A new species of Euclea (Ebenaceae) from ultramafic soils in Sekhukhuneland, South Africa, with notes on its ecology

Abstract

Euclea sekhukhuniensis Retief, Siebert & A.E.van Wyk. a new species with a restricted range in Sekhukhuneland, South Africa, is described, illustrated and compared with other members of the genus. It is a gregarious geoxylic sufthitex forming large, much-branched colonies. The species is closely related to the small tree/shrub E. linearis Zeyh. ex Hiem from which it can be distinguished by its larger fruits, broader leaves and exclusively suffrutex growth form. Geographical range and habitat preference also differ between the two taxa. E. sekhukhuniensis is endemic to the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism, where it is confined to the calcareous, heavy-metal soils of the Steelpoort River Valley.

Keywords

• Ebenaceae
• Euclea Murray
• ecology
• new species
• Sekhukhuneland
• South Africa
• summer rainfall region
• taxonomy