Six new species of Barleria L. (Acanthaceae) from Northeast Tropical Africa

Abstract

Six new species of Barleria L. (Acanthaceae) are described from northeast tropical Africa: B. gidoleensis Ensermu & I. Darbysh., B. baluganii Ensermu, B. ferox Ensermu & I. Darbysh. and B. negeleensis Ensermu & I. Darbysh. from Ethiopia and B. ensermui I. Darbysh. and B. shebelleensis Ensermu & I. Darbysh. from Somalia. All the species are illustrated and their affinities and conservation status are discussed. A note on the presence of B. parviflora R. Br. ex T. Anderson in northern Somalia is also included. In addition, a foreword is presented on the great contribution to Acanthaceae taxonomy and African botany made by Professor Ensermu Kelbessa, who sadly passed away in August 2016.