﻿<tax:taxonx xmlns:dc="http://digir.net/schema/conceptual/darwin/2003/1.0" xmlns:tax="http://www.taxonx.org/schema/v1" xmlns:mods="http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.taxonx.org/schema/v1 http://www.taxonx.org/schema/v1/taxonx1.xsd http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3/mods-3-1.xsd http://digir.net/schema/conceptual/darwin/2003/1.0 http://digir.net/schema/conceptual/darwin/2003/1.0/darwin2.xsd">
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<mods:title>Endemic families of Madagascar. VII. A synoptic revision of Leptolaena Thouars sensu stricto (Sarcolaenaceaea).</mods:title>
</mods:titleInfo>
<mods:name type="personal">
<mods:role>
<mods:roleTerm>Author</mods:roleTerm>
</mods:role>
<mods:namePart>Schatz, G. E.</mods:namePart>
</mods:name>
<mods:name type="personal">
<mods:role>
<mods:roleTerm>Author</mods:roleTerm>
</mods:role>
<mods:namePart>Lowry, P. P.</mods:namePart>
</mods:name>
<mods:name type="personal">
<mods:role>
<mods:roleTerm>Author</mods:roleTerm>
</mods:role>
<mods:namePart>Wolf, A.-E.</mods:namePart>
</mods:name>
<mods:typeOfResource>text</mods:typeOfResource>
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<mods:titleInfo>
<mods:title>Adansonia</mods:title>
</mods:titleInfo>
<mods:part>
<mods:detail type="volume">
<mods:number>(3)23(2)</mods:number>
</mods:detail>
<mods:extent unit="page">
<mods:start>171</mods:start>
<mods:end>189</mods:end>
</mods:extent>
<mods:date>2001</mods:date>
</mods:part>
</mods:relatedItem>
<mods:identifier type="HNS-PUB">21380</mods:identifier>
<mods:location>
<mods:url>http://www.mnhn.fr/publication/adanson/a01n2a1.pdf</mods:url>
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<tax:p>Endemic families of Madagascar. VII.</tax:p>
<tax:p>
A synoptic revision of 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
Thouars sensu stricto (Sarcolaenaceae)
</tax:p>
<tax:p>George E. SCHATZ</tax:p>
<tax:p>Missouri Botanical Garden, P. O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO, 63166 - 0299, U. S. A.</tax:p>
<tax:p>schatz @ mobot. org</tax:p>
<tax:p>Porter P. LOWRY II</tax:p>
<tax:p>Missouri Botanical Garden, P. O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO, 63166 - 0299, U. S. A.</tax:p>
<tax:p>lowry @ mobot. org</tax:p>
<tax:p>Laboratoire de Phanerogamie, Museum national d'Histoire naturelle,</tax:p>
<tax:p>16 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France.</tax:p>
<tax:p>lowry @ mnhn. fr</tax:p>
<tax:p>Anne-Elizabeth WOLF</tax:p>
<tax:p>Laboratoire de Phanerogamie, Museum national d'Histoire naturelle,</tax:p>
<tax:p>16 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France.</tax:p>
<tax:p>aewolf @ mnhn. fr</tax:p>
<tax:p>KEY WORDS</tax:p>
<tax:p>
Sarcolaenaceae, 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
, Madagascar, conservation.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>ABSTRACT</tax:p>
<tax:p>
As part of an assessment of the vascular plant families endemic to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands, a synoptic revision is presented of Leptolaena Thouars sensu stricto (Sarcolaenaceae). Unresolved questions of generic delimitation among 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
s. s., Mediusella (Cavaco) Hutch., Xerochlamys Baker, and Sarcolaena Thouars preclude a comprehensive revision of 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
sensu lato at the present time. Two previously recognized species are retained (
<tax:name>L. multiflora</tax:name>
and 
<tax:name>L. pauciflora</tax:name>
), 
<tax:name>L. cuspidata</tax:name>
is resurrected from synonymy, and five 
new species
are described: 
<tax:name>L. abrahamii</tax:name>
, 
<tax:name>L. delphinensis</tax:name>
, 
<tax:name>L. gautieri</tax:name>
, 
<tax:name>L. masoalensis</tax:name>
, and 
<tax:name>L. raymondii</tax:name>
. Preliminary assessments of the conservation status of each species are provided, along with a key to the species in English and French.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>RESUME</tax:p>
<tax:p>Familles endemiques de Madagascar. VII. Une revision synoptique du genre Leptolaena Thouars sensu stricto (Sarcolaenaceae).</tax:p>
<tax:p>Dans le cadre de revaluation des familles de plantes vasculaires de Madagascar et des Comores, la revision synoptique du genre Leptolaena Thouars sensu stricto (Sarcolaenaceae) est presentee. Des questions non resolues concernant</tax:p>
<tax:p>ADANSONIA, ser. 3 • 2001 • 23 (2): 171 - 189</tax:p>
<tax:p>© Publications Scientifiques du Museum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris.</tax:p>
<tax:p>
la delimitation generique de 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
s. str., 
<tax:name>Mediusella</tax:name>
(Cavaco) Hutch., 
<tax:name>Xerochlamys</tax:name>
Baker, et 
<tax:name>Sarcolaena</tax:name>
Thouars excluent actuellement la realisation d'une revision complete de 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
sensu lato. Deux especes deja reconnues (
<tax:name>L. multiflora</tax:name>
et 
<tax:name>L. pauciflora</tax:name>
) sont retenues; 
<tax:name>Leptolaena cuspidata</tax:name>
est rehabilite, et cinq nouvelles especes sont decrites: 
<tax:name>L. abrahamii</tax:name>
, 
<tax:name>L. delphinensis</tax:name>
, 
<tax:name>L. gautieri</tax:name>
, 
<tax:name>L. masoalensis</tax:name>
, et 
<tax:name>L. raymondii</tax:name>
. Une evaluation preliminaire pour la conservation du statut de chaque espece est presentee, ainsi qu'une cle a l'espece, en anglais et en francais.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>MOTS CLES</tax:p>
<tax:p>
Sarcolaenaceae, 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
, Madagascar, conservation.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>INTRODUCTION</tax:p>
<tax:p>This is the seventh in our series of synoptic revisions of genera in Madagascar's endemic plant families (cf. Lowry et al. 1999, 2000; SCHATZ et al. 1998, 1999 a, b, 2000 b), which we are publishing to provide an updated taxonomic framework for assessing the c. 100 species concerned using the IUCN Red List threat categories (SCHATZ et al. 2000 a), with the ultimate goal of compiling a Red Data Book detailing the conservation status of each species. For the present paper, our original intention was to review species circumscriptions within Leptolaena Thouars sensu lato, i. e., including both Mediusella (Cavaco) Hutch. and Xerochlamys Baker, thus adopting the broader generic concept of CAVACO (1952 a, b). However, reconsideration of the characters that have been utilized to distinguish the three genera from one another, as well as to distinguish closely related Sarcolaena Thouars, has caused us to question the generic limits among the representative taxa.</tax:p>
<tax:p>
Sarcolaena has traditionally been circumscribed to include those taxa that exhibit prefoliation vernation traces on their leaves, a result of an induplicate-folded condition of the immature leaves during the bud stage, versus the inrolled condition in related genera. However, a recently described species of Sarcolaena entirely lacks vernation traces (S. isaloensis Randrianasolo &amp; J. S. Mill.), and they are also occasionally absent in 
<tax:name>S. eriophora Thouars</tax:name>
(RANDRIANASOLO &amp; Miller 1999). Cavaco (1952 a, b) emphasized the complete dissociation of the pericarp at maturity into silky " malpighian " hairs to distinguish Sarcolaena from 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
sensu lato. However, 
<tax:name>Xerochlamys</tax:name>
also exhibits comparable dissociation of the pericarp at maturity into hairs, and 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
sensu stricto possesses hairs at the base and sometimes on the interior walls of the locules. Stipule morphology would appear to ally Sarcolaena and 
<tax:name>Xerochlamys</tax:name>
, both of which possess stipules fused into a single hood-like structure, versus the free stipules of both 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
s. s. and 
<tax:name>Mediusella</tax:name>
(Capuron 1970). Stamen number has also been used to distinguish genera, with Sarcolaena, 
<tax:name>Xerochlamys</tax:name>
, and 
<tax:name>Mediusella</tax:name>
all possessing " numerous " stamens, i. e., greater than 20, versus 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
s. s. with purportedly 10 stamens. Closer examination of stamen number in 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
s. s. for the new taxa described here reveals variable, possibly species-specific values ranging from 6 - 8 in 
<tax:name>L. masoalensis</tax:name>
, 8 - 10 in 
<tax:name>L. abrahamii</tax:name>
, 10 in 
<tax:name>L. delphinensis</tax:name>
, 10 - 12 in 
<tax:name>L. gautieri</tax:name>
, and nearly consistently 11 in 
<tax:name>L. raymondii</tax:name>
. Recent reexamination of pollen of Sarcolaenaceae showed that differences among the four genera were insufficient to support either the division into subgenera or recognition at the rank of genus (NlLSSON &amp; RANDRIANASOLO 1999).
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
In light of the problems involved in assigning taxa within 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
sensu lato and Sarcolaena to genera, we have decided to restrict the present study to 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
sensu stricto, i. e., 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
subgenus 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
[treated as subgenus " 
<tax:name>Euleptolaena</tax:name>
" by Cavaco (1951)], which comprises a morphologically coherent group that in all likelihood is monophyletic. 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
s. s. can be distinguished by its smaller number of stamens, generally smaller flowers, and often glabrous condition. We have examined the specimens at the major herbaria with important holdings of Malagasy plants (K, MO, P, TAN and
</tax:p>
<tax:p>TEF), and have reviewed the circumscription of the species in the group as recognized by Cavaco (1952 a, b).</tax:p>
<tax:p>
In the treatment of Chlaenaceae (= Sarcolaenaceae) for the Flore de Madagascar, Cavaco (1952 b; see also Cavaco 1952 a) recognized seven species of 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
, two of which (
<tax:name>L. multiflora</tax:name>
and 
<tax:name>L. pauciflora</tax:name>
) belong to the group being treated here. Cavaco also followed Perrier de la Bathie (1931) in considering 
<tax:name>L. cuspidata Baker</tax:name>
to be a variety of 
<tax:name>L. multiflora</tax:name>
, whereas we resurrect this taxon to the rank of species.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>Recent phylogenetic studies utilizing molecular sequence data indicate that Sarcolaenaceae and Dipterocarpaceae are sister taxa within an expanded Malvales (Alverson et al. 1998; Bayer et al. 1999). Fossil pollen of Sarcolaenaceae from the Miocene of South Africa shows that the family was more widespread in the past and has become endemic to Madagascar through extinction elsewhere (Coetzee &amp; Muller 1984).</tax:p>
<tax:p>As in the previous papers in this series, we have re-evaluated species circumscriptions by examining morphological features in combination with eco-geographic parameters, including bioclimate (Cornet 1974; Schatz 2000; see also Lowry et al. 1997, 1998) and geological substrate (Du Puy &amp; Moat 1996). Our analysis was facilitated by recent collections made by Malagasy students conducting field work for their DEA studies at the Universite d'Antananarivo as part of the Endemic Plant Families of Madagascar Project (Schatz et al. 2000 a).</tax:p>
<tax:p>
Comparative analysis of the available material of 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
sensu stricto has thus enabled us to propose the following revised taxonomy, in which eight species are recognized, five of which are described as new. For the " Material examined " cited below under each species, abbreviations are as follows: FC = Foret Classee, PN = Parc National, RB = Reserve de la Biosphere, RNI = Reserve Naturelle Integrale, RS = Reserve Speciale, and STF = Station Forestiere. A full listing of exsiccatae for each species, with complete localities and latitude / longitude coordinates, has been compiled for the Madagascar Conspectus Project (Schatz et al. 1996), and is available on the World Wide Web through W 3 TROPICOS (http: // mobot. mobot. org / W 3 T / Search / vast. html). Images of selected taxa are also available on the Web at (http: // www. mobot. org / MOBOT / Madagasc / sarcolae. html). Specimen data can also be accessed through the SONNERAT database at (http: // www. mnhn. fr / base / sonnerat. html). Geographic coordinates indicated in square brackets were assigned post facto using available information on Malagasy place names and topographic maps, compiled as a gazetteer of botanical collecting localities in Madagascar (http: // www. mobot. org / MOBOT / research / madagascar / gazetteer /).
</tax:p>
<tax:p>LEPTOLAENA Thouars</tax:p>
<tax:p>
Hist. Veg. Isles Austral. Afriq.: 41, pl. 11 (1805). TYPE. — 
<tax:name>Leptolaena multiflora Thouars</tax:name>
.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
Key to the species of the 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
s. s.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
1. Leaves small, the largest blades usually &lt;2 cm long (occasionally to 4.5 cm), broadly ovate to circular or rhombic; inflorescences composed of 1 - 5 flowers ................................................................ 7. 
<tax:name>L. pauciflora</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
1 '. Leaves larger, the largest blade&gt; 3 cm long, lanceolate, obovate or narrowly to broadly ovate or elliptic; inflorescences composed of 7 - 50 flowers (2 - 8 in 
<tax:name>L. masoalensis</tax:name>
) ................................................................ 2
</tax:p>
<tax:p>2. Leaf apex obtuse to rounded, sometimes emarginate ................................................................................ 3</tax:p>
<tax:p>2 '. Leaf apex acute to acuminate .................................................................................................................... 4</tax:p>
<tax:p>
3. Involucre urceolate, 3 mm tall, covered with dense granular ferruginous indumentum; sepals exserted 1 - 1.5 mm beyond involucre; leaves narrowly to broadly elliptic, secondary veins (8 -) 11 - 13 per side ............ ........................................................................................................................................ 3. 
<tax:name>L. delphinensis</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
3 '. Involucre ellipsoid to oblong, 7 mm tall, covered with sparse, short white indumentum; sepals completely included within involucre; leaves elliptic to slightly obovate, secondary veins usually 8 per side .................. ........................................................................................................................................ 5. 
<tax:name>L. masoalensis</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
4. Leaves sparsely to moderately sericeous below, with both short appressed trichomes and longer slightly raised trichomes often exceeding 1 mm long (older leaves occasionally subglabrous), margins distinctly revolute .............................................................................................................................. 8. 
<tax:name>L. raymondii</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>4 '. Leaves glabrous below or with indumentum restricted to the midvein, margins weakly revolute to flat, sometimes minutely thickened .................................................................................................................. 5</tax:p>
<tax:p>5. Leaf blades with evident indumentum on the midvein below .................................................................. 6</tax:p>
<tax:p>5 '. Leaf blades completely glabrous (rarely a few trichomes at the base of the midvein below) ........................ 7</tax:p>
<tax:p>
6. Involucre usually &lt;3 mm tall, densely golden yellow granular farinose, rounded at the base with a distinct peduncle 1 mm long; petals 7 - 9 X 1 - 1.5 mm; leaves lanceolate to ovate, apex distinctly long cuspidate ...... ............................................................................................................................................ 2. 
<tax:name>L. cuspidata</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
6 '. Involucre 3 - 3.5 mm tall, densely ferruginous granular farinose, usually also with slightly erect whitish trichomes 0.5 mm long, especially in the lower portion, evenly tapering to a cuneate base, with an indistinct peduncle &lt;0.5 mm long; petals 10.5 - 12 X 1.5 - 2 mm; leaves ovate to broadly ovate, apex acute to acuminate, rarely cuspidate .............................................................................................................. 4. 
<tax:name>L. gautieri</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
7. Leaves narrowly ovate, usually strongly falcate and inequilateral, often drying reddish black, apex distinctly acuminate to cuspidate, largest blades 2.5 - 4.5 (- 5.5) cm long; sepals at anthesis equal to involucre teeth or exceeding them by &lt;0.5 mm .............................................................................................. 1. 
<tax:name>L. abrahamii</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
7 '. Leaves elliptic, usually equilateral to somewhat inequilateral, rarely a few somewhat falcate, drying brownish to olive green, largest blades greater than (3 -) 5.5 cm long; sepals at anthesis exceeding the involucre teeth by (0.8 -) 1 - 1.8 mm .................................................................................................................. 6. 
<tax:name>L. multiflora</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
Cle des especes de 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
s. str.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
1. Feuilles petites, les plus grands limbes generalement &lt;2 cm de long (parfois jusqu'a 4,5 cm), largement ovales a circulaires ou rhombiques; inflorescence composee de 1 a 5 fleurs ........................ 7. 
<tax:name>L. pauciflora</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
1 '. Feuilles plus larges, les plus grands limbes&gt; 3 cm de long, lanceoles, obovales ou etroitement ou largement ovales a elliptiques; inflorescences composees de 7 a 50 fleurs (2 a 8 pour 
<tax:name>L. masoalensis</tax:name>
) ........................ 2
</tax:p>
<tax:p>2. Feuille a apex obtus a arrondi, parfois emargine .......................................................................................... 3</tax:p>
<tax:p>2 '. Feuille a apex aigu a acumine .................................................................................................................... 4</tax:p>
<tax:p>
3. Involucre urceole, haut de 3 mm, couvert d'un indument dense granuleux et ferrugineux; sepales depassant l'involucre de 1 - 1,5 mm; feuilles etroitement a largement elliptiques, nervures secondaires (8 -) 11 - 13 paires .... ........................................................................................................................................ 3. 
<tax:name>L. delphinensis</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
3 '. Involucre ellipsoidal a oblong, haut de 7 mm, couvert d'un court indument blanc clairseme; sepales inclus completement dans l'involucre; feuilles elliptiques a legerement obovales, nervures secondaires generalement 8 paires .................................................................................................................. 5. 
<tax:name>L. masoalensis</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
4. Feuilles peu a moderement cireuses dessous, portant a la fois de courts trichomes apprimes, et de plus longs trichomes legerement dresses, souvent depassant 1 mm de long (feuilles plus agees parfois subglabres), marges distinctement revolutees ........................................................................................ 8. 
<tax:name>L. raymondii</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>4 '. Feuilles glabres dessous ou a indument limite a la nervure principale, marges faiblement revolutees a planes, parfois a peine epaissies ............................................................................................................................ 5</tax:p>
<tax:p>5. Limbe foliaire a indument marque sur la nervure principale a la face inferieure ........................................ 6</tax:p>
<tax:p>5 '. Limbe foliaire completement glabre (portant rarement quelques trichomes dessous a la base de la nervure principale) ................................................................................................................................................ 7</tax:p>
<tax:p>
6. Involucre generalement &lt;3 mm de haut, jaune d'or, densement granulo-farineux, arrondi a la base, avec un pedoncule distinct de 1 mm de long; petales 7 - 9 X 1 - 1,5 mm; feuilles lanceolees a ovales, apex longuement cuspide ................................................................................................................................ 2. 
<tax:name>L. cuspidata</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
6 '. Involucre de 3 - 3,5 mm de haut, ferrugineux, densement granulo-farineux, portant generalement des trichomes blanchatres, legerement dresses, plus particulierement dans la partie basse, progressivement attenue en une base cuneiforme, pedoncule indistinct &lt;0,5 mm de long; petales 10,5 - 12 X 1,5 - 2 mm; feuilles ovales a largement ovales, apex aigu a acumine, rarement cuspide .......................................... 4. 
<tax:name>L. gautieri</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
7. Feuilles etroitement ovales, generalement tres dissymetriques et falciformes, devenant souvent noir rougeatre en sechant, apex distinctement acumine a cuspide, les plus grands limbes longs de 2,5 - 4,5 (- 5,5) cm; sepales a l'anthese de meme taille que les dents de l'involucre ou les depassant de moins de 0,5 mm ...................... ............................................................................................................................................ 1. 
<tax:name>L. abrahamii</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
7 '. Feuilles elliptiques, generalement symetriques a legerement dissymetriques, rarement falciformes, devenant brunatres a vert olive en sechant, les plus grands limbes depassant (3 -) 5,5 cm de long; sepales a l'anthese depassant les dents de l'involucre de (0,8 -) 1 - 1,8 mm .......................................................... 6. 
<tax:name>L. multiflora</tax:name>
</tax:p>
<tax:treatment>
<tax:nomenclature>
1. 
<tax:name>Leptolaena abrahamii G. E. Schatz &amp; Lowry</tax:name>
, 
sp. nov.</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>Haec species a congeneris ad Leptolaenam sensu stricto pertinentibus foliis glabris anguste ovatis falcatis inaequilateralibus in sicco atrorubentibus, sepalis dentes involucrales aequantibus veleos &lt;0.5 mm excedentibus distinguitur.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:nomenclature>TYPUS. — Miller, Bradford, Rakotonasolo &amp; Randrianasolo 8746, Madagascar, Prov. Toamasina, forest N of Andasibe, along railroad tracks, 18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 25 ' E, 860 m, 20 Oct. 1996, fl. (holo-, MO!; iso-, P!, TAN!).</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>Shrubs to trees (1 -) 4 - 15 m tall, trunk to 72 cm dbh, stems short tomentose. Leaves chartaceous, narrowly ovate, strongly falcate, 2.5 - 4.5 (- 5.5) X 1.3 - 2.5 cm, reduced in the inflorescence, glabrous, usually drying reddish black above, dark brown below, base broadly acute to ovate, margins minutely thickened and usually somewhat revolute, apex long acuminate to subcaudate, venation brochidodromous, distinct, especially below, secondary veins (12 -) 14 - 22 per side, midrib slightly raised above, distinctly below; petiole 3 - 4 mm long, 0.5 - 0.8 mm diam., narrowly canaliculate, sparsely puberulous, stipules caducous, scars evident. Inflorescence terminal, corymbose, c. 20 - 40 flowered, axes with minute stellate indumentum often interspersed with scattered appressed trichomes to 0.3 mm long; peduncle 1 - 1.5 mm long, involucre ellipsoid in bud, urceolate to narrowly cupulate at anthesis, 3.5 - 4 mm tall, 3 - 3.3 mm in diam., densely ferruginous stellate, apical margin with 6 - 7 subequal triangular teeth 0.5 - 1.2 mm tall, 0.5 - 1.5 mm broad at the base; sepals obovate, 4 X 2.5 mm, exserted to a height equal to the involucre teeth or exceeding them by no more than 0.5 mm, densely white hirsute outside, glabrous inside; petals narrowly elliptic, 8 - 9 X 1.8 - 2.2 mm, pale yellow, sparsely sericeous outside, exserted 5 - 6 mm beyond involucre teeth at anthesis; stamens 8 - 10, free to the base, filament c. 5 mm long, anther horseshoe shaped, 0.8 mm tall; ovary ovoid, densely light brown tomentose, style slender, exserted, 5 - 6 mm long, stigma hemispherical, crateriform, with 3 lobes, c. 2 mm across. Fruit ovoid to ellipsoid, 4 - 5 mm tall, 2.5 - 3.5 mm diam., irregularly longitudinally channeled, glabrous, entirely enclosed within the persistent sepals and involucre. — Fig. 1.</tax:p>
<tax:p>
<tax:name>Leptolaena abrahamii</tax:name>
is a shrub to mediumsized tree that occurs in mid-elevation humid forest from Analamazaotra-Perinet RS and around Moramanga NNE to Zahamena RNI, with populations also recorded farther S at Ampasinambo and Ranomafana PN (Fig. 2). It can be recognized by its glabrous, narrowly ovate, falcate leaves with a distinctly acuminate to cuspidate apex, which usually dry reddish black, and its sepals that are equal to the involucre teeth or exceed them by less than 0.5 mm.
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="etymology">
<tax:p>
Etymology. — The species epithet honors Jean Prosper Abraham, one of Madagascar's most distinguished forestry agents who was stationed for much of his career at Moramanga and Perinet, where he collected material of 
<tax:name>Leptolaena abrahamii</tax:name>
(Service Forestier 21955).
</tax:p>
<tax:p>Vernacular names. — Amaninombilahy, Anjananjana, Fotona, Voandrozana.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="biology_ecology">
<tax:p>
Conservation status. — With an extent of occurrence &lt;20,000 km 2 and five sub-populations, three of which occur within protected areas, 
<tax:name>L. abrahamii</tax:name>
is assigned a preliminary status of Vulnerable (VU).
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="materials_examined">
<tax:p>PARATYPES. — MADAGASCAR, Prov. Fianarantsoa: Service Forestier 13718, Sahamaizina, Ampasinambo, Nosy Varika, [20 ° 31 ' S, 48 ° 00 ' E], 18 Jan. 1955, y. fr., fr. (P); Service Forestier 14241, Ranovao, Ranomafana PN, [21 ° 18 ' S, 47 ° 38 ' 30 " E], 13 June 1955, bud, fl., y. fr. (P, TEF). Prov. Toamasina: Cours 1206, Nonokambo, [17 ° 44 ' S, 48 ° 44 ' E], 950 m, Nov. 1938, bud, fl., y. fr. (P); Cours 4230, Bemainty a Androndramanitra [18 ° 00 ' S, 48 ° 47 ' E], 800 - 850 m, 9 Mar. 1951, fr. (MO, P); Dequaire 27840, Zahamena RNI, [17 ° 38 ' 30 " S, 48 ° 50 ' E], fl., y. fr. (P); Herb. Inst. Sci. Madag. 3773, Beravina, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], 1 June 1951, bud (P, TAN); Herb. Inst. Sci. Madag. 4230 [= Cours 4230], Bemainty a Androndramanitra [18 ° 00 ' S, 48 ° 47 ' E], 800 - 850 m, 9 Mar. 1951, fr. (TAN); Herb. Jard. Bot. Tananarive 2844, Sihanaka, 21 Aug. 1937, bud (P); Mabberley 813, 3 km SE of Perinet, AnalamazaotraPerinet RS, 18 ° 55 ' S, 48 ° 25 ' E, 850 - 900 m, 29 - 30 Mar. 1971, ster. (K, TAN); Mission Schedl 37, Betsatsa, pres Perinet, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], 17 Nov. 1952, ster. (TAN); McPherson 17523, Ambatovy, 18 ° 50 ' 54 " S, 48 ° 17 ' 56 " E, 1000 m, 1 Mar. 1998, fr. (MO, P, TAN); Morat 3218, Ambatovy, [18 ° 49 ' S, 48 ° 18 ' E], May 1969, bud (MO, P, TAN); Perrier de la Bathie 5336, AnalamazaotraPerinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], 800 m, fr. (K); Reserves Naturelles 15, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], 30 Oct. 1936, fl. (MO, P); Reserves Naturelles 1587, Sahamalaza, Manakambanihy-Est, Zahamena RNI, [17 ° 38 ' 30 " S, 48 ° 50 ' E], 12 Nov. 1948, bud, fl., y. fr. (P); Reserves Naturelles 3169, Sahatavy, Zahamena RNI, [17 ° 38 ' 30 " S, 48 ° 50 ' E], 14 Sep. 1951, bud (MO, P, TAN); Reserves Naturelles 10953, same locality, 12 June 1960, bud, fl., (P, TEF); Reserves Naturelles 12684, Sahamalaza, Zahamena RNI, [17 ° 38 ' 30 " S, 48 ° 50 ' E], 28 Dec. 1963, fr. (TEF); Schatz &amp; Rabenantoandro 3991, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, 18 ° 55 ' 58 " S, 48 ° 25 ' 16 " E, 16 Mar. 2000, ster. (MO); Schatz &amp; Rabenantoandro 3993, 0.5 km E of Andasibe, 18 ° 55 ' 11 " S, 48 ° 25 ' 17 " E, 16 Mar. 2000, fr. (G, K, MO, P, TEF); Service Forestier 3497, Masse (= AmpasimpotsyGara), Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, [18 ° 58 ' 30 " S, 48 ° 21 ' E], 26 Apr. 1951, bud (P, TAN, TEF); Service Forestier 3773, Beravina, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, 1 June 1951, bud, fl. (P, TAN, TEF); Service Forestier 5070, Boqueton Abehovana (Piste MoramangaFarizana), [19 ° 05 ' S, 48 ° 15 ' E], 14 Apr. 1952, bud (P, TEF); Service Forestier 6242, Antsahatsaka, Beravina, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, [18 ° 58 ' S, 48 ° 16 ' 30 " E], 5 Nov. 1952, fl. (MO, P, TEF); Service Forestier 7509, Sahamamy, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], 21 Aug. 1953, bud (P, TEF); Service Forestier 7564, Sahamaloto, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], 24 Jan. 1953, fl. (TEF); Service Forestier 10348, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], 8 June 1954, bud (MO, P, TEF); Service Forestier 14959, km 2, Perinet, AnalamazaotraPerinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], 27 Feb. 1955, bud (P, TEF); Service Forestier 17932, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], 800 m, 4 Apr. 1958, bud (P, TEF); Service Forestier 21244, same locality, 26 July 1962, ster. (MO, P); Service Forestier 21278, 21279, 21280, 21281, 21282, same locality, 9 Nov. 1962, ster. (MO, P); Service Forestier 21898, Sandrangato FC, [19 ° 06 ' 30 " S, 48 ° 14 ' 30 " E], 900 m, 29 Oct. 1964, bud (MO, P, TEF); Service Forestier 21955, Sandrangato FC, pres Toby, PK 27 route d'Anosibe An'ala, [19 ° 06 ' 30 " S, 48 ° 14 ' 30 " E], c. 900 m, 29 Oct. 1964, bud, fl., y. fr. (MO, P, TEF); Service Forestier 25441, Sandrangato FC, [19 ° 06 ' 30 " S, 48 ° 14 ' 30 " E], 900 m, 29 Oct. 1964, fl. (MO, P, TEF); Service Forestier 26096, Sahatsaora (= Sahatsara), Zahamena RNI, [17 ° 38 ' 30 " S, 48 ° 50 ' E], 19 July 1966, bud (P, TEF); Service Forestier 26927, Nangaranana (= Nagarana), Canton Marovoay, [18 ° 44 ' S, 48 ° 22 ' E], Feb. 1970, bud (P, TEF); Service Forestier 26968, same locality and date, fr. (P, TEF); Service Forestier 105 - B-R- 172, Ambodivoasary, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], 14 Mar. 1952, ster. (P, TEF); Service Forestier 124 - B-R- 172, Menalamba, near Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, [18 ° 52 ' S, 48 ° 22 ' 30 " E], 9 Apr. 1952, ster. (TEF); Thouvenot 12, AnalamazaotraPerinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], 1919, bud, fl., y. fr. (K, P); Viguier 851, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], 1000 m, 21 Oct. 1912, bud, fl, y. fr. (MO, P).</tax:p>
</tax:div>
</tax:treatment>
<tax:treatment>
<tax:nomenclature>
2. 
<tax:name>Leptolaena cuspidata Baker</tax:name>
</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:ref_group>
<tax:p>
J. Linn. Soc. Bot. 25: 296 (1889). — 
<tax:name>Leptolaena multiflora var. cuspidata (Baker)</tax:name>
H. Perrier, Bull. Soc. Bot. France 78: 60 (1931). — Type: Baron 5835 [cited in protologue as " next 5836 "], Madagascar, chiefly from north-west Madagascar, fr. (holo-, K!; iso-, P!).
</tax:p>
</tax:ref_group>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>
<tax:name>Leptolaena cuspidata</tax:name>
is a shrub to small tree that occurs in the subhumid forest of the Sambirano region in NW Madagascar, below 500 m elevation (Fig. 3). It can be recognized by its distinctive densely golden yellow granular farinose involucre and lanceolate to ovate, longcuspidate leaves.
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="etymology">
<tax:p>Vernacular names. — Zahana, Zahena, Zana.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="biology_ecology">
<tax:p>
Conservation status. — With an extent of occurrence &lt;20,000 km 2, an area of occupancy &lt;2,000 km 2, and only three of 14 sub-populations encompassed within protected areas, 
<tax:name>L. cuspidata</tax:name>
is assigned a preliminary status of Vulnerable (VU).
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="materials_examined">
<tax:p>Material examined. — Baron 5836, 6283, without precise locality; Baum 333, Ambodimanga; Birkinshaw 1, Antsatsaka; Bosser 20152, Ampasindava; Cours 5674, Mt. Ambohiparaka; Decary 938, 1165, 2095, Maromandia; Decary 14775, 14794, Ambilobe; Derleth 89, Manongarivo RS; Gentry 11870, 57 - 58 km N of Ambanja; Hildebrandt 3306, Vavatobe; Humbert 18752, Ambanja; Humbert 19041, Ambodimagodro; Humbert 25580, SW of Ambilobe; Humbert 32649, Ankarana RS; Humbert 32873, Ambohipiraka; Perrier de la Bathie 3021, Ambanja; Perrier de la Bathie 3023, Maromandia; Perrier de la Bdthie 5340, Ambohipiraka; Perrier de la Bdthie 15677, bas Sambirano; Phillipson 2017, Beramanja; Ravololonanahary 37, Ambato; Service Forestier 3078, Irano (Irarona) to Beramanja; Service Forestier 3141, 3142, Andilamboay; Service Forestier 3171, Tsaratanana RNI; Service Forestier 7501, Bekaka to Benavony; Service Forestier 8225, Anjahakely (= Ampahakely); Service Forestier 10434, Ambilobe; Service Forestier 11486, Manongarivo RS; Service Forestier 12987, Anjakely; Stiefel 68, Manongarivo RS; Totozafy Be 563, Manongarivo RS.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
</tax:treatment>
<tax:treatment>
<tax:nomenclature>
3. 
<tax:name>Leptolaena delphinensis G. E. Schatz &amp; Lowry</tax:name>
, 
sp. nov.</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>Haec species a congeneris ad Leptoaenam sensu stricto pertinentibus foliis glabris apice obtusis usque rotundatis, involucro urceolato granulari dense ferrugineo c. 3 mm alto atque sepalis involucrum c. 1.5 mm excedentibus distinguitur.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:nomenclature>Typus. — McPherson, Dumetz &amp; Rabevohitra 14222, Madagascar, Prov. Toliara, North of Fort Dauphin near Ste. Luce (Manafiafy), NW of village in forest remnant on sand, 24 ° 47 ' S, 47 ° 10 ' E, 20 m, 22 Oct. 1989, fl. (holo-, MO!; iso-, P!, TAN!, TEF!).</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>Shrubs to trees 3 - 10 m tall, trunk to 20 cm in diam., stems glabrous. Leaves chartaceous, narrowly to broadly elliptic, 1.8 - 5.2 X 0.8 - 3.2 cm, reduced in the inflorescence, glabrous, base obtuse to rounded, margins slightly to strongly revolute, apex rounded to occasionally obtuse, venation obscurely brochidodromous, secondary veins (8 -) 11 - 13 per side, midrib flat above, raised below; petiole 3 mm long, c. 1 mm diam., canaliculate, glabrous, stipules indistinct, caducous. Inflorescences terminal, corymbose, 10 - 50 - flowered, the axes glabrous; peduncle 0.7 - 0.8 mm long, involucre urceolate, 3 mm tall, 2.5 mm diam. at apex, densely granular ferruginous farinose, apical margin with 8 - 9 subequal triangular teeth, 0.5 mm tall, 0.4 mm broad at base; sepals exserted 1 - 1.5 mm beyond involucre, densely white hirsute outside, glabrous to sparsely hirsute inside; petals narrowly elliptic, 7 X 2.5 mm, white fading to yellow, exserted 6 mm beyond involucre at anthesis; stamens 10, free to the base, filaments c. 7 - 8 mm long, anthers 0.8 mm tall; ovary conic-ovoid, densely whitish tomentose, style slender, exserted, c. 7 - 8 mm long, stigma hemispheric, with 3 weakly differentiated lobes, c. 0.8 mm across. Fruit globose to widely ovoid, somewhat asymmetric, with a longitudinal channel and concave apex when dry, c. 3 - 4 mm tall, 2 - 3 mm diam., glabrous, entirely enclosed within the persistent sepals and involucre. — Fig. 4.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:nomenclature>
<tax:name>Leptolaena delphinensis</tax:name>
is a shrub to small tree, and is restricted to humid littoral forest on sand near Ft. Dauphin in SE Madagascar (Fig. 2). It can be distinguished by its leaves with an obtuse to rounded apex, small, urceolate, densely granular ferruginous involucre 3 mm tall, and sepals that are exserted 1 - 1.5 mm beyond the involucre.
</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:div type="etymology">
<tax:p>Vernacular names. — Fotobavy, Fotoda, Fotondahy, Fonto, Fotona.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="biology_ecology">
<tax:p>
Conservation status. — With no sub-populations recorded from within the current protected areas network, and thus a predicted population reduction of&gt; 80 % in the next three generations, 
<tax:name>L. delphinensis</tax:name>
is assigned a preliminary status of Critically Endangered (CR). Along with 
<tax:name>L. raymondii</tax:name>
, the status of 
<tax:name>L. delphinensis</tax:name>
demonstrates the urgent need for additional protection of littoral forest along the East coast of Madagascar.
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="materials_examined">
<tax:p>Paratypes. — Madagascar, Prov. Toliara: Decary 10064, Vinanibe, [25 ° 03 ' S, 46 ° 56 ' E], 10 July 1932, fl. (P); Dumetz et al. 683, Mandena STF, 24 ° 57 ' S, 47 ° 00 ' E, 0 - 10 m, 17 Apr. 1989, bud (K, MO, P, TAN, TEF); Humbert 5955, environs de Fort Dauphin, sables entre le pic St. Louis et la mer, [25 ° 03 ' S, 47 ° 00 ' E], 20 Sep. - 6 Oct. 1928, fl. (MO, P); Jacquemin 1149, Mandena STF, [24 ° 57 ' S, 47 ° 00 ' E], 8 Dec. 1972, fr. (MO, P); Johnson WII 37, Mandena STF, [24 ° 57 ' S, 47 ° 00 ' E], 16 July 1963, bud (P); McPherson et al. 14142, Mandena STF, low forest on sand, 24 ° 57 ' S, 47 ° 00 ' E, 25 m, 17 Oct. 1989, fl. (K, MO, P, TAN, TEF); McPherson &amp; Dumetz 14665, Mandena STF, 24 ° 57 ' S, 47 ° 00 ' E, 25 m, 7 Dec. 1989, fr. (MO, TAN); McPherson et al. 14835, Ste. Luce (Manafiafy), 24 ° 47 ' S, 47 ° 10 ' E, 20 m, 18 Jan. 1990, fr. (MO, TAN); Rabenantoandro et al. 272, Mandena STF, 24 ° 57 ' 11 " S, 47 ° 00 ' 16 " E, 5 m, 27 Sep. 2000, fl. (G, K, MO, P, TEF); Rabenantoandro et al. 308, Mandena STF, 24 ° 55 ' 20 " S 47 ° 02 ' 23 " E, 0 - 50 m, 4 Oct. 2000, fl. (G, K, MO, P, TEF); Rabevohitra 2053, Ste. Luce (Manafiafy), foret au N. du village, 24 ° 46 ' S, 47 ° 09 ' E, 10 m, 20 Oct. 1989, fl. (MO, P, TAN, TEF); Rabevohitra &amp; Rabenantoandro 3701, Mandena STF, 24 ° 57 ' 03 " S 47 ° 00 ' 03 " E, 5 m, 4 Oct. 2000, fl. (G, K, MO, P, TEF); Service Forestier 399, Mandena STF, foret littorale, [24 ° 57 ' S, 47 ° 00 ' E], 16 Feb. 1949, fr. (P, TEF); Service Forestier 8207, same locality, 24 July 1953, fl. (P, TEF); Service Forestier 14597, same locality, 1 Sep. 1955, fl. (P); Service Forestier 28656, vestiges forestiers, sur dunes anciennes, sur la route de Ste. Luce, [24 ° 47 ' S, 47 ° 11 ' E], 11 Dec. 1968, fr. (P, TEF); Zarucchi et al. 7504, Mandena STF, coastal low forest on sand, 24 ° 57 ' S, 47 ° 02 ' E, 10 m, 26 May 1991, bud (K, MO, P, TAN).</tax:p>
</tax:div>
</tax:treatment>
<tax:treatment>
<tax:nomenclature>
4. 
<tax:name>Leptolaena gautieri G. E. Schatz &amp; Lowry</tax:name>
, 
sp. nov.</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>Haec species a congeneris ad Leptoaenam sensu stricto pertinentibus foliis ovatis vel late ovatis apice acutis usque acuminatis secus costam subtus indumento manifeste vestitis, involucro granulari-farinoso dense ferrugineo plerumque trichomatibus suberectis albidis c. 0.5 mm longis vestito atque petalis 10.5 - 12 mm longis distinguitur.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:nomenclature>Typus. — Gautier 2920, Madagascar, Prov. Antsiranana, Manongarivo RS, Bekolosy, 14 ° 02 ' S, 48 ° 18 ' E, 1240 m, 29 Mar. 1996, fl. (holo-, MO!; iso-, G, P!, TAN!, TEF!).</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>Trees 3 - 15 m tall, stems initially hirsutetomentose, then glabrescent. Leaves chartaceous, ovate to broadly ovate, 1.1 - 4.8 X 0.5 - 3.7 cm, reduced in the inflorescence, blade glabrous, base obtuse to rounded or subcordate, apex acute to acuminate, the very tip rounded, occasionally somewhat falcate, venation obscurely brochidodromous, secondary veins 9 - 14 per side, midrib flat to slightly raised above, sparsely to moderately hirsute-tomentose, raised below with sparsely to moderately dense sericeous to hirsute indumentum; petiole 2.5 - 4 mm long, 1 mm in diam., canaliculate, moderately to densely hirsute, stipules indistinct, caducous. Inflorescences terminal and axillary from the uppermost leaves, corymbose, 7 - 30 - flowered, the axes densely grey hirsute-tomentose; peduncle 0.1 - 0.5 mm long, indistinct; involucre urceolate, 3 - 3.5 mm tall, 2.5 - 3 mm diam. at apex, tapering evenly to a cuneate base, densely granular ferruginous farinose, usually also with sparse to moderately dense whitish golden partially erect hairs to 0.5 mm, especially towards the base, apical margin with 8 - 10 subequal triangular teeth, 1 mm tall, 0.5 - 1 mm broad at base; sepals exserted 1.5 mm beyond involucre, densely whitish golden hirsute outside, glabrous inside; petals narrowly oblong to oblanceolate, 10.5 - 12 X 1.5 - 2 mm, white to pale yellow, with evident venation upon drying, exserted 7 - 9 mm beyond involucre teeth at anthesis, the apex rounded; stamens 10 - 12, free to the base, filaments 6 - 8 mm long, anthers 0.5 - 0.9 mm tall; ovary ovoid, densely light brown tomentose, style slender, exserted, 6 - 8 mm long, stigma obtriangular to hemispheric, 1 mm in diam. Fruit globose, somewhat asymmetric, with a longitudinal channel and concave apex when dry, c. 2.5 mm tall, 2.5 mm diam., glabrous, entirely enclosed within the persistent sepals and involucre. — Fig. 5.</tax:p>
<tax:p>
<tax:name>Leptolaena gautieri</tax:name>
is a small to medium-sized tree that occurs in mid-elevation subhumid forest from 800 m to over 1,200 m (Fig. 6). It can be recognized by its ovate to broadly ovate leaves with an acute to acuminate apex and evident indumentum on the midvein below, its densely ferruginous granular farinose involucre that usually also has slightly erect whitish trichomes 0.5 mm long, and petals that are 10.5 - 12 mm long.
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="etymology">
<tax:p>Etymology. — The species epithet honors Laurent Gautier, our friend and colleague at the herbarium in Geneva, who has significantly advanced our knowledge of the flora of the Manongarivo Special Reserve.</tax:p>
<tax:p>Vernacular names. — Anjananjana, Zahana.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="biology_ecology">
<tax:p>
Conservation status. — With an area of occupancy &lt;2,000 km 2, and only four of eight sub-populations encompassed within the protected areas network, 
<tax:name>L. gautieri</tax:name>
is assigned a preliminary status of Vulnerable (VU).
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="materials_examined">
<tax:p>Paratypes. — Madagascar, Prov. Antsiranana: Gautier &amp; Chatelain 2344, Manongarivo RS, Bekolosy, vallon en amont de la chute, 14 ° 02 ' S, 48 ° 18 ' E, 1100 m, 15 June 1994, fl. (G, TAN); Gautier 2361, Manongarivo RS, Bekolosy, 14 ° 02 ' S, 48 ° 18 ' E, 800 m, 15 June 1994, fl. (G, MO, P, TAN); Gautier 3510, Manongarivo RS, Ambahatra, cours superieur, 13 ° 59 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E, 1210 m, 8 Mar. 1999 (G, MO); Humbert &amp; Capuron 24147, Mt. Anjenabe, vallee inferieure de l'Androranga, affluent de la Bemarivo aux environs d'Antongondriha, [14 ° 18 ' S, 49 ° 45 ' E], 1130 m, 3 - 7 Nov. 1950, fr. (P); Malcomber &amp; Rakotomalala 2608, Manongarvio RS, Bekolosy, 14 ° 02 ' S, 48 ° 18 ' E, 1000 - 1200 m, 4 Dec. 1993, fr. (MO, P, TAN); McPherson &amp; van der Werff 16359, Manongarivo RS, above the village of Ambodisakoana, 14 ° 05 ' S, 48 ° 20 ' E, 1100 m, 16 Oct. 1994, fr. (MO, P, TAN); McPherson &amp; van der Werff 16396, same locality, 1100 - 1200 m, 18 Oct. 1994, bud (MO, P, TAN); Rakotomalaza 48, Manongarivo RS, Bekolosy, 14 ° 04 ' S, 48 ° 17 ' E, 1000 - 1480 m, Apr. 1993, fl. (MO, P, TAN); Rakotozafy 336, plateau de Beankany, Ambanja, 12 Dec. 1963, bud (P, TAN); A. Randrianasolo 307, Marojejy RNI, 14 ° 29 ' S, 49 ° 49 ' E, 300 - 800 m, 21 Apr. 1993, fl. (MO, P, TAN); A. Randrianasolo 325, same locality, 500 - 600 m, 22 Apr. 1993, fl. (MO, P, TAN); Reserves Naturelles 2237, Tsaratanana RNI, Ambavala, Marovato, Ambanja, 26 Sep. 1950, fr. (MO, P, TAN); Schatz 3233, Manongarivo RS, Bekolosy, 14 ° 06 ' S, 48 ° 17 ' E, 1000 m, 28 Mar. 1991, fl. (K, MO, P, TAN). Prov. Toamasina: Labat et al. 3068, Moramanga, Andasibe, Foret de Maromizaha, 18 ° 57 ' 56 " S, 48 ° 27 ' 34 " E, 1020 m, 1 Apr. 1999, fr. (BR, G, K, P, MO, TAN); McPherson 17467, Ambatovy, 18 ° 51 ' 12 " S, 48 ° 18 ' 48 " E, 1100 m, 26 Feb. 1998, bud (MO, P, TAN); Perrier de la Bathie 14887, AnalamazaotraPerinet RS, [18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E], Oct. 1920, fl. (P); Rakotomalaza 1046, Ambatovy, 18 ° 51 ' 07 " S, 48 ° 18 ' 47 " E, 1100 m, 30 Jan. 1997, bud (MO, P, TAN); Rakotomalaza 1279, same locality, 18 ° 51 ' 08 " S, 48 ° 18 ' 59 " E, 990 m, 25 Mar. 1997, bud (MO, P, TAN); Rakotomalaza 1286, same locality, 18 ° 51 ' 28 " S, 48 ° 17 ' 43 " E, 26 Mar. 1997, bud (MO, P, TAN); Rakotomalaza 1309, same locality, 18 ° 51 ' 10 " S, 48 ° 18 ' 49 " E, 1050 m, 13 May 1997, fl. (MO, P, TAN); Randriambololona et al. 17, Mantady PN, 18 ° 56 ' S, 48 ° 26 ' E, 960 m, 27 Oct. 1997, fr. (MO, P, TAN); Service Forestier 10341, Mangorokely, Anosibe, Moramanga, [19 ° 26 ' S, 48 ° 12 ' E], 19 May 1954, fl. (P). Prov. Toliara: Humbert 20704, Mt. Vohimavo au Nord d'Ampasimena, bassin de la Manampanihy, [24 ° 19 ' S, 47 ° 08 ' E], 830 m, 27 - 28 Mar. 1947, fl. (MO, P).</tax:p>
</tax:div>
</tax:treatment>
<tax:treatment>
<tax:nomenclature>
5. 
<tax:name>Leptolaena masoalensis G. E. Schatz &amp; Lowry</tax:name>
, 
sp. nov.</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>Haec species a congeneris ad Leptoaenam sensu stricto pertinentibus foliis glabris apice obtusis usque rotundatis, involucro ellipsoideo plerumque glabro interdum sparse albido-hirsuto c. 7 mm alto sepalos omnino includente atque staminibus tantum 6 ad 8 distinguitur.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:nomenclature>Typus. — Rahajasoa, Rabe &amp; Bernard 790, Madagascar, Prov. Antsiranana, Masoala PN, Reserve Naturelle d'Ambato, 15 ° 17 ' S, 50 ° 21 ' E, 380 m, 8 Oct. 1994, fl. (holo-, MO!; iso-, K!, P!, TAN!).</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>Shrubs to 2 m tall; stems glabrous to sparsely pubescent. Leaves subcoriaceous, elliptic to slightly obovate, 2.4 - 4 X 1.1 - 1.7 cm, glabrous, discolorous when dry, dark olive brown above, lighter olive green below, base cuneate to acute, margins strongly revolute, apex rounded, venation weakly brochidodromous, secondary veins c. 8 per side, midrib flat above, raised below with very sparse scattered trichomes or glabrous; petiole 2 - 3 mm long, 0.6 - 0.8 mm diam., shallowly canaliculate, stipules caducous. Inflorescences axillary in the terminal leaves, 2 - 8 - flowered, axes sparsely to densely puberulous; peduncle 1 - 2 mm long, distinct, involucre ellipsoid to oblong, glabrous, 7 mm tall, 3 mm diam., apical margin with 8 narrowly triangular, subequal teeth 1 mm tall, 1 mm broad at base, glabrous or sometimes sparsely short whitish hirsute; sepals completely included within the involucre, 4 X 4 mm, circular, strongly inrolled, densely whitish hirsute outside, glabrous inside; petals narrowly oblong, 12 X 3 mm, clear yellow with evident venation upon drying, glabrous, exserted 5 - 6 mm beyond involucre; stamens 6 - 8, free to the base, filament 8 - 10.5 mm long, anthers unknown; ovary ellipsoid, 1 mm diam., densely whitish golden hirsutestrigose, the trichomes to 2 mm long, style 11.5 mm long, slender, exserted 4 - 5 mm above involucre, stigma capitate, 1 mm in diam. Fruit unknown. — Fig. 7.</tax:p>
<tax:p>
<tax:name>Leptolaena masoalensis</tax:name>
is known only from the type collection made at Ambato, a hill in the northeastern part of the Masoala Peninsula (Fig. 6) well known for its large population of 
<tax:name>Nepenthes masoalensis Schmid-Hollinger</tax:name>
. At first glance, 
<tax:name>L. masoalensis</tax:name>
may be mistaken for 
<tax:name>L. delphinensis</tax:name>
, with which it shares leaves with an obtuse to rounded apex. However, 
<tax:name>L. masoalensis</tax:name>
can be easily distinguished by its much larger, ellipsoid to oblong involucre 7 mm tall, sepals that are completely included within the involucre at anthesis, and leaves with only 8 secondary veins per side versus (8 -) 11 - 12 in 
<tax:name>L. delphinensis</tax:name>
.
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="biology_ecology">
<tax:p>
Conservation status. — With an area of occupancy &lt;100 km 2, and only a single known population that appears to lie just outside the limit of Masoala National Park, 
<tax:name>L. masoalensis</tax:name>
is assigned a preliminary status of Critically Endangered (CR).
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
</tax:treatment>
<tax:treatment>
<tax:nomenclature>
6. 
<tax:name>Leptolaena multiflora Thouars</tax:name>
</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:ref_group>
<tax:p>Hist. Veg. Isles Austral. Afriq.: 41, t. 11 (1805). — Type: Thouars s. n., Madagascar, without precise locality (P!).</tax:p>
</tax:ref_group>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>
As here recognized, 
<tax:name>Leptolaena multiflora</tax:name>
occurs primarily in coastal forest mostly on sand, with a few populations recorded farther inland, probably on similar substrates (Fig. 2). In the past, this species has been broadly circumscribed to include all of the new taxa described here, as well as the Sambirano endemic 
<tax:name>L. cuspidata</tax:name>
. As defined here, 
<tax:name>L. multiflora</tax:name>
can be distinguished by its glabrous, elliptic, usually almost equilateral leaves, the largest of which usually exceed 5.5 cm in length and dry an olive green to brownish color. In addition, the sepals at anthesis exceed the involucre teeth by (0 - 8 -) 1 - 1.8 mm, a feature that separates 
<tax:name>L. multiflora</tax:name>
from 
<tax:name>L. abrahamii</tax:name>
.
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="etymology">
<tax:p>Vernacular names. — Amaninombilahimena, Amaninombilahy, Amaninombilahy a petites feuilles, Anjananjana, Birana, Dilatra, Dilatry Lahy, Fotona, Fotona Beravina, Fotonala, Hazoambo, Hazomasy, Helana, Jana, Manilombilahy, Manina ombilahy, Sarifatra, Tsilaitra a petites feuilles.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="biology_ecology">
<tax:p>
Conservation status. — Despite an extent of occurrence and area of occupancy far in excess of 20,000 km 2 and 2,000 km 2 respectively, with only four of c. 19 sub-populations occurring in protected areas, and thus indicating a possible population reduction in the next three generations of&gt; 50 %, 
<tax:name>L. multiflora</tax:name>
is assigned a preliminary status of Endangered (EN).
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="materials_examined">
<tax:p>MATERIAL EXAMINED. — Baron 2632, Bojer s. n., Forbes s. n., Louvel 6, Thouars s. n., without precise locality; Andrianjafy 66, Rantabe; Bernard 372, Masoala PN; Birkinshaw 354, Mananara RB; Boivin s. n., Foulpointe; d'Alleizette 268, Nosy-Be (?); Decary 5198, Ifandana; Humblot 349, Nosive; Perrier de la Bdthie 14186, Mahanoro; Rabe 157, Beankoraka; Rabenantoandro 563, Mahatsara STF; Rabevohitra 3808, Mahabo; Rahajasoa 424, Masoala PN; Raholivelo 37, Tampolo STF; A. Randrianasolo 292, Ilaka-Est, 458, Tampolo STF; Reserves Naturelles 2746, 3403, 5514, 9113, 9124, 9310, Masoala RNI; Richard s. n., Foulpointe; Richard 4, 40, Ste. Marie; Schedl 135, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Service Forestier 4 - R- 7, Antetezana STF; Service Forestier 89 - R- 303, Manampano; Service Forestier 174 - R- 116, Ampasinambo; Service Forestier 745 - R- 1, AmbilaLemaitso STF; Service Forestier 1371, Andatsakala; Service Forestier 1616, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Service Forestier 2414, Soanierano Ivongo; Service Forestier 3680, Tohakandra; Service Forestier 3809, Misevo; Service Forestier 4679, Antetezana STF; Service Forestier 4813, Ifanirea; Service Forestier 5107, Berano; Service Forestier 5677, Foulpointe; Service Forestier 6252, Rantabe; Service Forestier 7494, Fampotakely; Service Forestier 7510, Antetezana STF; Service Forestier 8901, Rantabe; Service Forestier 9501, Ampangalana Atsimo; Service Forestier 10053, 10076, Tampolo STF; Service Forestier 12401, Amporoforo; Service Forestier 12929, Manombo STF; Service Forestier 13906, Amporoforo; Service Forestier 14504, Ifanirea; Service Forestier 15215, Tampolo STF; Service Forestier 15302, Manombo RS; Service Forestier 15305, Berano; Service Forestier 15378, Andrazaha; Service Forestier 15493, Analavory; Service Forestier 16118, Ambazato; Service Forestier 16215, Evato; Service Forestier 16472, 17820, Tampolo STF; Service Forestier 18082, Vohibola; Service Forestier 19173, Tampolo STF; Service Forestier 19535, Ampangalana Atsimo; Service Forestier 21217, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Service Forestier 21471, Ambohimary; Service Forestier 21493, Manombo STF; Service Forestier 29717, Lakato; Service Forestier 29860, Tampolo STF; Service Forestier 29892, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Service Forestier 32831, 34550, Mahatsara; Service Forestier 34575, Sahamalaza; Service Forestier 35140, Mahatsara; Ursch 116, Tampina.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
</tax:treatment>
<tax:treatment>
<tax:nomenclature>
7. 
<tax:name>Leptolaena pauciflora Baker</tax:name>
</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:ref_group>
<tax:p>J. Linn. Soc. Bot. 20: 96, 97 (1883). — Lectotype (here designated): Baron 1390, Madagascar, in forests of the province of Imerina (K!; iso-, MO!, P (3 sheets)!).</tax:p>
<tax:p>
<tax:name>Leptolaena turbinata Baker</tax:name>
, J. Linn. Soc. Bot. 20: 97 (1883). — 
<tax:name>Leptolaena pauciflora var. turbinata (Baker)</tax:name>
H. Perrier, Bull. Soc. Bot. France 78: 60 (1931). — Type: Baron 1560, Madagascar, East coast (holo-, K!; iso-, P!).
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
<tax:name>Leptolaena parviflora</tax:name>
Scott-Elliot, J. Linn. Soc. Bot. 29: 6 (1891). — Lectotype (here designated): ScottElliot 2554, Madagascar, woods near Fort Dauphin (K!; iso-, P (2 sheets)!).
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
<tax:name>Leptolaena rubella</tax:name>
Scott-Elliot, J. Linn. Soc. Bot. 29: 7 (1891). — 
<tax:name>Leptolaena pauciflora var. rubella</tax:name>
(ScottElliot) H. Perrier, Bull. Soc. Bot. France 78: 60 (1931). — Type: Scott-Elliot 2369, Madagascar, woods near Fort Dauphin (holo-, K!; iso-, P (2 sheets)!).
</tax:p>
</tax:ref_group>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>
<tax:name>Leptolaena pauciflora</tax:name>
is a small shrub to medium-sized tree occurring from humid littoral forest at sea level to subhumid and montane woodland and thicket up to 2,300 m (Fig. 3). Other than habit, it is remarkably uniform in vegetative and reproductive characters throughout its broad ecological range, and is easily recognized by its small, broadly ovate to circular or rhombic leaves usually not exceeding 2 cm in length.
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="discussion">
<tax:p>
Of the two syntypes cited in the protologue of 
<tax:name>L. pauciflora</tax:name>
(Baron 1390 and Meller s. n.), the former is here chosen as the lectotype. Syntypes were also cited for 
<tax:name>L. parviflora</tax:name>
(Scott-Elliot 2554 and Scott-Elliot 2713), the first of which is here chosen as the lectotype.
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="etymology">
<tax:p>Vernacular names. — Amaninambilahy, Anjananjana, Anjananjanalahy, Fotina, Foto, Fotona, Fotona Madinidravina, Fotondahy, Hazomaritra, Laro, Madiorano, Milaliambomadinika, Taolandaro.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="biology_ecology">
<tax:p>
Conservation status. — With an extent of occurrence far exceeding 20,000 km 2, and c. 33 sub-populations, six of which are present in protected areas, 
<tax:name>L. pauciflora</tax:name>
is considered not threatened, and assigned a preliminary status of Lower Risk (LR).
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="materials_examined">
<tax:p>Material examined. — Baron 1390, 1560, 2624, Meller s. n., without precise locality; Andrianjafy 11, Andranofeno-Sud; Barnett 502, Mt. Ibity; Benoist 759, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Boiteau 2568, Mahialambo; Bosser 7944, Tampoketsa d'Ankazobe; Bosser 9969, Sahatsio; Bosser 14138, pic St. Louis; Bosser 15978, Tampoketsa; Bosser 18772, col des Tapias; Cours 2981, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Cours 4646, Didy; Cremers 1624, 2020, Ambohitantely RS; Cremers 2311, Marosiky; Croat 29218, Antsirabe; Croat 29910, Itremo; Decary 4026, 4038, Fort-Dauphin; Decary 6353, 6388, 6502, 6508, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Decary 7302, Ankazobe; Decary 7473, Ambohitantely RS; Decary 10011, pic Saint Louis; Decary 13063, 13226, Ambatofinandrahana; Decary 14023, 14036, Faliarivo; Decary 14927, Tampoketsa d'Ankazobe; Decary 17214, Manankazo STF; Decary 17311, Ambositra; Decary 17333, Ambatofinandrahana; Decary 17403, Ambositra; Descoings 338, Fort-Dauphin; Dorr 3842, col des Tapias; Edmondson 95 - 57, Mandena STF; Geay 7507, 7618, 7707, 7926, 8708 Mananjary; Gentry 11363, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Gentry 11836, Ambohitantely RS; Gereau 3294, Evatra; Gereau 3423, Manafiafy; Gereau 5690, Anjozorobe; Harder 1536, Anjozorobe; Humbert 4640, col des Tapias; Humbert 5864, Enivaha; Humbert 5899, pic St. Louis; Humbert 7111, col des Tapias; Humbert 11090, Ambohitantely RS; Humbert 13835, Andohahela RNI; Humbert 14080, Imonty; Humbert 14477, Faliarivo; Humbert 20623, Ampasimena; Humbert 20702, Vohimavo; Humbert 28059, Ambatofinandrahana; Humbert 29938, Itremo; Jacquemin 934, Ambavarano; Jacquemin 1158, Mandromodromotra; Johnson WII 33, Mandena STF; Jongkind 828, 932, col des Tapias; Keraudren 1062, pic Saint Louis; Keraudren 24894, 24997, Fort Dauphin; Keraudren 25712, IvatoAmbatofinandrahana; Keraudren 26009, Itremo; Labat 3010, col des Tapias; Leeuwenberg 14443, c. 20 km Ivato-Itremo; Leeuwenberg 14589, AmbilaLemaitso STF; Leeuwenberg 14648, Anjozorobe; Lewis 728, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Louvel 33 bis, Analamazaotra-Perinet RS; Lowry 4375, 4397, Anjozorobe, 5215, Mandena STF; McPherson 14164, Ste. Luce; McPherson 14278, Analalava (Manantenina); Messmer 781, Itremo; Miller 8777, Anjozorobe; Morat 3315, Ivato; Morat 4411, Andohahela RNI; Morat 4512, Antsiatsiaka; Peltier 2159, Fiadanana; Peltier 2184, Anjoma; Perrier de la Bdthie 3004, Andringitra RNI; Perrier de la Bdthie 3007, Ambatofinandrahana; Perrier de la Bdthie 3012, Matatana; Perrier de la Bdthie 4488, Vatovavy; Perrier de la Bdthie 5337, Manankazo STF; Perrier de la Bdthie 5341, Ibity; Perrier de la Bdthie 5342, Tamatave; Perrier de la Bdthie 13180, Tsitondroina; Perrier de la Bdthie 13213, Beveromay; Perrier de la Bdthie 13574, Ibity; Phillipson 1850, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Rabenantoandro 62, Itremo; Rabevohitra 3770, Mahabo; Rakotoarisoa 22, 32, Ambatofinandrahana; Rakotoarisoa 59, Faliarivo FC; Rakotozafy 2682, Anjozorobe; Randriamampionona 331, 569, Andohahela RNI; Randriamanantena 119, Andohahela RNI; Randrianaivo 75, Ambohitantely RS; A. Randrianasolo 224, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; A. Randrianasolo 232, Ivato; A. Randrianasolo 283, Manantantely; A. Randrianasolo 347, Manafiafy; Rauh 1445, FortDauphin; Reserves Naturelles 13 - RN-XI, Andohahela RNI; Reserves Naturelles 168, 202, Ambohitantely RS; Reserves Naturelles 706, Andringitra RNI; Reserves Naturelles 1416, 1499, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Reserves Naturelles 6507, Andringitra RNI; Reserves Naturelles 6706, Ambohitantely RS; Reserves Naturelles 7166, Andringitra RNI; Reserves Naturelles 11247, Zahamena RNI; Reserves Naturelles 11691, Andringitra RNI; Schatz 1320, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Schatz 2961, Anjozorobe; Schatz 3955, Ankafobe; Schatz 3964, Itremo; Schedl 133, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Scott-Elliot 2369, 2554, 2713, 2713 bis, 2753, Fort-Dauphin; Service Forestier 3 - R- 3, Ambohitantely RS; Service Forestier 54 - R- 10, Itremo; Service Forestier 232, Manandona; Service Forestier 1078, 1122, 1569, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Service Forestier 2155, Fianarantsoa; Service Forestier 2708, Ampandrambato; Service Forestier 3259, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Service Forestier 3267, Mahanoro; Service Forestier 3811, Anosivelo; Service Forestier 4157, 4707, 4711, AmbilaLemaitso STF; Service Forestier 4829, Mangatsiatra; Service Forestier 4887, 4908, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Service Forestier 5625, Vohipaho; Service Forestier 5631, Marohita; Service Forestier 5737, AmbilaLemaitso STF; Service Forestier 6077, Mandena STF; Service Forestier 7035, Mananjary; Service Forestier 7258, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Service Forestier 7292, Misevo; Service Forestier 7419, Mandena STF; Service Forestier 7598, Fierenana; Service Forestier 7771, Mandromodromotra; Service Forestier 7820, Mandena STF; Service Forestier 8416, Ambohitantely RS; Service Forestier 9506, Ampangalana Atsimo; Service Forestier 9540, Marohita; Service Forestier 9592, Ambohitantely RS; Service Forestier 9647, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Service Forestier 9668, Manantenina; Service Forestier 11542, Faliarivo; Service Forestier 12988, Vatovary (= Vatovory); Service Forestier 13180, Ambila-Lemaitso STF; Service Forestier 13472, Ankijana; Service Forestier 13701, Ampangalana Atsimo; Service Forestier 14047, Antanambao; Service Forestier 14661, Nosy-Varika; Service Forestier 14670, Analalava; Service Forestier 14763, Ankijana; Service Forestier 15156, Anjozorobe; Service Forestier 15806, Sahavoay; Service Forestier 16113, Nosy-Varika; Service Forestier 16119, Ambazato; Service Forestier 16806, Manankazo STF; Service Forestier 18361, Ambohitantely RS; Service Forestier 18771, Manohilahy; Service Forestier 19626, Iamboala; Service Forestier 19695, Ambohimanana; Service Forestier 19874, Ambohitantely RS; Service Forestier 22456, Andohahela RNI; Service Forestier 25366, Ampasimpotsy STF; Service Forestier 32214, AmbilaLemaitso STF; Service Forestier 34202, Ambohitantely RS; Zarucchi 7345, Anjozorobe; Zarucchi 7411, Ambila-Lemaitso STF.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
</tax:treatment>
<tax:treatment>
<tax:nomenclature>
8. 
<tax:name>Leptolaena raymondii G. E. Schatz &amp; Lowry</tax:name>
, 
sp. nov.</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>Haec species a congeneris ad Leptoaenam sensu stricto pertinentibus foliis falcatis apice longe cuspidatis marginibus valde revolutis subtus indumento persistente ex trichomatibus brevibus adpressis etiam saepe trichomatibus suberectis&gt; 1 mm longis constante distinguitur.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:nomenclature>TYPUS. — Randrianasolo &amp; Ranaivojaona 638, Madagascar, Prov. Toamasina, Dist. Fenerive-Est, Mahatsara STF, 17 ° 38 ' S, 49 ° 29 ' E, 5 m, 10 Nov. 1999, fl. (holo-, MO!; iso-, G!, K!, P!, TAN!).</tax:nomenclature>
<tax:div type="description">
<tax:p>Trees 5 - 10 m tall, to 20 cm dbh, stems short sericeous-tomentellous. Leaves chartaceous, ovate to broadly ovate, usually strongly falcate, 2 - 4.5 X 0.7 - 2.3 cm, glabrous above, appressed short sericeous below often mixed with slightly erect trichomes&gt; 1 mm long, sometimes subglabrescent, base strongly asymmetrical with one side obtuse to rounded and the other side cuneate, margins strongly revolute, apex long cuspidate, the very tip rounded, venation obscurely brochidodromous, secondary veins 8 - 10 per side, midrib slightly raised above, glabrous, raised below, moderately densely sericeous; petiole 2 - 4 mm long, 0.7 - 0.8 mm in diam., canaliculate, densely sericeous, stipules indistinct, caducous. Inflorescences terminal and axillary from the uppermost leaves, corymbose, 9 - 20 - flowered, axes densely gray hirsute-tomentose; peduncle 0.5 - 1 mm long, indistinct to somewhat distinct; involucre urceolate, base acute to obtuse, 2.5 - 3.5 mm tall, 2.5 - 3 mm diam. at apex, densely granular ferruginous farinose and also with moderately dense white appressed trichomes to 0.3 mm long, apical margin with 8 - 10 unequal triangular to narrowly triangular teeth, 1 - 1.3 mm tall, 0.3 - 1 mm broad at base; sepals exserted 1 mm beyond involucre, 3 X 3 mm, very widely obovate, apex rounded, strongly inrolled, densely whitish hirsute outside, glabrous inside; petals narrowly oblong to oblanceolate, 8 - 9 X 2 - 3 mm, white to pale yellow, glabrous, exserted 4 - 5 mm beyond involucre, with evident venation upon drying, the apex rounded; stamens (10 -) 11 (- 12), free, filaments 4.5 - 5.5 mm long, anthers oblong 0.6 - 0.9 X 0.3 mm; ovary obovoid, 1 X 0.8 mm, densely whitish hirsute, style slender, 5 - 6 mm long, exserted 4 mm above involucre, sparsely whitish velutinous towards the base, stigma capitate, 1.2 - 1.5 mm diam. Mature fruit unknown. — Fig. 8.</tax:p>
<tax:p>
<tax:name>Leptolaena raymondii</tax:name>
is a small to mediumsized tree known only from Mahatsara Station Forestiere (Fig. 6). It is the only species of 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
sensu stricto with persistent indumentum throughout the lower surface of the leaf blade, consisting of both short appressed trichomes and often longer partially erect trichomes greater than 1 mm long. The leaves of this species are further characterized by their strongly revolute margins.
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="etymology">
<tax:p>Etymology. — The species epithet honors our friend and colleague Raymond Rabevohitra, Head of the FOFIFA herbarium (TEF), who has contributed so much to our knowledge of Madagascar's woody flora.</tax:p>
<tax:p>Vernacular names. — Amaninombilahy, Anjananjana.</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="biology_ecology">
<tax:p>
Conservation status. — With an area of occupancy &lt;100 km 2, and only a single known population that is not included within the current protected areas network, 
<tax:name>L. raymondii</tax:name>
is assigned a preliminary status of Critically Endangered (CR). Along with 
<tax:name>L. delphinensis</tax:name>
, the status of 
<tax:name>L. raymondii</tax:name>
demonstrates the urgent need for additional protection of littoral forest along the East coast of Madagascar.
</tax:p>
</tax:div>
<tax:div type="materials_examined">
<tax:p>PARATYPES. — MADAGASCAR, Prov. Toamasina: Rabenantoandro et al. 562, Mahatsara STF, 17 ° 38 ' 13 " S, 49 ° 29 ' 03 " E, 2 m, 7 July 2001, bud (G, K, MO, P, TAN); Razafindramora et al. 150, same locality and date, bud (K, MO, P, TEF); Service Forestier 32648, Marovovonana, Mahatsara STF, [17 ° 38 ' S, 49 ° 29 ' E], 15 June 1985, bud (MO, TEF); Service Forestier 34104, Mahatsara STF, [17 ° 38 ' S, 49 ° 29 ' E], 19 Oct. 1990, fl. (MO, TEF); Service Forestier 34407, Andranotsara, Mahatsara STF, [17 ° 38 ' S, 49 ° 29 ' E], 1 Oct. 1992, bud (G, K, MO, P, TEF, WAG); Service Forestier 34554, point d'essai, Mahatsara STF, [17 ° 38 ' S, 49 ° 29 ' E], 1 Dec. 1993, bud, fr. (MO, TEF); Service Forestier 35141, same locality, 30 Aug. - 4 Sep. 1999, bud (MO, TEF).</tax:p>
</tax:div>
</tax:treatment>
<tax:p>Acknowledgements</tax:p>
<tax:p>We wish to thank K. SlKES, S. ANDRIAMBOLOLONERA and J. RAHARIMAMPIONONA for specimen and data management; A. JOUY and Roger LALA for the fine illustrations; J. RABENANTOANDRO for help with field work; R. GEREAU for assistance with the Latin diagnoses; Ph. MORAT and his staff for hospitality extended at the Laboratoire de Phanerogamie in Paris; and the curators of several herbaria (K, TAN and TEF) for giving us access to their specimens. Field work was conducted under collaborative agreements between the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza and the Direction de la Recherche Forestiere et Piscicole, FOFIFA, Antananarivo, Madagascar. We gratefully acknowledge courtesies extended by the Government of Madagascar (Direction Generale de la Gestion des Ressources Forestieres) and by the Association Nationale pour la Gestion des Aires Protegees. Special thanks go to the Departement de Biologie et Ecologie Vegetale, Universite d'Antananarivo for encouragement and assistance. This research was conducted with support from U. S. National Science Foundation grants DEB- 9024749 and DEB- 9627072 and from the John D. and Catherine T. MACARTHUR Foundation, the Liz CLAIBORNE and Art ORTENBERG Foundation, LWO Inc., and the National Geographic Society.</tax:p>
<tax:p>REFERENCES</tax:p>
<tax:p>
Alverson W. S., Karol K. G., Baum D. A, Chase M. W., Swensen S. M., McCourt R. &amp; Sytsma K. J. 1998. — Circumscription of the Malvales and relationships to other 
<tax:name>Rosidae</tax:name>
: evidence from rbcL sequence data. Amer. J. Bot. 85: 876 - 887.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>Bayer C., Fay M. F., de Bruijn A. Y., Savolainen V., Morton C. M., Kubitzki K., Alverson W. S. &amp; CHASE M. W. 1999. — Support for an expanded family concept of Malvaceae within a recircumscribed order Malvales: a combined analysis of plastid atpB and rbcL DNA sequences. Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 129: 267 - 303.</tax:p>
<tax:p>CAPURON R. 1970. — Observations sur les Sarcolaenacees. Adansonia, ser. 2, 10: 247 - 265.</tax:p>
<tax:p>
CAVACO A. 1951. — Remarques sur les genres 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
et 
<tax:name>Xerochlamys (Chlaenacees)</tax:name>
. Un nouveau genre de Chlaenaceae. Bull. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat., ser. 2, 23: 133 - 139.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>CAVACO A. 1952 a. — Recherches sur les Chlenacees, famille endemique de Madagascar. Mem. Inst. Sci. Madagascar, ser. B, Biol. Veg. 4: 59 - 92.</tax:p>
<tax:p>CAVACO A. 1952 b. — Chlenacees. Fl. Madagascar 126: 1 - 37.</tax:p>
<tax:p>COETZEE J. A. &amp; MULLER J. 1984. — The phytogeographic significance of some extinct Gondwanan pollen types from the Tertiary of the southwestern</tax:p>
<tax:p>Cape (South Africa). Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 71: 1088 - 1099.</tax:p>
<tax:p>CORNET A. 1974. — Essai de cartographie bioclimatique a Madagascar. Notic. Explic. ORSTOM No. 55.</tax:p>
<tax:p>DuPuyD. J. &amp; MOATJ. 1996. — A refined classification of the vegetation types of Madagascar, and their current distribution: 205 - 218, in LoURENgo W. R. (ed.), Biogeographie de Madagascar. Editions de l'ORSTOM, Paris.</tax:p>
<tax:p>LOWRY II P. P., SCHATZ G. E. &amp; PHILLIPSON P. B. 1997. — The classification of natural and anthropogenic vegetation in Madagascar: 93 - 123, in Goodman S. M. &amp; Patterson B. D. (eds.), Natural change and human impact in Madagascar. Smithsonian Inst. Press, Washington &amp; London.</tax:p>
<tax:p>LOWRY II P. P., SCHATZ G. E. &amp; PHILLIPSON P. B. 1998. — Classification de la vegetation naturelle et anthropique de Madagascar. Bull. Acad. Natl. Madagascar, n. s., 73: 219 - 233.</tax:p>
<tax:p>LOWRY II P. P., SCHATZ G. E., Leroy J. - F. &amp; WOLF A. - E. 1999. — Endemic families of Madagascar. III. A synoptic revision of Schizolaena (Sarcolaenaceae). Adansonia, ser. 3, 21: 183 - 212.</tax:p>
<tax:p>
LowryII P. P., Haevermans T., LabatJ. - N., Schatz G. E., Leroy J. - F. &amp; Wolf A. - E. 2000. — Endemic families of Madagascar. V. A synoptic revision of Eremolaena, 
<tax:name>Pentachlaena</tax:name>
, and 
<tax:name>Perrierodendron</tax:name>
(Sarcolaenaceae). Adansonia, ser. 3, 22: 11 - 31.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>Nilsson S. &amp; Randrianasolo A. 1999. — Morphology and functional aspects of the pollen in the Sarcolaenaceae. Palaeoecology of Africa 26: 191 - 200.</tax:p>
<tax:p>
PERRIER DE LA BATHIE H. 1931. — Remarques sur les 
<tax:name>Chlaenacees</tax:name>
. Bull. Soc. Bot. France 78: 46 - 65.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
Randrianasolo A. &amp; Miller J. S. 1999. — Taxonomic revision of the genus 
<tax:name>Sarcolaena</tax:name>
(Sarcolaenaceae). Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 86: 702 - 722.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>SCHATZ G. E. 2000. — Endemism in the Malagasy tree flora: 1 - 9, in LoURENgo W. R. &amp; GOODMAN S. M. (eds.), Diversity and Endemism in Madagascar. Mem. Soc. Biogeogr., Paris.</tax:p>
<tax:p>SCHATZ G. E., BIRKINSHAW, C. R., LOWRY II P. P., Randriantafika F. &amp; RATOVOSON F. 2000 a. — The endemic plant families of Madagascar project: integrating taxonomy and conservation: 11 - 24, in LouRENgo W. R. &amp; Goodman S. M. (eds.), Diversity and Endemism in Madagascar. Mem. Soc. Biogeogr., Paris.</tax:p>
<tax:p>SCHATZ G. E., LOWRY II P. P., LESCOT M., WOLF A. - E., Andriambololonera S., Raharimalala V. &amp; RAHARIMAMPIONONA J. 1996. — Conspectus of the vascular plants of Madagascar: a taxonomic and conservation electronic database: 10 - 17, in VAN DER MAESEN L. J. G., VAN DER BURGT X. M. &amp; VAN MEDENBACH DE ROOYJ. M. (eds.), The Biodiversity of African Plants. Proc. XIV AETFAT Congress. Klower Academic Publishers, Wageningen, The Netherlands.</tax:p>
<tax:p>
SCHATZ G. E., LOWRY II P. P. &amp; WOLF A. - E. 1998. — Endemic families of Madagascar. I. A synoptic revision of 
<tax:name>Melanophylla</tax:name>
Baker (Melanophyllaceae). Adansonia, ser. 3, 20: 233 - 242.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>SCHATZ G. E., LOWRY II P. P. &amp; Wolf A. - E. 1999 a. — Endemic families of Madagascar. II. A synoptic revision of Sphaerosepalaceae. Adansonia, ser. 3, 21: 107 - 123.</tax:p>
<tax:p>
SCHATZ G. E., LOWRY II P. P. &amp; Wolf A. - E. 1999 b. — Endemic families of Madagascar. IV. A synoptic revision of 
<tax:name>Asteropeia (Asteropeiaceae)</tax:name>
. Adansonia, ser. 3, 21: 255 - 268.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>
SCHATZ G. E., LOWRY II P. P. &amp; WOLF A. - E. 2000 b. — Endemic families of Madagascar. VI. A synoptic revision of 
<tax:name>Rhodolaena (Sarcolaenaceae)</tax:name>
. Adansonia, ser. 3, 22: 239 - 252.
</tax:p>
<tax:p>Manuscript received 18 September 2001; revised version accepted 2 October 2001.</tax:p>
<tax:figure>
<tax:p>
Fig. 1. — 
<tax:name>Leptolaena abrahamii</tax:name>
: A, flowering branch; B, leaf (adaxial surface); C, leaf (abaxial surface); D, flower; E, flower with petals removed. (A-C, Miller et al. 8746; D-E, Reserves Naturelles 15).
</tax:p>
</tax:figure>
<tax:figure>
<tax:p>
Fig. 2. — Distributions of 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
, mapped on the bioclimatic zones of Madagascar (after Cornet 1974; see Schatz 2000). 
<tax:name>L. abrahamii</tax:name>
(&amp; # 9650;), 
<tax:name>L. delphinensis</tax:name>
(&amp; # 9733;), 
<tax:name>L. multiflora</tax:name>
(#).
</tax:p>
</tax:figure>
<tax:figure>
<tax:p>
Fig. 3. — Distributions of 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
, mapped on the bioclimatic zones of Madagascar (after Cornet 1974; see Schatz 2000). 
<tax:name>L. cuspidata</tax:name>
(&amp; # 9650;), 
<tax:name>L. pauciflora</tax:name>
(•).
</tax:p>
</tax:figure>
<tax:figure>
<tax:p>
Fig. 4. — 
<tax:name>Leptolaena delphinensis</tax:name>
: A, flowering branch; B, flower (McPherson et al. 14222).
</tax:p>
</tax:figure>
<tax:figure>
<tax:p>
Fig. 5. — 
<tax:name>Leptolaena gautieri</tax:name>
: A, flowering branch; B, leaf (adaxial surface); C, leaf (abaxial surface); D, base of leaf (abaxial surface) and petiole; E, flower. (A, Gautier 2361; B-E, Schatz 3233).
</tax:p>
</tax:figure>
<tax:figure>
<tax:p>
Fig. 6. — Distributions of 
<tax:name>Leptolaena</tax:name>
, mapped on the bioclimatic zones of Madagascar (after Cornet 1974; see Schatz 2000). 
<tax:name>L. masoalensis</tax:name>
(&amp; # 9650;), 
<tax:name>L. gautieri</tax:name>
(•), 
<tax:name>L. raymondii</tax:name>
(&amp; # 9733;).
</tax:p>
</tax:figure>
<tax:figure>
<tax:p>
Fig. 7. — 
<tax:name>Leptolaena masoalensis</tax:name>
: A, flowering branch; B, leaf (adaxial surface); C, leaf (abaxial surface); D, flower (Rahajasoa et al. 790).
</tax:p>
</tax:figure>
<tax:figure>
<tax:p>
Fig. 8. — 
<tax:name>Leptolaena raymondii</tax:name>
: A, flowering branch; B, leaf (abaxial surface); C, fruiting branch D, leaf (abaxial surface); E, immature fruits (A-B, Service Forestier 34104; C-E, Service Forestier 34554).
    </tax:p>
</tax:figure>
</tax:taxonxBody>
</tax:taxonx>

