Ternstroemia cameroonensis (Ternstroemiaceae), a new medicinally important species of montane tree, nearly extinct in the Highlands of Cameroon

Abstract

Ternstroemia cameroonensis sp. nov. (Ternstroemiaceae) is formally described from the Highlands of Cameroon and its conservation status is assessed as Critically Endangered using the IUCN 2012 standard. This is the third species of Ternstroemia known from Africa. The species is unusual in its genus in being monoecious, having Terminalia-branching (Aubreville’s model), phyllotaxy of 1/3 (not pseudo-verticillate), flowers with a uniseriate androecium and a distinct intra-staminal disc, and in the stamens lacking a distinct apicular connective. The species is used locally for extensive medicinal purposes.