
Commicarpus grandiflorus (A.Rich.) Standl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland,
open woodland and scrub, ca. 950 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 6446
(EA).
Commicarpus helenae (Roem. & Schult.) Meikle – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Commiphora-Sansevieria bushland and bushland thicket, ca. 600 m. Vouchers: Faden RB
& Faden AJ 74/531, Hucks M 766, Belsky JB 637 (EA).
Commicarpus pedunculosus (A.Rich.) Cufod. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riverine in
dry grassland, open bushland, scrub and rocky hillsides, ca. 800 m. Voucher: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 712 (EA).
Commicarpus plumbagineus (Cav.) Standl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry bush,
scrub and riverine forest, 579–860 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0168 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW938, 938A & 979, Goyder DJ, Masinde PS & Whitehouse
C 4018, Gardner HM 3002, Napier ER 1051 (EA).
F112. NYMPHAEACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f. var. caerulea (Savigny) Verdc. – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Swamps, seasonal ponds, ca. 1617 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0302 (EA, HIB).
Endangered.
F113. OCHNACEAE
2 Genera, 7 species
Campylospermum sacleuxii (Tiegh.) Farron – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest,
ground-water, semi-dry and riverine forest, ca. 1750 m. Voucher: Wakanene KM
& Mwangangi OM 638 (EA).
NE
Campylospermum scheffleri (Engl. & Gilg) Farron – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, Ocotea-Podocarpus mist forest, 1425–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma
BM W0023 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ et al. 5364, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6673,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 407, 571 & 758, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
952, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4342, Faden RB et al. 71/0183, Raler I 0105
(EA). Vulnerable.
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121
Ochna holstii Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Rainforest, moist and dry upland evergreen forest, 1000–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0279 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW138, 181, 188 & 246, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 461,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 250, Raler I 0020, Faden RB, Evans A & Smeenk C
71/151, Medley KE 554 & 881 (EA).
Ochna inermis (Forssk.) Schweinf. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Mixed bushland and
scrub in rocky places, 500–750 m. Vouchers: Faden RB, Evans A, Rathbun B
69/422, Drummond, RB & Hemsley JH 4270, Ossent JR 140, Jex-Blake M 5705,
Hucks M 462 (EA).
Ochna insculpta Sleumer – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest, riverine forest,
woodland at forest edge. Voucher: Joanna B 8903 (EA).
Ochna atropurpurea DC. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Mixed thicket and bushland,
Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Festo L 2429, Fleuret A 16, Safary M 66 (EA).
Ochna ovata F.Hoffm. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest, Acacia-Commiphora woodland and bushland, 550–1400 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW1278, Mungai GM et al. EW3285, Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5361, Drummond
RB & Hemsley JH 4397 & 4411, Medley KE 499 (EA).
F114. OLACACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Strombosia scheffleri Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Rainforest, 1000–1900 m. Vouchers: Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4354, Raler I 0009, Medley KE 904, De
Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 315, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
233 (EA).
F115. OLEACEAE
4 Genera, 5 species
Jasminum fluminense Vell. subsp. fluminense – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest, woodland, bushland and grassland, 550–1613 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0268 (EA,
HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 741, Mwachala G et al. EW2803, Mungai
GM et al. EW1655 & 2827, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4391, Medley KE
454 & 878, Hildebrandt HJ 2500 (EA).
Jasminum streptopus E.Mey. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Forest margins, moist bushland
and thicket, ca. 985 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/485 (EA).
Noronhia mildbraedii (Gilg & G.Schellenb.) Hong-Wa & Besnard – Habit: Tree.
Habitat: Evergreen moist forest on basement complex, 1425–1850 m. Voucher:
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 382 (EA).
Olea europaea L. subsp. cuspidata (Wall. ex G.Don) Cif. – Habit: Tree. Habitat:
Evergreen woodland, upland rainforest, wooded grasslands, 650–1640 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/44, Medley KE 617, 631 & 638 (EA).
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Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Bushland and forest, 1000–
1875 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3083/A, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
548, Hildebrandt JM 2532, Raler I 0121 (EA).
F116. ONAGRACEAE
2 Genera, 4 species
Epilobium hirsutum L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Swampy and marshy areas by streams
and rivers, ca. 1550 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS 82/148 (EA).
Ludwigia abyssinica A.Rich. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Swampy ground by ditches
and rivers, 1000–1372 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3553, Kabuye CHS
82/43 & 128, Luke WRQ et al. 5299, Mungai G et al. EW2813, Wakanene KM
& Mwangangi OM 539 & 617, Faden RB, Evans A, Smeenk C 70/574 (EA).
Ludwigia jussiaeoides Desr. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Swampy and seasonally flooded
places, streams, 823–1372 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/29, Archer PG 559 (EA).
Ludwigia leptocarpa (Nutt.) H.Hara – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Swamp, ditches, along
rivers, ca. 850 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW760, Lubai lK HB10 (EA).
F117. OPILIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Opilia amentacea Roxb. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Acacia woodland, along temporary
streams, upland rainforest, 550–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0175 (EA,
HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW216, Medley KE 498, 567, 577, 608, 873, 890 &
981, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 559 (EA).
F118. OROBANCHACEAE
7 Genera, 13 species
Alectra sessiliflora (Vahl) Kuntze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest undergrowth, path
sides and edges, montane grassland, 1400–2000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004570 &
005409 (EA, HIB), Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4346, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 356, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 1003 (EA).
Alectra vogelii Benth. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Cultivations, riverbanks and grasslands, 457–609 m. Voucher: Nattrass MS 796 (EA).
Asepalum eriantherum (Vatke) Marais – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Commiphora woodland, deciduous bushland, 490–609 m. Vouchers: Muasya J GBK 004/025/2001,
Dale IR 3647, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/522, Hucks M 480, Ossent JR 137 (EA).
Buttonia natalensis McKen ex Benth. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Dry rocky places in
woodland and riverbanks, 579–690 m. Vouchers: Gillett JB 18740, Archer PG
449, Greenway PJ 9829 (EA).
Cycnium herzfeldianum (Vatke) Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins, wet
grassland, 1000–1780 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004107 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS
82/5, Mwachala G et al. EW625, 1193, 1356, 2814, 3075A, 3139, Wakanene
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
123
KM & Mwangangi OM 749, Cheseny CMC 34/72, Friis I & Hansen OJ 2643,
Ossent JR 91, Nappier ER 1101 (EA).
Cycnium veronicifolium (Vatke) Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open hillsides,
degraded forests, grassland, wooded grassland, 1740–2100 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004552 (EA, HIB), Gillett JB, Burtt BL, Osborn RM 17085, Bally PRO
13561, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 905, Uhlig C 5 (EA).
NE
Harveya kenyensis Hepper – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Thickets and forests, shaded ground,
500–900 m. Vouchers: Muasya AM 2097 (EA), Leach LC & Bayliss B 10250 (EA).
Harveya obtusifolia (Benth.) Vatke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grass in thickets and
bushland, ca. 950 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW1272 (EA).
Pseudosopubia hildebrandtii (Vatke) Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: River margins,
grassland with trees, ca. 620 m. Voucher: Gillett JB & Burtt BL 17180 (EA).
Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Woodland, plantation forest, cultivated lands, 1000–1600 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW603, 995 & 1568,
Mungai GM et al. EW3195, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1140 (EA).
Striga forbesii Benth. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassy areas with cracking clay soil,
1150–1600 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW605, Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 1137 (EA).
Striga gesnerioides (Willd.) Vatke. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland and cultivated
grounds, 610–1050 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005385 (EA, HIB), Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 950, Joana B 8947, Gillett JB 17238 & 18741 (EA).
Striga latericea Vatke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Seasonally wet grassland, cultivated
lands, 600–900 m. Voucher: Joanna B & Opiko 8928 (EA).
F119. OXALIDACEAE
1 Genus, 2 species
Oxalis corniculata L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed in cultivation and disturbed areas, roadsides, 920–1000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1351 & 1690 (EA).
Oxalis debilis Kunth – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Shaded cultivated places and waste
places. Voucher: Kluguess LM 15 (EA).
F120. PAPAVERACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Fumaria abyssinica Hammar – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Glades in upland rainforest,
weed of cultivations, ca. 1814 m. Voucher: SAJIT–006396 (EA, HIB).
F121. PASSIFLORACEAE
3 Genera, 9 species
Adenia globosa Engl. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Dry evergreen bushland, montane
woodland, scrubland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0186 (EA, HIB),
Bally PRO 13406, Medley s.r. (EA).
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Adenia cissampeloides (Planch. ex Hook.) Harms – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest,
bushland, ca. 950–998 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW49 & 845 (EA).
Adenia keramanthus Harms – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Deciduous woodland &
bushland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala et al. EW3308, Ossent JR 98, Bally
JB 13409, Medley KE 573 (EA).
Adenia lanceolata Engl. subsp. scheffleri (Engl. & Harms) W.J. de Wilde – Habit:
Climber. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, 600–800 m. Voucher: Joanna B 9083
(EA).
Adenia volkensii Harms – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland, deciduous bushland, ca.
1150 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW3189 (EA).
Adenia wightiana (Wall. ex Wight & Arn.) Engl. subsp. africana W.J. de Wilde –
Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges, deciduous bushland, 800–950 m. Vouchers:
Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 727, Archer PG 14782 (EA).
Basananthe hanningtoniana (Mast.) W.J. de Wilde – Habit: Climber. Habitat:
Open areas in forest and margins, deciduous bushland, 862–1801 m. Vouchers:
SAJIT–004624, Watuma BM W0046 (EA, HIB), Luke PA & Luke WRQ 6458,
Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 809, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/455 (EA).
Basananthe subsessilicarpa J.B. Gillett ex Verdc. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Open
bushland, 950–1400 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW961, Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 658, Bally 13291 (EA).
*Passiflora edulis Sims – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Escaped in forest edges, thickets
and disturbed places, 1500–1875 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al NMK Exped 479
(EA).
F122. PEDALIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Sesamothamnus rivae Engl. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora
scrub, 550–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 714 & 874, Dale IR 3877, Faden RB
& Faden AJ 74/256 (EA).
F123. PENAEACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Olinia rochetiana A.Juss. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Disturbed upland dry and
moist evergreen forest, forest edges, 1000–1640 m. Vouchers: Muasya J GBK
48007, Mwachala G s.n., Medley KE s.n. (EA).
F124. PERACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Clutia abyssinica Jaub. & Spach var. usambarica Pax & K.Hoffm. – Habit: Shrub.
Habitat: Open areas in evergreen forest, secondary associations, 1700–1950 m.
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
125
Vouchers: SAJIT–004535, Watuma BM W0068 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 318, Bally 8798, Mwachala G et al. EW1676, Christenhusz MJM, Kamau
P, Mbale M, Chase MW & Kyaa J 6656, Medley KE 589, 625, 702 & 799 (EA).
F125. PHYLLANTHACEAE
6 Genera, 11 species
Antidesma venosum E.Mey. ex Tul. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest edges, open forest,
deciduous woodland, ca. 1050 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et al. EW1750 (EA).
Bridelia cathartica Bertol. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Woodland, bushland, thicket,
ca. 990 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW1570 (EA).
Bridelia micrantha (Hochst.) Baill. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Edges of evergreen forest,
bushland and thicket, 650–1206 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0014 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW228, Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 668, Medley KE 692
& 829 (EA).
Bridelia taitensis Vatke & Pax – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Upland and dry evergreen bushland, forest edges, deciduous bushland, 426–1200 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005361 & 005391 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW527 & 1511, Kabuye
CHS et al. NMK Exped. 647, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 520, Kitaka
W 35, Medley KE 418 & 582, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/254, Greenway PJ &
Kanuri K 12892, Hildebrandt JM 2415 (EA).
Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Voigt subsp. virosa – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest edges and associated bushland, 550–650 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 532 (EA).
Margaritaria discoidea (Baill.) G.L.Webster var. discoidea – Habit: Tree. Habitat:
Upland moist forest, deciduous woodland, fringing forest, 1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 486 (EA).
E
Meineckia ovata (E.A.Bruce) J.F.Brunel – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Undergrowth in
evergreen montane mist forest, 1372–1900 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0288
(EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS 82/74, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 524, Faden RB &
Faden AJ et al. 71/204, De Block P et al. 288 & 290, Gardner HM 2909, Raler I
0068 (EA). Vulnerable.
Phyllanthus leucanthus Pax – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges, deciduous woodland and bushland, rocky and ruderal sites, ca. 500–700 m. Voucher: Leuthhold
W 57 (EA).
Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous woodland, bushland, edges of wet areas, 1040–1100 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW234 (EA).
NE
Phyllanthus mittenianus Hutch. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest, often
in rocky places, riverine, 650–1480 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped.
676, Mwachala G et al. EW1681 & 2561, Kamau P et al. EW3231, Luke WRQ
et al. 5366, Mungai GM et al. EW1337, Gilbert MG & Gilbert CI 6101, Napier
ER 1092 (EA).
Phyllanthus sepialis Müll.Arg. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest margins and pathways,
upland bushland, along rivers in drier areas, 800–1573 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
126
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W0211 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 734, Mbale M, Muthoka P,
Chesire C & Hay F NMK 957 (EA).
F126. PHYTOLACCACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Phytolacca dodecandra L’Herit. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest, woodland, bushland and thicket, 1700–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 343,
Bally PRO 8760 (EA).
F127. PIPERACEAE
2 Genera, 8 species
Peperomia abyssinica Miq. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Intermediate and montane forests, rocky places, 1525–2205 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006391 (EA, HIB), Wakanene
KM, Mwangangi OM & Dunn B 369, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6667, Faden RB
et al. NMK Exped. 82 & 226, Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/253, Faden RB & Githui
M 70/710 (EA).
Peperomia blanda (Jacq.) Kunth – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen scrub, dry forest, bare and shady rocky places, 1050–1750 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 584, Mungai GM et al. EW1753 (EA).
Peperomia bangroana C.DC. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mossy tree trunks in upland
forest and rainforest, 1400–1750 m. Vouchers: Bytebier B 1739, Faden RB &
Faden AJ 72/264 (EA).
Peperomia leptostachya Hook. & Arn. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forest, moist
thicket, cliff faces, 800–985 m Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 655,
Faden RB, Evans A & Githui M 70/160, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/498 (EA).
Peperomia retusa (L.f.) A.Dietr. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mossy banks in mist and
rainforest, rocky places in streams, 1000–1875 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke
PA 4201, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 257, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6622,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 218, Faden RB et al. 71/169, Gillett JB, Burt BL &
Osborn RM 17149 (EA).
Peperomia tetraphylla (G.Forst.) Hook. & Arn. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Mist forests, drier evergreen forests, semi-evergreen bushland, 1250–1875 m. Vouchers:
Kabuye CHS 82/47, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 246, Faden RB et al. 70/711
& 71/139 (EA).
Piper capense L.f. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Moist forest undergrowth, 1150–2170
m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005332, Watuma BM W0055 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et
al. EW108, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 221, 368 & 467, Muchele WN
HB25/94, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4377, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 77
& 215, Raler I 0032, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6629, Medley KE 439, Faden RB
et al. 71/985, Bally PRO 8764 & 13607, Murray High School 31 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
127
Piper umbellatum L. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest undergrowth, riverbanks, 1350–1800 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4140, Christenhusz
MJM, Chase MW, Kamau P Mbale M & Kyaa J 6663 (EA).
F128. PITTOSPORACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, riverine forest, 900–1370 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW249, 577, 788 & 915,
Kabuye CHS 82/10, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 433, Gardner HM 2929
(EA).
F129. PLANTAGINACEAE
2 Genera, 3 species
Misopates orontium (L.) Raf. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed of cultivations, sandy
soils, open grassy places, roadsides, 2000–2100 m. Voucher: Drummond RB &
Hemsley JH 4296 (EA).
Veronica abyssinica Fresen. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest, stream banks,
1560–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006406 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 109, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17071 (EA).
Veronica javanica Blume – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Damp grasses, ditches, cultivations, near homesteads, 1000–1100 m. Voucher: Drummond RB & Hemsley JH
4400 (EA).
F130. PLUMBAGINACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Plumbago zeylanica L. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Deciduous woodland, grassland
and scrub, often by rivers, 800–1000 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK
Exped. 607, Mwachala G et al. EW929, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4406
(EA).
F131. POLYGALACEAE
1 Genus, 8 species
Polygala amboniensis Gürke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Bushland, secondary grassland,
cultivated grounds, 575–625 m. Vouchers: Hucks M 798, Gillett JB & Burtt BL
17186 (EA).
Polygala ehlersii Gürke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest clearings and forest margins,
dry open places, ca. 2100 m. Voucher: Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17081
(EA).
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Polygala erioptera DC. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open bushland, woodland and grassland, rocky ground, 950–1000 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW320 (EA).
Polygala kilimandjarica Chodat – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland, wooded and bushed grassland, ca. 610 m. Vouchers: Napier ER 2272, Johnstone 1884 (EA).
Polygala muratii Jacq.-Fél. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky slopes along gullies, thin
soil over rock, 600–700 m. Voucher: Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2711 (EA).
Polygala petitiana A.Rich. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Woodland and grassland, 1040–
1350 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW371 & 2664 (EA).
Polygala senensis Klotzsch – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Scattered tree grassland, grassland, 1350–1550 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/98 & 140 (EA).
Polygala sphenoptera Fresen. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen bushland, wooded grassland, grassland, 800–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006364, Watuma BM
W0157 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 749, Mwachala G et al.
EW99, 119, 621, 958 & 3244, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 531, Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 116, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1142, Gillett JB, Burtt
BL & Osborn RM 17081, Gilbert MG 5825 & 6105, Joanna B 8818, Ossent JR
89 (EA).
F132. POLYGONACEAE
3 Genera, 8 species
Oxygonum salicifolium Dammer – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland and disturbed
ground, 800–1371 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1310 & 1344, Kabuye
CHS 82/24, Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 662 (EA).
Oxygonum sinuatum (Hochst. & Steud. ex Meisn.) Dammer – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Cultivated and other ground suited to weed growth, 575–625 m. Vouchers:
Hucks M 987, Kuchar P, Msafiri F & Karime N 5699 (EA).
Oxygonum stuhlmannii Dammer – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Cultivated or disturbed
ground, 600–762 m. Vouchers: Jeffery GW 714, Hucks M 774 & 775 (EA).
Persicaria decipiens (R.Br.) K.L.Wilson – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Damp places, often
growing in water, 800–1371 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1344, 1693 &
2565, Kabuye CHS 82/24, Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 662, Mungai GM et
al. EW1310 & 2832 (EA).
Persicaria senegalensis (Meisn.) Soják – Habit: Herb. Habitat: By riversides, damp
places, growing in water, 800–1650 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005359 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS 82/54, Mwachala G et al. EW1692, Jeffrey C K813, Lubai lK HB12
(EA).
Persicaria strigosa (R.Br.) H.Gross – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Riverbanks, wet places,
ca. 1200 m. Voucher: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 500 (EA).
Rumex abyssinicus Jacq. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Margins of upland rainforest, secondary bushland, abandoned cultivations, 1323–1817 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
W0102 & W0251 (EA, HIB).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
129
Rumex usambarensis (Dammer) Dammer – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open mistforest, grassland, bushland, exposed rocky slopes, 1400–1900 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004547 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 242 (EA).
F133. PORTULACACEAE
1 Genera, 5 species
Portulaca grandis Peter – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Deciduous bushland, rocky outcrops, 875–1400 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0193 (EA, HIB), Gilbert MG
5822, Bally PRO 13403 (EA).
Portulaca kermesina N.E.Br. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Open bushland, rock crevices,
600–1300 m. Vouchers: Kiambati M 49, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2707, Faden
RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/408 (EA).
Portulaca oleracea L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Bushland, disturbed places, cultivated
areas, 550–610 m. Vouchers: Napier ER 921 & 1046, Hucks M 595 (EA).
Portulaca quadrifida L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Bare patches among rocks, disturbed places, weed of cultivation, 600–1027 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0313
(EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW3317, Hucks M 757 (EA).
Portulaca wightiana Wall. ex Wight & Arn. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky outcrop,
sandy soils, 590–700 m. Voucher: Faden RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/407 (EA).
F134. PRIMULACEAE
4 Genera, 5 species
Ardisiandra wettsteinii J.Wagner – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest and
evergreen bushland on roadsides and pathsides, 1400–2200 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006367 (EA, HIB), Drummond & Hemsley 4284, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 47 & 146, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 908, Friis I & Hansen OJ 2674,
Gillett JB et al. 17078, Verdcourt B & Polhill 2729, Christenhusz MJM et al.
6653 (EA).
Embelia schimperi Vatke – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Rainforest, forest edge, upland evergreen bushland, 1170–1400 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW196 & 3206 (EA).
Maesa lanceolata Forssk. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest edges, secondary and riverine
forest, 1400–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006389, Watuma BM W0041 & W0074
(EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 216 & 663, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 50, 113 & 325, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 842 & 917, Medley KE
978, Raler I 0003, Joanna B 8784, Greenway PG 14671, Sanganyi SKS 1 (EA).
Myrsine africana L. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland forest edges, 1400–2137 m.
Vouchers: Beentje HJ 2135, De Block P et al. 303 & 308, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 87 & 299, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4290, Medley KE 1000, Bally
PRO 8756 (EA).
Myrsine melanophloeos (L.) R.Br. ex Sweet – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland forest,
open woodland, scrub near streams, 1225–1923 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006352
130
Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
(EA, HIB), Watuma BM W0085 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM
283 & 441, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 208, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
1172, Faden RB et al. 70/575, 744 & 71/1026, Seki T et al. JKCAT 1583, Dale
IR 1133, Mwachala G s.n., Medley KE s.n. (EA).
F135. PROTEACEAE
3 Genera, 3 species
Faurea saligna Harv. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Woodland, grassland with scattered
trees, 1080–1200 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW584 & 811, Mungai GM et
al. EW1439 & 3577 (EA).
*Grevillea robusta A.Cunn. ex R.Br. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Woodland, grown in
settlements, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KEM s.r. (EA).
Protea gaguedi J.F.Gmel. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Woodland, exposed rocky places, ca.
1200 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et al. 1439 (EA).
F136. PUTRANJIVACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Drypetes gerrardii Hutch. var. gerrardii – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland dry evergreen forest, riverine, 883–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0188 (EA, HIB),
Christenhusz MJM & Kamau P et al. 6634, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 326,
Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1070, Medley KE 669, 696 & 1010, Raler I 0067
(EA).
F137. RANUNCULACEAE
1 Genus, 2 species
Clematis brachiata Thunb. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest edges and clearings,
1120–1900 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW1699 & 3129, Wakanene KM
& Mwangangi OM 551, 644 & 727, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 239, 365 &
1047, Raler I 0137, De Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier 283 & 319
(EA).
Clematis simensis Fresen. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Forest edge and bushland, 1300–
1848 m. Voucher: SAJIT–005354, Watuma BM W0086 (EA, HIB).
F138. RHAMNACEAE
6 Genera, 10 species
Berchemia discolor (Klotzsch) Hemsl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Montane woodland,
thicket, semi-desert grassland, wooded grassland, 500–1000 m. Vouchers: Dale IR
3676, Medley KE 449 & 705 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
131
Gouania longispicata Engl. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Forest margins and disturbed
areas, riverine thickets and wooded grasslands, 1500–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004568 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 80 & 1063, Gardner HM
2979 (EA).
Helinus integrifolius (Lam.) Kuntze – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Thickets in wooded
grassland, forest margins, 600–750 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/262,
Mrs. Robertson SA 6531, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12816, Dale IR 2046 (EA).
Helinus mystacinus (Aiton) E.Mey. ex Steud. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Forest margins,
secondary bushland, wooded grassland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005383,
Watuma BM W0167 (EA, HIB), Medley KE 826 (EA).
Maesopsis eminii Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Rainforest, riverine forest, 1700–1875
m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 507, Raler I 0082 (EA).
Scutia myrtina (Burm.f.) Kurz – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest margins, montane
woodland, bushland, 650–1100 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW378, Medley
KE 792 (EA).
Ziziphus abyssinica Hochst. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Scattered tree grassland,
bushland, 670–900 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 963, Johnston HH (EA).
Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Woodland, bushland, disturbed areas near settlements, along roads, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 528
(EA).
Ziziphus mucronata Willd. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Terminalia woodland and
bushland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 414, 417 & 893, Bally PRO 8641
(EA).
Ziziphus pubescens Oliv. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Riverine, deciduous woodland and bushland, 640–1372 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 610,
Joanna B & Opiko 8869, Medley KE 836 & 1029 (EA).
F139. RHIZOPHORACEAE
1 Genus, 4 species
Cassipourea celastroides Alston – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Montane woodland,
on rocky hillsides, 610–1200 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3330, Luke
WRQ et al. 5519 & 6418, Medley KE 852 & 886, Faden RB et al. 69/415, Faden
RB & Faden AJ 74/469, Gillett JB 19567 & 19573, Hildebrandt JM 2465 (EA).
Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland forest, 1100–1200 m.
Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Bytebier B et al. 5324, Medley KE 624 & 665 (EA).
Cassipourea malosana (Baker) Alston – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Dry upland forest, under canopy of moist forest, 1350–1500 m.
Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW310 (EA).
Cassipourea rotundifolia (Engl.) Alston – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Dry evergreen mist
forest, 900–1000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB, Evans A & Githui M 70/175, Archer
PG 14346 (EA).
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F140. ROSACEAE
2 Genera, 6 species
Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, forest edge, riverine forest, 1250–2000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004566 & 004596, Watuma BM W0307 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW2577, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 306, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 838 & 918 (EA). Vulnerable.
*Rubus niveus Thunb. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Disturbed areas in woodland and
scrub, 1700–1850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006404, Watuma BM W0098 (EA, HIB).
Rubus pinnatus Willd. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Edges of upland rain-forest, clearings
in forests by streams, secondary moist forests, 1220–1850 m. Vouchers: Faden RB
et al. NMK Exped. 403, Napier ER 1116, Raler I 0101 (EA).
*Rubus rosifolius Sm. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland rainforest edges, secondary
bushlands and abandoned cultivations, 1576–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
W0099 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 347, Gillett JB, Burtt BL &
Osborn RM 17065 (EA).
Rubus scheffleri Engl. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland rainforest margins and evergreen bushland, ca. 2211 m. Voucher: SAJIT–006375 (EA, HIB).
Rubus steudneri Schweinf. var. dictyophyllus (Oliv.) R.A.Graham – Habit: Shrub.
Habitat: Edges and clearings in upland rainforest, upland evergreen bushland,
1800–2200 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW1723 (EA).
F141. RUBIACEAE
41 Genera, 75 species
Anthospermum herbaceum L.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges, woodland, roadside weed, 1800–2170 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 136, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4302, Gillett JB 17260, Lewis WH 5932 & 5937 (EA).
Breonadia salicina (Vahl) Hepper & J.R.I.Wood – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Gallery
forest by rivers & streams, 1372–1500 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/36, Raler I
0138, Bally PRO 8579 (EA).
Bullockia dyscritos (Bullock) Razafim., Lantz & B.Bremer – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Rocky area, roadside banks, grazed areas, 762–1330 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et
al. EW3252, Gilbert MG & Gilbert CI 6102, Gardner HM 3000 (EA).
Bullockia mombazensis (Baill.) Razafim., Lantz & B.Bremer – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Wooded grassland to forest, bushland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Faden RB,
Evans A & Githui M 70/176, Medley KE 506, 899 & 986 (EA).
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. friesiorum (Robyns) Bridson – Habit: Tree.
Habitat: Mist forest, 1600–1640 m. Voucher: Faden RB & Evans A 71/181 (EA).
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson – Habit: Shrub/Tree.
Habitat: Mist forest understorey & margins, 1700–1875 m. Vouchers: Wakanene
KM, Mwangangi OM, Dunn B 367, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 253, Faden RB
et al. 71/1009 (EA). Vulnerable.
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
133
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. oligocarpum – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest,
1540–1900 m. Vouchers: De Block P, Muasya AM, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B
276, 478 & 479 (EA).
Catunaregam nilotica (Stapf ) Tirveng. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Montane
woodland, riverine bushland, thicket edges, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS
et al. NMK Exped. 739, Medley KE 760, 889 & 1003 (EA).
Chamaepentas hindsioides (K.Schum.) Kårehed & B.Bremer var. glabrescens (Verdc.) Kårehed & B.Bremer – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Mist forest, ca. 1480 m.
Voucher: Luke WRQ, Bytebier B & Pakia M 5359 (EA).
Chamaepentas hindsioides (K.Schum.) Kårehed & B.Bremer var. hindsioides – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Upland forests margins & bushlands, 1425–1981 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0039 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ et al. 4196, De Block P, Muasya,
Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 301A, 334, 363 & 366, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
254, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 906 & 1009, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM
17151, Gillett JB 18770, Dale IR 3813, Bally J 13573 & 13596, Hemp s.n. (EA).
E
Chassalia discolor K.Schum. subsp. taitensis Verdc. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Understorey in rainforest, 1450–1900 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004603, 006342 &
006343, Watuma BM W0057 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM
276, Luke WRQ et al. 5490, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6638, De Block P, Muasya,
Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 277 & 326, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 189, Bytebier B 1199, Hemp A 5253, Dale IR 3837 (EA).
Chassalia parvifolia K.Schum. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest, 1350–
1900 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006344 (EA, HIB), Luke WRQ, Bytebier B & Pakia M
5350, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 561, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 882B &
1071, De Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 251 & 471, Drummond
RB & Hemsley JH 4332 (EA).
NE
Coffea fadenii Bridson – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Mist forest, 1400–1850 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 462 & 651, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
342 & 404, Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/269, Faden RB, Evans A, Msafiri F &
Smeenk C et al. 71/56, Faden RB & Githui M 70/743, Faden RB et al. 70/559,
Raler I 0034 & 0039, Goodrich J EAH 17158 (EA). Endangered.
Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. sessiliflora – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Moist and
dry evergreen forest, 1080–1370 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0295 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW3178, Luke WRQ et al. 5532 (EA).
Coffea zanguebariae Lour. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Riverine, ca. 800 m. Voucher:
Mwachala G et al. EW3333 (EA). Vulnerable.
Coptosperma graveolens (S.Moore) Degreef var. graveolens – Habit: Shrub/Tree.
Habitat: Montane woodland, evergreen bushland and thicket, 600–1000 m.
Vouchers: SAJIT–005362 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 619,
Medley KE 529, 546, 571, 715 & 736, Gilbert MG & Gilbert CI 6115 (EA).
Cordylostigma prolixipes (S.Moore) Groeninckx & Dessein – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky areas, Euphorbia-Croton deciduous bushland, 1000–1067 m. Vouchers:
Faden RB & Evans A 71/43, Bally PRO 8715 (EA).
134
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Cremaspora triflora (Thonn.) K.Schum. subsp. confluens (K.Schum.) Verdc. –
Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Swamp forest, plantation forest, thicket, ca. 1225 m.
Voucher: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1173 (EA, NMNH, WAG).
Cremaspora triflora (Thonn.) K.Schum. subsp. triflora – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Understorey in evergreen and riverine forest, 1200–1640 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 803, Faden RB et al. 70/444, Medley KE 604,
Aver’yanov L 200 (EA).
Dirichletia glaucescens Hiern – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Deciduous woodland,
bushland and thicket, rocky outcrops, 450–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 491
& 707, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/530, Verdcourt B 5312 (EA), Ossent JR 134,
Hildebrandt JM 2595, Lavranos JJ 11896, Gillett JB & Burtt BL 17170, Hooper
SS & Townsend CC 1258, Belsky JB 492 (EA).
Empogona ovalifolia (Hiern) Tosh & Robbr. var. glabrata (Oliv.) Tosh & Robbr.
– Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest, dry thickets and wooded grassland,
960–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004636 & 005377 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM
& Mwangangi OM 522, Luke WRQ et al. 6419, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
523 & 1180, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/480, Gillett JB 19571, Archer PG 14344,
Joanna B 8882 (EA). Vulnerable.
Empogona ovalifolia (Hiern) Tosh & Robbr. var. ovalifolia – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest, montane woodland, secondary vegetation, 650–1000 m.
Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW86, Medley KE 470, 601, 783, 809 & 903 (EA).
Empogona ovalifolia (Hiern) Tosh & Robbr. var. taylorii (S.Moore) Tosh & Robbr. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry forest, bushland with scattered trees, thicket, ca.
800 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS 82/94 (EA). Vulnerable.
Galiniera saxifraga (Hochst.) Bridson – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Forest, 1740–2170
m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 150, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
919 (EA).
NE
Galium brenanii Ehrend. & Verdc. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Heavily disturbed
evergreen forest, 1900–2205 m. Vouchers: Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2732(S),
Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/248, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 94 (EA).
Galium spurium L. subsp. africanum Verdc. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Cultivations,
forest edges, bushlands and roadsides, 1400–1640 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 10 (EA).
Gardenia volkensii K.Schum. subsp. volkensii – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Montane
woodland, grassland with scattered trees, 487–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 870,
Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 13026 (EA).
Heinsenia diervilleoides K.Schum. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Rainforest, moist
evergreen forest, 1500–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 209,
Faden RB et al. 71/982 (EA).
Heinsia crinita (Wennberg) G.Taylor subsp. parviflora (K.Schum. & K.Krause) Verdc. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Bushland, 550–650 m. Voucher: Medley KEM 961 (EA).
Hymenodictyon parvifolium Oliv. subsp. parvifolium – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-Combretum thicket, mixed bushland, rocky outcrops, 610–1000 m. Vouchers:
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
135
SAJIT–005365, Watuma BM W0181 (EA, HIB), Medley KEM 537, 560 & 703,
Sacleux C 2298, Dale IR 3761, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12680 (EA)
Hymenodictyon parvifolium Oliv. subsp. scabrum (Stapf ) Verdc. – Habit: Shrub.
Habitat: Open woodland, thicket, rocky hills, ca. 520 m. Voucher: Faden RB &
Faden AJ 74/247 (EA).
Keetia gueinzii (Sond.) Bridson – Habit: Liana/Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Forest and
woodland, often on swampy ground, 1400–1900 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004602
& 005321, Watuma BM W0240 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 385,
Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 843, De Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier
B 305, 324, 325, 333 & 472, Faden RB, Faden AJ & Smeenk C 71/1014, Raler
I 0059 (EA).
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. glabrescens Jannerup – Habit:
Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Montane forest, often by streams, forest edge clearings and
secondary vegetation, 1425–1850 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
955, Faden RB, Faden AJ, Smeenk C, Smeenk N & McNee J et al. 71/983 (EA).
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. hirsutus Jannerup – Habit: Shrub/
Tree. Habitat: Upland evergreen forest, 1040–1660 m. Vouchers: De Block P,
Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 360, 361, 480 & 486 (EA).
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus – Habit: Shrub/
Tree. Habitat: Understorey of upland rainforest, 1000–1950 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006346 (EA, HIB), De Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 247,
249 & 260, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4352, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
192, Bally PRO 8748, Medley KE 605 & 680 (EA).
Meyna tetraphylla (Schweinf. ex Hiern) Robyns subsp. comorensis (Robyns) Verdc. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Dry or moist evergreen forest and woodland,
riverine, by waterholes, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005408 (EA, HIB), Medley KE 968 (EA).
Mitragyna rubrostipulata (K.Schum.) Havil. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Fringing forest, wet upland forest, along streams, 1425–1850 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 770, Faden RB et al. 71/241 (EA).
Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. holstii (K.Schum.) Bremek. – Habit: Herb.
Habitat: Philippia heath, grassland, open woodland, rock outcrops, 914–1900 m.
Vouchers: SAJIT–005346 (EA, HIB), De Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 306 & 310, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 3, 230 & 362, Lewis WH 5931,
Hildebrandt JM 2435, Ossent JR 87 (EA).
Oldenlandia rupicola (Sond.) Kuntze – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rock crevices and
outcrops in Philippia scrub and upland forest, 2000–2170 m. Vouchers: Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4299, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2722, Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 76 (EA).
Oxyanthus goetzei K.Schum. subsp. keniensis Bridson – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Forest, 825–1875 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3327, Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 551, Joanna B 8883, Faden RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/437,
Thulin MI 551 (EA).
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson – Habit: Shrub/
Tree. Habitat: Dry forest, ca. 1200 m. Voucher: Medley KE 666 (EA). Vulnerable.
NE
Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. longitubus Bridson – Habit:
Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Moist forest, ca. 1040 m. Voucher: De Block P, Muasya,
Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 356 (EA). Endangered.
Oxyanthus speciosus DC. subsp. stenocarpus (K.Schum.) Bridson – Habit: Shrub/
Tree. Habitat: Forest, 1540–2117 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–003289 & 004521 (EA,
HIB), Bytebier B 1218, De Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 248,
263, 265, 317, 335, 475, 481A, 485A, 488 & 499A, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
240, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 893, Raler I 0008 (EA).
NE
Parapentas battiscombei Verdc. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest floor and clearings
in upland evergreen forest, 1040–1981 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4139
& 9431, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6662, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 828 &
1064, De Block P et al. 354, Bally PRO 8768 & 138706 (EA).
Pauridiantha paucinervis (Hiern) Bremek. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland evergreen forest, 1200–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005309, Watuma BM W0018 &
W0050 (EA, HIB), Christenhusz MJM et al. 6633, Joanna B 9030, De Block P et
al. 244, 250, 253, 264, 353, 359, 570, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 213 & 364,
Faden RB & Faden AJ 77/328, Gillett JB, Burtt BL, Osborn RM 17125, Medley
KE 930, Lubai lK HB29 (EA).
Pavetta abyssinica Fresen. subsp. abyssinica – Habit: Shrub/Liana. Habitat: Forest
and associated scrub, ca. 1630 m. Voucher: Christenhusz MJM, Kamau P, Chase
MW, Mbale M & Kyaa J 6666 (EA).
Pavetta crebrifolia Hiern var. crebrifolia – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland and lowland evergreen forest, 660–1640 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 887,
Gillett JB 18747, Medley KE 436 & 883 (EA).
Pavetta dolichantha Bremek. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Bushland and forest edges, ca.
762 m. Voucher: Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 966 (EA).
Pavetta gardeniifolia A.Rich. var. gardeniifolia – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Bushland
to forest, often on rocky ground, 820–1400 m. Vouchers: Faden RB, Evans A &
Githui M 70/164, De Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 347, Medley
KE 671, Hildebrandt JM 2570 (EA).
Pavetta sepium K.Schum. var. sepium – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Ground-water forests, bushland on hillsides, ca. 1219 m. Voucher: Napier ER 1139 (EA). Vulnerable.
Pavetta teitana K.Schum. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest margins on rocky ground,
660–1250 m. Vouchers: Faden RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/430, De Block P et
al. 370, Lavranos JJ 11897, Medley KE 469, 730 & 941, Gillett JB 18738, Bally J
13560, Joanna B 9402 (EA). Vulnerable.
Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers subsp. lanceolata – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat:
Evergreen forest, bushland, thicket, grassland, 1700–1827 m. Vouchers: Watuma
BM W0090 (EA, HIB), Beentje HJ 2133 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
137
Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers subsp. quartiniana (A.Rich.) Verdc. – Habit:
Subshrub. Habitat: Edges of paths and glades in secondary evergreen forest, 1350–
1560 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 828 & 1064, Bytebier B 1219
(EA).
Pentas pubiflora S.Moore – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Dry riverine forest and forest edges, scrub, grassland, lava slopes, 1189–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 11 & 549, Lewis WH 5930 (EA).
Pentas zanzibarica (Klotzsch) Vatke var. intermedia Verdc. – Habit: Subshrub.
Habitat: Grassland, rocky hillsides, 1600–1830 m. Voucher: Lubai lK HB16 (EA).
Pentas zanzibarica (Klotzsch) Vatke subsp.. zanzibarica – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest glades and edges, open grassland with scattered trees, 1040–2170 m.
Vouchers: Watuma BM W0217 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 114,
De Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 281, 289 & 364, Bally PRO
8707 (EA).
Pentodon pentandrus (Schumach. & Thonn.) Vatke – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Seasonally wet ground, moist forest margins, along rivers, 800–1200 m. Vouchers:
SAJIT–005353 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 666 (EA).
Phyllopentas schimperi (Hochst.) Y.D.Zhou & Q.F.Wang – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest in volcanic soils, 1425–2000 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al.
NMK Exped. 911 & 953 (EA).
Polysphaeria multiflora Hiern subsp. pubescens Verdc. – Habit: Tree. Habitat:
Riverine forest and bushland, 800–1158 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK
Exped. 660, Bally PRO 8578 (EA).
Polysphaeria parvifolia Hiern – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest, woodland, 1000–1640 m. Voucher: Medley KE 699 (EA).
NE
Psychotria alsophila K.Schum. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest, 1650–
1900 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0283 (EA, HIB), Christenhusz MJM et al.
6616, De Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 293, 294, 296 & 320,
Beentje HJ 2191, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 519, Faden RB, Faden AJ, Smeenk
C & Geer T 72/213 (EA). Vulnerable.
Psychotria capensis (Eckl.) Vatke subsp. riparia (K.Schum. & K.Krause) Verdc.
– Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Evergreen bushland, forest edges, riparian forest,
800–1640 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 641, Medley KE 474,
Gilbert MG & Gilbert CI 6103 (EA).
NE
Psychotria crassipetala E.M.A.Petit – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest,
1000–1925 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 440, 619A, 680 &
736, De Block P et al. 271 & 484, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4336, Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 214 & 426, Faden RB, Evans A, Githui M & Smeenk C
71/258, Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/274, Faden RB & Evans A 69/875, Dale IR
3814 (EA). Endangered.
Psychotria cyathicalyx E.M.A.Petit – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland evergreen forest,
1900–2205 m. Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/256 (EA). Vulnerable.
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Benjamin Muema Watuma et al. / PhytoKeys 191: 1–158 (2022)
Psychotria lauracea (K.Schum.) E.M.A.Petit – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen
forest, 1000–1900 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0048 (EA, HIB), De Block P
et al. 340, 342, 343, 346, 373 & 374, Beentje HJ 2143, Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 37, 205 & 333, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 863 & 998, Faden RB &
Faden AJ 77/339, Dale IR 3851, Raler I 0049, Medley KE 593, 616, 647, 650 &
894 (EA).
E
Psychotria petitii Verdc. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, 1432–2180 m.
Vouchers: SAJIT–006348, Watuma BM W0034 & W0045 (EA, HIB), Luke
WRQ & Luke PA 5498, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 334 & 473, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4343, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6626 & 6668, De Block
P et al. 246, 311, 469 & 477, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 165 & 210, Hemp A
5187, Raler I 0012, Faden RB et al. 70/139, 739 & 72/256, Bally PRO 8712 &
8751, Dale IR 3815 (EA). Endangered.
NE
Psychotria pseudoplatyphylla E.M.A.Petit – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen
forest, 1450–1960 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004516, 004565 & 004595, Wakanene KM, Mwangangi OM & Dunn B 336, 371, 639 & 736, Mutiso 29,
Christenhusz, MJM et al. 6625, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4334, De
Block P et al. 242, 254, 258, 261, 262, 269, 272, 279, 328, 332, 491 & 492,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 207, Beenjte HJ et al. NMK Exped. 889, Hemp
A 5192, Faden RB et al. 71/233 & 77/336, Dale IR 3816, Raler I 0002 (EA).
Vulnerable.
Psychotria punctata Vatke var. punctata– Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest edges, Bushland, open woodland, often in rocky places, Acacia thicket, grassland, cultivated
hillsides, 800–1400 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3321, Kabuye CHS
82/143, Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 656, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/511,
Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4398, Bally PRO 8583 (EA).
E
Psychotria sp. B of FTEA – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland evergreen forest, 1650–
1800 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 72/211, Gilbert MG & Gilbert CI 6103 (EA).
E
Psychotria taitensis Verdc. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Mist forest with Syzygium and
Rapanea sp., 1060–1600 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4151 & 9435, De
Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 350 & 365, Faden RB, Evans A,
Smeenk C & Kariuki B 71/153 (EA). Endangered.
Psydrax lividus (Hiern) Bridson – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Thicket and scrub, rocky
hillsides, 836–960 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0201 (EA, HIB), Gillett JB
19572 (EA).
Psydrax parviflorus (Afzel.) Bridson subsp. rubrocostata (Robyns) Bridson – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Forest, 1400–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB & Faden AJ
72/271, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17115, Beenje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
844, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 308 & 888, Medley KE 663 (EA).
Psydrax polhillii Bridson – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Woodland and thicket, 550–650
m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4246, Medley KE 544 (EA). Vulnerable.
Psydrax schimperianus (A.Rich.) Bridson subsp. schimperianus – Habit: Shrub/
Tree. Habitat: Forest, montane woodland, thicket or bushland, 650–1040 m.
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
139
Vouchers: De Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 348, Medley KE 635,
643, 735 & 859 (EA).
Pyrostria phyllanthoidea (Baill.) Bridson – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: In Acacia, Commiphora bushland, often on rocks, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005402 (EA,
HIB), Medley KE 487, 778, 855 & 962 (EA).
Pyrostria sp. A of FTEA – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest. Voucher: Joanna B 9403 (EA).
Rhodopentas parvifolia (Hiern) Kårehed & B.Bremer – Habit: Subhrub. Habitat:
Dry evergreen forest, grassland with scattered trees, 701–1004 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0314 (EA, HIB), Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 956 (EA).
Rothmannia fischeri (K.Schum.) Bullock ex Oberm. subsp. verdcourtii Bridson –
Habit: Tree. Habitat: Bushland on rocky hillsides, 609–1371 m. Vouchers: Kabuye
CHS 82/35, Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped 637, Mwachala G et al. EW913 &
1181, Kokwaro JO 2608, Cheseny CMC 102, Hildebrandt JM 2531, Joanna B
8987, Archer PG 635, Medley KE 549 & 564 (EA).
Rothmannia ravae (Chiov.) Bridson – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest,
thicket, 900–1900 m. Vouchers: De Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B
318, Faden RB, Githui M & Evans A 70/177, Archer PG 619 (EA).
NE
Rytigynia eickii (K.Schum. & K.Krause) Bullock – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Submontane forest, open bushland in granite areas, 1400–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma
BM W0079 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS 82/92, Luke WRQ et al. 5502, Chemusto
28, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 334, 473 & 535, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
875, Faden RB & Faden AJ 77/335, Raler I 0055 (EA). Vulnerable.
Rytigynia uhligii (K.Schum. & K.Krause) Verdc. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Montane
evergreen forest, 1000–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–003300, 006408, Watuma BM
W0054, W0078 & W0276 (EA, HIB), De Block P et al. 284A, 295, 298, 323,
330, 331 & 341, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1075 & 1118, Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 51, 119, 253, 262 & 511, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4399,
Faden RB & Faden AJ 77/334, Gillett JB 23891, Dale IR 1999, Medley KE 913
& 992 (EA).
Spermacoce princeae (K.Schum.) Verdc. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland, forest
and woodland clearings, 1427–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006410 (EA, HIB), De
Block P, Muasya, Stieperaere H & Bytebier B 322, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
111 & 434 (EA).
Tennantia sennii (Chiov.) Verdc. & Bridson – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry bushland and woodland on red sandy soils, 525–800 m. Vouchers: Mrs. Robertson SA
6529, Medley KE 432, 494, 777, 863 & 960, Faden RB, Evans A & Rathbun G
69/414, Gillett JB 18772, Napier ER 1065, Ossent JR 144 (EA).
Vangueria apiculata K.Schum. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest edges and
thicket, rocky slopes, ca. 1814 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006402 (EA, HIB).
Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. rotundata (Robyns) Verdc. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest, woodland, 1800–2000 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004584
(EA, HIB).
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Vangueria madagascariensis J.F.Gmel. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest,
woodland, 650–1960 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004567 (EA, HIB), Medley KE 564
& 1013 (EA).
Vangueria schumanniana (Robyns) Lantz subsp. mucronulata (Robyns) ined. –
Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Grewia thicket and bushland. Voucher: Lawton RM 1757 (EA).
Vangueria schumanniana (Robyns) Lantz subsp. schumanniana – Habit: Shrub/
Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora-Combretum woodland and bushland, rocky
slopes, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 634, 727 & 807 (EA).
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest
edges, rocky slopes, 800–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0112 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 602, Luke WRQ & Bytebier B et al. 5378, Beentje
HJ et al. NMK Exped. 878, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4376, Raler I 0065,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 577 (EA).
F142. RUTACEAE
6 Genera, 14 species
Calodendrum capense (L.f ) Thunb. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland evergreen and
riverine forests, 1200–1700 m. Voucher: Gardener in FD 2921 (EA).
Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest margins and regenerations, bushland, wooded grassland, 1700–1875 m. Vouchers:
SAJIT–004600, Watuma BM W0069 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW012,
Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 263 (EA).
Fagaropsis angolensis (Engl.) H.M.Gardner – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Rainforest edges,
drier evergreen forest, 1650–1800 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 72/209 (EA).
Harrisonia abyssinica Oliv. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest; forest
edges and clearings, 550–1371 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0144 (EA, HIB),
Mwachala G et al. EW2800, Mungai GM et al. EW1391 & 1657, Medley KE
944, Faden RB, Evans A & Rathbun G 69/416, Joanna B 8885 (EA).
E
Vepris fadenii (Kokwaro) Mziray – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Mist forest, mountain and
hill forests, 1200–1875 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 9436, Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 575, Faden RB et al. 71/57 & 145, Joanna B 9032, Raler I 0037
(EA). Vulnerable.
Vepris glomerata (F.Hoffm.) Engl. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Wooded grassland,
deciduous woodland, 550–810 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 755, Vesey-FitzGerald
42 (EA).
Vepris sp. nr. glomerata (F.Hoffm.) Engl. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Montane
woodland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 480 & 509 (EA).
Vepris nobilis (Delile) Mziray – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, woodland,
rocky hills, 1000–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 464, Medley
KE 1012 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
141
Vepris simplicifolia (Engl.) Mziray – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, wooded
grassland and bushland, 650–1875 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW180 &
3114A, Kimuzi D 3, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 526, Medley KE 501 (EA).
Vepris trichocarpa (Engl.) Mziray – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland forest, riverine associations, ca. 950 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et al. EW1762 (EA).
Vepris uguenensis Engl. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Wooded grassland, riverine, bushland in rocky places, 610–1050 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 5514 &
6433, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/514, Faden RB et al. 71/0114, Gardner HM
2961, Ossent JR 121 (EA).
Zanthoxylum asiaticum (L.) Appelhans, Groppo & J.Wen – Habit: Liana. Habitat:
Forest edges, riverine forest, bushland, 1000–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004122,
004562 & 005310, Watuma BM W0064 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK
Exped. 228 & 492, Raler I 0021, Medley KE 627 (EA).
Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Dry bushland and wooded
grassland, 550–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 495 (EA).
Zanthoxylum usambarense (Engl.) Kokwaro – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland forest,
ca. 1400–1600 m. Vouchers: Joanna B 8935, Kimuzi D 2 (EA).
F143. SALICACEAE
6 Genera, 7 species
Bivinia jalbertii Tul. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, 1200–1600 m. Voucher: Medley KE 910 (EA). Near Threatened.
Dovyalis abyssinica (A.Rich.) Warb. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland rainforest, dry
evergreen forest, open wooded grassland, 1700–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et
al. NMK Exped. 242 & 503, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4285, Raler I 0092
(EA).
Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest, woodland,
wooded grassland, bushland, riparian, 950–1150 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW614 & 3263, Mungai GM et al. EW1752 (EA).
Ludia mauritiana J.F.Gmel. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest, riverine woodland, 650–1350 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS 82/130, Kabuye CHS et
al. NMK Exped. 616, Mwachala G et al. EW64, Luke WRQ et al. 5343, Faden
RB et al. 71/135, Medley KE 590, 607, 630, 641, 794 & 800 (EA).
Scolopia rhamniphylla Gilg – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Rainforest, dry evergreen forest,
800–1000 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 587 & 673 (EA).
Scolopia theifolia Gilg – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland dry evergreen forest, 800–
1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 901 (EA).
Trimeria grandifolia (Hochst.) Warb. subsp. tropica (Burkill) Sleumer – Habit:
Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Rainforest, dry evergreen and riverine forest, 1250–1875 m.
Vouchers: Watuma BM W0076 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS 82/86 & 145, Luke
WRQ & Robertson SA 507, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 459, Faden RB
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et al. NMK Exped. 327, Raler I 0043, Christenhusz MJM, Kamau P, Chase MW,
Mbale M & Kyaa J 6636 (EA).
F144. SALVADORACEAE
2 Genera, 2 species
Dobera glabra (Forssk.) Juss. ex Poir. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora
scrub on rocky hillsides, 500–670 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 977, Zùmer M 39
(EA).
Salvadora persica L. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora thicket, 550–650
m. Voucher: Medley KE 974 (EA).
F1145. SANTALACEAE
3 Genera, 4 species
Osyridicarpos schimperianus (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) A.DC. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Upland dry evergreen forest, deciduous woodland, riverine, 900–1100 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW816 & 1503 (EA).
Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steud. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland dry evergreen
forest, mist forest and associated bushland, deciduous woodland, 650–2050 m.
Vouchers: SAJIT–004119 & 005306, Watuma BM W0146 (EA, HIB), Kabuye
CHS 82/147, Mwachala G et al. EW214, 430, 571, 925, 1185 & 1500, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 341 & 442, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 848
& 1080, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 238, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4293,
Raler I 0072, Medley KE 580, 741 & 803, Gardner HM 2994 (EA).
Thesium radicans Hochst. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Short grassland, grazed
places, rock crevices, 1040–1100 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW326 (EA).
Thesium schweinfurthii Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland grassland, mixed
bushland, disturbed places and burnt areas, ca. 1420 m. Voucher: Mungai GM et
al. EW3097A (EA).
F146. SAPINDACEAE
10 Genera, 13 species
Allophylus abyssinicus (Hochst.) Radlk. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Moist and dry upland forest margins, 1584–1875 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0133 & W0278
(EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 501, Faden RB et al. 71/262a (EA).
Allophylus ferrugineus Taub. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest, often by stream sides, 950–
1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped 573, Mwachala G et al. EW930 (EA).
Allophylus rubifolius (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Engl. – Habit: Liana/Shrub. Habitat:
Upland forest, woodland, Commiphora-Acacia bushland, grassland with scattered,
600–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 522, Medley KE 448 &
456, Hildebrandt JM 2562 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
143
Blighia unijugata Baker – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest, ca. 1200 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. 71/59 (EA).
Cardiospermum corindum L. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora bushland and woodland, riverine, scrub on rocky hills, 600–900 m. Voucher: Hildebrandt JM 2565 (EA).
Deinbollia borbonica f. glabrata Radlk. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Riverine Acacia
thorn bush and evergreen thicket, Acacia-Combretum woodland, 630–874 m.
Vouchers: Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4277, Kimeu JM, Meso M & Meroka
D KEFRI 519 (EA).
Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Evergreen forest,
montane woodland, 650–1100 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 880, Mwachala G et al.
EW236, Mungai GM et al. EW1350 (EA).
Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. subsp. angustifolia (L.f.) J.G.West – Habit: Shrub. Habitat:
Disturbed upland evergreen forest, woodland and thicket, 1158–1850 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005305, Watuma BM W0093 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW436
& 575, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 247, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped.
876, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 34, Murray High School 21, Napier ER 1103,
Raler I 0115, Heller E s.n. (EA).
Filicium decipiens (Wight & Arn.) Thwaites – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Mixed forest in river valleys, 970–1260 m. Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 802, Mwachala
G et al. EW1574, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1182, Raler I 0122 (EA).
Haplocoelum foliolosum (Hiern) Bullock subsp. strongylocarpum (Bullock) Verdc.
– Habit: Tree. Habitat: Riverine forest, grassland with Combretum, dry thicket and
bushland, 650–1875 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3322, Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 511, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 517, Medley KE 861, Faden
RB et al. 72/202, Raler I 0074 (EA).
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughaniae (Dunkley) Friis – Habit: Tree.
Habitat: Riverine, deciduous bushland and woodland, 650–1000 m. Vouchers:
SAJIT–004637 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 646, Luke WRQ et
al. 5345, Medley KE 569 (EA).
Pancovia golungensis (Hiern) Exell & Mendonça – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Moist evergreen forest, riverine forest, 1000–1640 m. Vouchers: Luke WRQ & Luke PA 9432B, Luke WRQ et al. 5322, Medley
KE 662, 667, 918 & 934, Faden RB & Evans A 71/138 (EA).
Pappea capensis Eckl. & Zeyh. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Grassland with scattered trees,
woodland, 650–1100 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW101, 202 & 974, Mungai GM et al. EW1663, Medley KE & Muasya J 820 (EA).
F147. SAPOTACEAE
6 Genera, 9 species
Donella viridifolia (J.M.Wood & Franks) Aubrév. & Pellegr. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland moist evergreen forest, 1000–1640 m. Voucher: Medley KE 693 (EA).
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Englerophytum natalense (Sond.) T.D.Penn. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, riverine forest, 1425–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005331 (EA, HIB), Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 307, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1005, Faden RB et al.
70/570, Raler I 0046 (EA).
Gambeya gorungosana (Engl.) Liben – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest,
commonly associated with Podocarpus sp. and Ocotea usambarensis, 1700–1875 m.
Vouchers: Faden RB NMK Exped. 287, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4364 &
4365, Raler I 0033 (EA).
Manilkara discolor (Sond.) J.H.Hemsl. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland dry evergreen forest, upland rainforest in well drained sites, 800–1615 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0269 (EA, HIB), Medley KE 588 & 920 (EA).
Manilkara mochisia (Baker) Dubard – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Deciduous bushland,
dry scrub with trees, ca. 700 m. Voucher: Medley KE 952 (EA).
Manilkara sulcata (Engl.) Dubard – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Evergreen bushlands and thickets, 700–1100 m. Vouchers: SAJIT-005415 (EA, HIB), Faden RB
& Faden AJ 74/466, Gilbert MG & Gilbert CI 6116, Bally PRO 13586, Medley
KE 942 (EA).
Mimusops obtusifolia Lam. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Riverine forest, montane woodland, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE 884 (EA).
Mimusops somalensis Chiov. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen bushland. ca. 650 m.
Voucher: Bytebier B 1737 (EA).
Pouteria adolfi-friedericii (Engl.) A.Meeuse subsp. adolfi-friedericii – Habit: Tree.
Habitat: Rainforest, 1350–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 225,
Raler I 0078, Faden RB et al. 71/237 (EA).
F148. SCROPHULARIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Buddleja pulchella N.E.Br. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland forest margins and upland evergreen bushland, 1700–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
465 & 482, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4327, Gardner HM 2940, Raler I
0116 (EA).
F149. SIMAROUBACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Brucea antidysenterica J.F.Mill. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Evergreen rainforest, forest margins, secondary margins, 1500–2170 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004522,
004526 & 006387, Watuma BM W0047 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 627, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6618, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 163,
Faden RB & Faden AJ 72/270, Hemp A 5191, Joanna B 9013 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
145
F150. SOLANACEAE
5 Genera, 19 species
*Nicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Weed of cultivation, forest clearings, secondary bushland, wasteland, 1000–1200 m. Voucher: Mwachala
G et al. EW1281 (EA).
*Nicotiana tabacum L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Dry evergreen forest, bushland,
homesteads, roadsides, 1100–1300 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW1186 (EA).
*Physalis peruviana L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest margins and clearings, disturbed areas, weed of cultivated places, 1675–1750 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM
W0121 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 552 (EA).
Solanum aculeastrum Dunal – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Forest margins, scrub,
disturbed open places, 1402–1728 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0060 (EA, HIB),
Napier ER 1131 (EA).
*Solanum aculeatissimum Jacq. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Moist and evergreen dry
forest, Acacia-Commiphora woodland, 1425–1850 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 413 (EA).
Solanum anguivi Lam. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest and forest edges, disturbed
areas, along roadsides, 1400–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 45,
414 & 518, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1108 (EA).
Solanum dasyphyllum Schumach. & Thonn. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest, wooded grassland, wasteland, 900–1250 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW1267, Napier ER 1127 (EA).
Solanum giganteum Jacq. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Moist forest, secondary bushland,
1425–1850 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 376, Raler I s.n. (EA).
Solanum incanum L. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Thickets, bushland, wooded grassland,
550–875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004609 (EA, HIB), Medley KE p.r. (EA).
Solanum mauense Bitter – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest edge, secondary bushland,
along roadsides, ca. 2024 m. Voucher: SAJIT–006361 (EA, HIB).
*Solanum mauritianum Scop. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Forest margins, escaped
from cultivated land, ca. 1584 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0129 (EA, HIB).
Solanum nakurense C.H.Wright – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Acacia scrub, roadsides, bare ground. Vouchers: Joanna B & Opiko 8758 & 8996 (EA).
Solanum nigrum L. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest edges, streambanks, Acacia-Commiphora woodland on rocky slopes, old cultivations, ca. 1800 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 734, Kluguess LM 74 (EA).
*Solanum seaforthianum Andrews – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Semideciduous forest, grassland, farmland, plantations, 850–1100 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW31, 117 & 1203, Cheseny CMC 30/72 (EA).
Solanum schumannianum Dammer – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Semi-deciduous and
evergreen forest, secondary forest, margins of cultivation, 1402–2170 m. Vouchers:
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SAJIT–004527, Watuma BM W0075 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi
OM 9 & 845, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6642, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH
4309, Verdcourt B & Polhill RM 2734, Napier ER 1134, Bally PRO 8754, Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 128 & 323, Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17104 (EA).
Solanum terminale Forssk. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Forest, forest margins, secondary
forest, bushland, 1250–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004127 & 006392, Watuma
BM W0070 & W0119 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et al. EW1251 & 3543, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 185 & 743, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 266
& 483, Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 857, Napier ER 1132, Kluguess LM 67,
Kirika P et al. s.n. (EA).
Solanum tettense Klotzsch – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora-Euphorbia bushland, riverine, cultivation, 550–1000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al.
EW3299, Engler A 1971, Medley KE 988 (EA).
Solanum villosum Mill. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Forest, riverine, bushland, cultivated
and abandoned lands, 821–1612 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0303 (EA, HIB),
Polhill RM & Kibuwa SP 974 (EA).
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Acacia-Commiphora
bushland, weed in old cultivations and disturbed places, 457–925 m. Vouchers:
Mungai GM et al. EW3584, Katende AB, Lye K & Lye A 4786, Mrs. Robertson
SA 3672, Bally PRO 8743, Greenway PJ & Kanuri K 12891 (EA).
F151. STILBACEAE
2 Genera, 4 species
Halleria lucida L. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Montane forest and forest margins, ca.
1850 m. Voucher: SAJIT–006370 (EA, HIB).
Nuxia congesta R.Br. ex Fresen. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Upland rainforest, 1250–
2170 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS 82/81, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 454
& 646, Beentje HJ 2189, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 104 & 542, Raler I 0107,
Medley KE 660 & 996 (EA).
Nuxia floribunda Benth. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Margins and relic patches of upland
rainforest, 1350–1960 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004564, Watuma BM W0097 (EA,
HIB), Mungai GM et al. EW3090A, Luke WRQ & Luke PA 4199, Beentje HJ et
al. NMK Exped. 874, 909 & 1077, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 25, 383 & 502,
Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4392, Raler I 0095, Dale IR 3783 (EA).
Nuxia oppositifolia (Hochst.) Benth. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Riverine forest, 609–
850 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW3337, Gardner HM 3001 (EA).
F152. TALINACEAE
1 Genus, 2 species
Talinum caffrum (Thunb.) Eckl. & Zeyh. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rocky places in
open woodland or grassland, 750–859 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–006416 (EA, HIB),
Hucks M 466 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
147
Talinum portulacifolium (Forssk.) Asch. ex Schweinf. – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Open dry woodland or grassland in the hotter and drier parts, 600–1050 m.
Vouchers: SAJIT–004616, Watuma BM W0174 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al.
NMK Exped. 628, Mwachala G et al. EW3288, Gillett JB 19580, Bally PRO
8734 & 14157 (EA).
F153. THYMELAEACEAE
4 Genera, 5 species
Dicranolepis usambarica Gilg – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest, 1425–
1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005318 & 006423 (EA, HIB), Beentje HJ et al. NMK
Exped. 945, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 338 & 762, Faden RB et al. 69/830,
70/560 & 708, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 277, 390 & 464, Gillett JB
et al. 17154, Joanna B 9000, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6670, Gardner HM 2938,
Raler I 0038, Muhesi 21 (EA).
Englerodaphne subcordata (Meisn.) Engl. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland dry evergreen forest and associated bushland, 1170–1450 m. Vouchers: Wakanene KM
& Mwangangi OM 318 & 526, Mungai GM et al. EW3580, Joanna B 8914 (EA).
Gnidia involucrata Steud. ex A.Rich. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Open wooded grassland, deciduous woodland and bushland, 1180–1371 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G
et al. EW256, 381 & 3146, Luke WRQ et al. 5558, Gardner HM 2954 (EA).
Gnidia stenophylla Gilg – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Grassland subject to burning and
wooded grassland, 1350–1707 m. Vouchers: Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1138,
Luke WRQ et al. 5559, Gardner HM 2955 (EA).
Lasiosiphon latifolius (Oliv.) Brenan – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Upland evergreen
bushland, wooded grassland, 550–1200 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005307, Watuma
BM W0002 (EA, HIB), Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 689, Mwachala G et al.
EW100 & 518, Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 476, Medley KE 462 & 540,
Christenhusz MJM et al. 6661, Gillett JB 18748, Bally PRO 8718 (EA).
NE
F154. URTICACEAE
7 Genera, 11 species
Droguetia debilis Rendle – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Undergrowth of upland rainforest,
2000–2100 m. Voucher: SAJIT–004589 (EA, HIB).
Elatostema monticola Hook.f. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest, in moist
vegetation on forest floor, near streams, 1425–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 773 & 774, Faden RB et al. 70/544, Christenhusz MJM et al. 6643,
Gillett JB, Burtt BL & Osborn RM 17156 (EA).
Obetia radula (Baker) Baker ex B.D.Jacks. – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Evergreen or semievergreen bushland on basement complex, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KEM pr.
Parietaria debilis G.Forst. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest, evergreen bushland in shade, under rocks, ca. 1350 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW3113A
(EA).
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Pilea johnstonii Oliv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest and montane forest, 1400–1750 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0212 (EA, HIB), Wakanene KM &
Mwangangi OM 233, 335 & 466, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 41 (EA).
Pilea rivularis Wedd. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest, along streams and
moist places, 1700–1875 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 348 (EA).
Pilea c.f. usambarensis Engl. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland rainforest, 1425–2000
m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. 72/275, Dale IR 7119, Drummond RB & Hemsley
JH s.n. (EA).
Pilea usambarensis Engl. var. usambarensis – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Evergreen forest floor, disturbed forest patches, 1900–2195 m. Vouchers: Verdcourt B & Polhill
RM 2723, Drummond RB & Hemsley HJ 4316 (EA).
Pilea usambarensis Engl. var. engleri (Rendle) Friis – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Upland
rainforest in leaf litter, 1896–1950 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–004532 & 006349 (EA,
HIB).
Pilea usambarensis Engl. var. veronicifolia (Engl.) Friis – Habit: Herb. Habitat:
Upland rainforest in disturbed places, 2000–2170 m. Voucher: Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 98 (EA).
Pouzolzia parasitica (Forssk.) Schweinf. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Rainforest along
paths and streams, 1400–1640 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 13
(EA).
Urera hypselodendron (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Wedd. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Upland
rainforest especially in clearings and near edges, 1500–2200 m. Vouchers: Faden
RB et al. NMK Exped. 101 & 200, Raler I 0148 (EA).
Urera trinervis (Hochst.) Friis & Immelman – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Lowland rainforest, riverine forest, along forest margins and clearings, 900–1640 m. Vouchers:
Faden RB et al. 71/116, Medley KE s.n. (EA).
F155. VERBENACEAE
3 Genera, 6 species
*Lantana camara L. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Forest clearings, roadsides, old cultivations, 650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KEM s.r. (EA).
Lantana ukambensis (Vatke) Verdc. – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Forest edges,
wooded grassland, open woodland, old cultivations, granite rocks, 1700–1875 m.
Voucher: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 223 (EA).
Lantana viburnoides (Forssk.) Vahl subsp. kisi (A.Rich.) Verdc. – Habit: Shrub.
Habitat: Secondary scrub, bushed grassland, ca. 1000–1300 m. Vouchers: Bally
PRO 8720, Gardner HM 2993 (EA).
Lippia kituiensis Vatke – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Bushland, woodland, rough grassland on volcanic rocks, 1200–1300 m. Voucher: Murray High School 19 (EA).
Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng. – Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Combretum woodland, forest clearings, scrub bushland, 970–1180 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al.
EW357 (EA).
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
149
*Stachytarpheta urticifolia Sims – Habit: Subshrub. Habitat: Flood plain, bushland,
roadside weed, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 665 (EA).
F156. VIOLACEAE
3 Genera, 4 species
Afrohybanthus enneaspermus (L.) Flicker – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Wooded grassland, cultivated and waste places, ca. 1160 m. Voucher: Mwachala G et al. EW298
(EA).
Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. ardisiiflora (Oliv.) Grey-Wilson –
Habit: Shrub. Habitat: Evergreen forest, 1700–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al.
NMK Exped. 476 & 536, Beentje HJ 2188 (EA).
Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze – Habit: Tree. Habitat: Lowland evergreen forest,
650–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KEM s.n. (EA).
Viola abyssinica Steud. ex Oliv. – Habit: Herb. Habitat: Montane forest margins,
forest clearings, moist grassland, 1400–2000 m. Vouchers: Drummond RB &
Hemsely JH 4314, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 106, Christenhusz MJM et al.
6652, Gillett JB et al. 17086 & 17255, Joanna B 8815, Faden RB & Evans A
70/491 (EA).
F157. VITACEAE
3 Genera, 21 species
Cissus adeyana Masinde & L.E.Newton – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Scattered scrub
on rocky ground, dry Acacia-Commiphora bushland on rocky limestone ridge,
1128–1200 m. Vouchers: Luke PA & Luke WRQ 5512, Bally PRO 8123 (EA).
Cissus albiporcata Masinde & L.E.Newton – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Bushland in
rocky areas, 440–500 m. Vouchers: Masinde PS 336 & 360, Mbugua PK 387a
(EA).
Cissus aphyllantha Gilg – Habit: Shrub/Liana. Habitat: Acacia desert thorn bush, ca.
800 m. Voucher: Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4417 (EA).
Cissus cactiformis Gilg – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Commiphora, Acacia, Combretum
woodland, 487–609 m. Vouchers: Hucks M 1046, Sheldrick DB 8796, Napier
ER 1022 (EA).
Cissus oliveri (Engl.) Gilg ex Engl. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest in riverine areas, valleys and open areas, 1400–1875 m. Vouchers: SAJIT–005349, Watuma BM
W0019, 0062 & 0084 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 353, 428 & 800,
Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 846, Drummond RB & Hemsley JH 4382 (EA).
Cissus petiolata Hook.f. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest edges, riverine forest, Acacia mixed bushland, rocky grounds with scattered trees, 1100–1358 m. Vouchers:
Watuma BM W0233 (EA, HIB), Joanna B & Opiko 8763 (EA).
Cissus phymatocarpa Masinde & L.E.Newton – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest
edge, bushland and thicket, ca. 914 m. Voucher: Napier ER 939 (EA).
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Cissus quadrangularis L. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Montane woodland, bushland, riverine thicket, 720–1000 m. Vouchers: Mwachala G et al. EW844 & 952A, Medley
KE 949, Faden RB & Faden AJ 74/251, SAJIT s.n. (EA).
Cissus rotundifolia Vahl – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Dry forest, Acacia-Commiphora
scrub, 600–1150 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0183 (EA, HIB), Mwachala G et
al. EW75, 173, 477 & 1182, Medley KE 948 (EA).
Cissus sciaphila Gilg – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest, riverine forest fringes, 1750–
1800 m. Voucher: Christenhusz M, Chase MW, Kamau P, Mbale & Kyaa J 6672
(EA).
Cissus sylvicola Masinde & L.E.Newton – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Evergreen forest,
forest on rocky hill, 800–950 m. Voucher: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 700
(EA).
NE
Cyphostemma braunii (Gilg & M.Brandt) Desc. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Margins evergreen forest with Podocarpus sp. and Ocotea sp., 1350–1450 m. Voucher:
Beentje HJ et al. NMK Exped. 1081 (EA).
Cyphostemma buchananii (Planch.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. – Habit:
Climber. Habitat: Evergreen forest, bushland, woodland, 1000–1875 m. Vouchers: Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 521, 556 & 396 (EA), Mungai G et al. EW
2829 (EA).
Cyphostemma cyphopetalum (Fresen.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. cyphopetalum – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Evergreen forest margins, 1700–1875 m.
Vouchers: Watuma BM W0083 (EA, HIB), Faden RB et al. NMK Exped. 396 &
521 (EA).
Cyphostemma cyphopetalum var. nodiglandulosum (T.C.E.Fr.) Verdc. – Habit:
Climber. Habitat: Forest margins, grassland with scattered trees, 800–2170 m.
Vouchers: Kabuye CHS et al. NMK Exped. 635, Faden RB et al. NMK Exped.
160 (EA).
Cyphostemma digitatum (Lam.) Desc. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Acacia-Grewia
bushland and thicket on rocky hillsides, ca. 600 m. Voucher: Hucks M 726 (EA).
Cyphostemma hildebrandtii (Gilg) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Evergreen forest, Commiphora-Terminalia-Acacia bushland, 1220–
1371 m. Vouchers: Hildebrandt JM 2436, Napier ER 1107 (EA).
Cyphostemma jiguu Verdc. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Riverine bush with scattered
trees, 1200–1350 m. Voucher: SAJIT–005356 (EA, HIB).
Cyphostemma knittelii (Gilg) Desc. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Acacia-CommiphoraCombretum bushland and woodland, ca, 884 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0031
(EA, HIB).
Cyphostemma thomasii (Gilg & M.Brandt) Desc. – Habit: Climber. Habitat: Forest
margins, deciduous woodland, ca. 1422 m. Voucher: Watuma BM W0238 (EA,
HIB).
Rhoicissus revoilii Planch. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Secondary forest edges, woodland, bushland, grassland, 550–1569 m. Vouchers: Watuma BM W0253 (EA,
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Taita Hills
151
HIB), Wakanene KM & Mwangangi OM 493, Medley KE 493, Gillett JB 19569
(EA).
Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. – Habit: Liana. Habitat: Forest
edges, thicket and scrub often on rock crevices, ca. 1769 m. Vouchers: Kabuye
CHS 82/84, Raler I 0132 (EA).
F158. XIMENIACEAE
1 Genus, 1 species
Ximenia caffra Sond. – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Dry woodland and bushland,
500–650 m. Voucher: Medley KE 967 (EA).
F159. ZYGOPHYLLACEAE
1 Genus, 2 species
Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile – Habit: Shrub/Tree. Habitat: Montane woodland,
deciduous bushland, scattered tree grassland, 550–1000 m. Voucher: Medley KE
485 (EA).
Balanites pedicellaris Mildbr. & Schltr. subsp. pedicellaris – Habit: Shrub/Tree.
Habitat: Deciduous bushland, ca. 560 m. Vouchers: Medley KE 770, Mildbraed
19 (EA).
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the Botany department of the National Museums of Kenya (NMK)
and the East African Herbarium (EA) for provision of the necessary permits and herbarium specimens for data extraction. Much gratitude goes to the NMK staff for their
help with the fieldwork and plant identification. We are also deeply indebted to the
National Commission of Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) and the
Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for granting access research permits as well as availing
personnel for guidance and security during the field surveys. We would also like to
thank Prof. Muthama Muasya, Prof. Thais Almeida and an anonymous reviewer for
their invaluable suggestions to this manuscript. This work was financially supported by
grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31970211), and from
Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, CAS (SAJC202101).
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solomon kipkoech