Hypolytrum goetghebeurii (Cyperaceae), a curious new species from miombo woodlands in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Background – The genus Hypolytrum is studied during the preparation of the Cyperaceae treatment in Flore d’Afrique centrale. It is kept separate from Mapania and its African members have been divided amongst three sections.Methods – Herbarium material from BR and BRLU has been studied. A preliminary IUCN Red List assessment is performed according to the IUCN Guidelines and Criteria. Results – The new species Hypolytrum goetghebeurii is described from miombo woodlands in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It differs from other African species in the genus by forming thick tussocks, having narrow, rigid leaves and spicoids with three male flowers subtended by their floral bracts and a female flower with three stigmas. It occurs in seasonally dry areas with a regular fire regime and seems to be the only African species of that genus occupying such a dry habitat. It is named after the Cyperaceae specialist Prof. em. Dr. Paul Goetghebeur. Following the IUCN Red List criteria, the species is assessed as Vulnerable.

Keywords

• botany
• Central Africa
• Cyperaceae
• Democratic Rep