Book ID: 117024
Flore d'Afrique Centrale
Spermatophytes: Rubiaceae. Tribu VIII: Coffeeae. 2024. 57 figs. 93 col. photogr. 184 p. gr8vo. Paper bd.
This publication comprises a regional treatment of the tribe Coffeeae,
Rubiaceae. The delimitation of this paleotropical tribe follows that corresponding to present-day phylogenetic findings. Of the nine tropical African genera belonging to this tribe, only the Lower Guinean genus Kupeantha is not represented in the three countries covered by this Flora. Worldwide, the Coffeeae comprise some 325 species, of which 68 occur within the Flora region. Attention is drawn to open taxonomic problems: notably, the need for a revision of the Empogona
filiformistipulata-complex and for a thorough investigation of the variation
within two widespread species, Tricalysia coriacea and Tricalysia pallens. A few taxonomic concepts adopted here differ from the existing literature. The genus Psilanthus is kept separate from the genus Coffea. Tricalysia aurantiodora is re-established and is an older name available for Tricalysia obstetrbc. The recognition of subspecific taxa is not followed in Belonophora coffeoides, Tricalysia coriacea, T pallens and T longituba. The non-native Coffea arabica (arabica coffee) is cultivated in montane areas and rarely escapes. The native Coffea canephora (robusta coffee) is widely cultivated in lowland and in mid-altitude regions. Keys to all taxa are included, together with a few other identification aids (comparative plate of calyx types, useful to identify flowering as well as fruiting material; a list of spot characters for Tricalysia, the largest genus). A total of 16 photo plates and 57 line drawings complete the organographic descriptions
of the taxa and assist in the correct identification of the species. Information is given on their distribution, habitat, conservation status, uses andvernacular names, while representative specimens are cited.