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Article
Published: 2021-07-13

Carapa wohllebenii (Meliaceae), a new tree species from montane forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi

Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences–Biology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Universitätsstraße 1, 56070 Koblenz, Germany
Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences–Biology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Universitätsstraße 1, 56070 Koblenz, Germany
Hauptstr. 284, Königswinter, Germany
Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860 Meise, Belgium, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium

Abstract

Carapa wohllebenii is described as a new tree species from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. Its affinities to Carapa grandiflora are discussed. It differs in a number of morphological features; the most prominent being the oblanceolate-oblong leaflets with distinctly mucronate apex and a length/width ratio of 3.2–4.7 (vs. oblong ovate leaflets with mucronulate apex and a length/width ratio of 1.9–2.7 in C. grandiflora). A molecular phylogeny of Carapa is presented that clearly indicates the distinct phylogenetic position of both species. Based on the current knowledge, the new species is given a preliminary conservation assessment of LEAST CONCERN (LC). Carapa grandiflora is here for the first time recorded from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

References

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