Previous phylogenetic studies have demonstrated that the Manilkarinae are a monophyletic subtribe if Northia is excluded. The subtribe consists of four genera: Faucherea, Labourdonnaisia, Labramia and Manilkara. However, the same phylogenetic studies also raised taxonomic issues concerning unclear...

The Malagasy genus Capurodendron currently accommodates 26 described species and is the largest genus of the family Sapotaceae in Madagascar. These species are frequently logged because of their valued hardwood, which potentially puts them at risk of extinction. Species-level identifications are...

With 178 species, palm subtribe Dypsidinae is one of the largest plant radiations on Madagascar. A well-resolved species-level phylogeny is required not only to unpick the drivers of this spectacular radiation, but also to define natural and useful generic limits in this taxonomically difficult...

Phyllarthron is a genus of large trees and shrubs with 18 currently recognised Malagasy species and one further species restricted to the Comoro Archipelago (P. comorense DC.). Most of the species occur in sub-humid and humid parts of Madagascar, with only five currently recognised species in dry...

The most recent published treatment of Homalium involucratum (DC.) Hoffm. (Salicaceae) in Madagascar treats three regional variants at the rank of forma. The southeastern forma lucidum (Scott Elliot) H. Perrier is very well distinguished and should be recognized at the species level. The new...

Two new species of Aspidostemon Rohwer & H. G. Richt. (Lauraceae), A. dorrii van der Werff and A. glaber van der Werff, are described. Aspidostemon dorrii differs from related species in its long pedicels and few-flowered inflorescences. Aspidostemon glaber is distinct by virtue of its glabrous ...

In the course of a taxonomic revision of the genus Pyrostria Comm. ex Juss. (Rubiaceae, Vanguerieae) in Madagascar, we describe five new species endemic from the Island: Pyrostria ambohitantelensis Atalahy, Rakotonas. & Razafim., Pyrostria ambrensis Atalahy, Rakotonas. & Razafim., Pyrostria ...

Young secondary tropical forests occupy a larger area than mature forests nowadays but our understanding of their ecohydrological functioning, particularly with respect to tree water uptake, remains poor. Deep soil water uptake may make mature forests resilient to periods of water stress, but...

Advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing are allowing faster and more affordable generation of molecular phylogenetic trees for many organisms. However, resolving relationships at species level is still challenging, particularly for taxonomically difficult groups. Until recently, the...

The Hickeliinae (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) is an ecologically and economically significant subtribe of tropical bamboos restricted to Madagascar, Comoros, Reunion Island, and a small part of continental Africa (Tanzania). Because these bamboos rarely flower, field identification is challenging, and...