A taxonomic revision of the spiny members of subfamily celastroideae (Celastraceae) in Southern Africa

Abstract

­A taxonomic revision of all the southern African spiny members of the Celastroideae is presented. Evidence from macromorphology, leaf anatomy, ecology and phytogeography are used as a basis for classification. The genus Gymnosporia (Wight & Arn.) Hook. f. is reinstated, deviating from Maytenus by the presence of spines and brachyblasts, dichasial inflorescences, and mainly unisexual flowers. A new genus, Gloveria, is described. Taxa proposed are: four species (one new combination) in Putterlickia; one species in Gloveria; 31 species and three subspecies in Gymnosporia (nine new sections, nine new combinations, seven new species and one new subspecies). The taxonomic treatment includes keys to the genera, sections, species and subspecies, accompanied by descriptions, nomenclatural details, habitat and distribution, plus voucher specimens. A list of herbarium specimens examined is provided. Photographs of herbarium specimens, flowers, fruits and transverse sections of the leaves, as well as distribution maps and a cladogram are included.