New taxa of Barleria sect. Prionitis (Acanthaceae) from the Horn of Africa biodiversity hotspot in Somalia

Abstract

Two new taxa in Barleria L. sect. Prionitis Nees (Acanthaceae) are described from Somalia, namely Barleria biramosa Defty & I.Darbysh. from central Somalia and B. compacta Malombe & I.Darbysh. subsp. minima I.Darbysh. & Defty from the northeast coastal region. These taxa are further endemics of the Horn of Africa biodiversity hotspot and have highly restricted ranges. Barleria biramosa was previously included within B. punctata Milne-Redh., another range-restricted endemic of the Horn of Africa region form northeast Ethiopia and northern Somalia; an updated description of B. punctata is therefore provided. Notes on the habitat requirements and conservation status (extinction risk) of the species are provided. Barleria biramosa is considered to be globally Endangered whilst B. compacta subsp. minima is currently assessed as Least Concern; the published assessment of Vulnerable for B. punctata is confirmed. With these additions, 11 taxa in 10 species of Barleria sect. Prionitis are currently recognised in Somalia.