Martin Cheek

Molecular phylogenetics of Meliaceae (Sapindales) based on nuclear and plastid DNA sequences

Phylogenetic analyses of Meliaceae, including representatives of all four currently recognized subfamilies and all but two tribes (32 genera and 35 species, respectively), were carried out using DNA sequence data from three regions: plastid genes rbcL, matK (partial), and nuclear 26S rDNA (partial). Individual and combined phylogenetic analyses were performed for the rbcL, matK, and 26S rDNA data sets. Although the percentage of informative characters is highest in the segment of matK sequenced, rbcL provides the greatest number of informative characters of the three regions, resulting in the best resolved trees. Results of parsimony analyses support the recognition of only two subfamilies (Melioideae and Swietenioideae), which are sister groups. Melieae are the only tribe recognized previously that are strongly supported as monophyletic. The members of the two small monogeneric subfamilies, Quivisianthe and Capuronianthus, fall within Melioideae and Swietenioideae, respectively, supporting their taxonomic inclusion in these groups. Furthermore, the data indicate a close relationship between Aglaieae and Guareeae and a possible monophyletic origin of Cedreleae of Swietenioideae. For Trichilieae (Melioideae) and Swietenieae (Swietenioideae) lack of monophyly is indicated.

Phylogenetic Relationships within the Subfamily Sterculioideae (Malvaceae/Sterculiaceae-Sterculieae) Using the Chloroplast Gene ndhF

Abstract A parsimony analysis of ndhF nucleotide sequences representing 24 species and 13 genera of Sterculioideae strongly supports (100% bootstrap) the monophyly of the group. Within the Sterculioideae clade four major clades are recognized with good bootstrap support but relationships among them are not resolved. This analysis suggests the recognition of Argyrodendron as separate from Heritiera, supports Acropogon as separate from Sterculia, and Tarrietia as part of Heritiera. The current circumscriptions of Hildegardia and Firmiana are not supported. The use of fruit characters in the delimitation of genera within Sterculioideae may not be appropriate in some cases and other morphological characters need to be found.

Kupeaeae, a New Tribe of Triuridaceae from Africa

A new tribe, Kupeaeae Cheek (Triuridaceae) is proposed here to house three species, all from Africa. Two of these species are newly described here: Kupea jonii Cheek and the second, for which a new genus is proposed, Kihansia lovettii Cheek. Notes on the ecology, phenology and conservation status of the new species are given. Each of the three species is critically endangered.

Kupea martinetugei, a New Genus and Species of Triuridaceae from Western Cameroon

The new genus Kupea, with the only species K. martinetugei is described in the Triuridaceae from western Cameroon and its conservation status assessed.

Korupodendron songweanum, a new genus and species of Vochysiaceae from West-Central Africa

Abstract{btKorupodendron songweanum} is described as the second genus of Vochysiaceae from Africa. Its classification, biogeography, conservation status, and local name and uses are discussed.

A Synoptic Revision of Ancistrocladus (Ancistrocladaceae) in Africa, with a New Species from Western Cameroon

Summary. This is the first revision of the African species of Ancistrocladus Wall. (Ancistrocladaceae), a genus of lianas restricted to evergreen forests of the Old World. 13 species are recognized in Africa, including Ancistrocladus grandiflorus, here described as a new species from the east of Mt Cameroon. A key and synoptic accounts of the African species are presented and infra-generic groupings, geography, ecology and conservation are discussed.

Important Plant Areas: revised selection criteria for a global approach to plant conservation

Despite the severe threats to plant habitats and high levels of extinction risk for plant species in many parts of the world, plant conservation priorities are often poorly represented in national and global frameworks because of a lack of data in an accessible and consistent format to inform conservation decision making. The Important Plant Areas (IPAs) criteria system offers a pragmatic yet scientifically rigorous means of delivering these datasets, enabling informed national- or regional-scale conservation prioritisation, and contributing significantly towards global prioritisation systems including the International Union for Conservation of Nature Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) Standard. In this paper, we review the IPA rationale and progress on IPA identification to date, including the perceived limitations of the process and how these may be overcome. We then present a revised set of criteria for use globally, developed through the combined experiences of IPA identification over the past decade and a half and through a recent global consultation process. An overview of how the revised IPA criteria can work alongside the newly published KBA Standard is also provided. IPA criteria are based around a sound, scientific, global framework which acknowledges the practical problems of gathering plant and habitat data in many regions of the world, and recognises the role of peer reviewed expert opinion in the selection process. National and sub-national engagement in IPA identification is essential, providing a primary route towards long term conservation of key sites for plant diversity. The IPA criteria can be applied to the conservation of all organism groups within the plant and fungal kingdoms.

A new species of Ledermanniella (Podostemaceae) from western Cameroon

Ledermanniella onanai Cheek (Podostemaceae) is described from the upper reaches of the Chide River in the Bakossi Mts of South West Province, Cameroon. Its morphology, affinities and conservation status are discussed.

A new species of Afrothismia (Burmanniaceae) from Kenya

Afrothismia baerae Cheek (Burmanniaceae) is newly described from a coastal forest remnant in Kenya. Its affinities and conservation status are assessed.

A new species of Coffea (Rubiaceae) and notes on Mount Kupe (Cameroon)

Summary. A new Cameroonian species, Coffea montekupensis (Rubiaceae, Coffeeae) is described and morphological and ecological documentation supplied. C. montekupensis is endemic to the Bakossi Mountains and all but one of the known collections are from Mount Kupe. It resembles the more widely distributed C. brevipes Hiern which also occurs on Mount Kupe, although the two are not sympatric.