Three Critically Endangered new species of Capurodendron (Sapotaceae) from Madagascar

Abstract

Three new species in the Malagasy endemic genus Capurodendron Aubrév. (Sapotaceae) are described and illustrated. Their preliminary conservation status according to the criteria of IUCN is provided. Capurodendron schatzii L. Gaut. & Naciri is a large-laeved evergreen tree from the humid forest east of the Masoala peninsula. The new species is compared with the other large-leaved species of the genus. Capurodendron sahafariense L. Gaut. & Naciri is a deciduous small-leaved tree of medium size from dry forests on sandy soils in the extreme North. It shares with Capurodendron costatum Aubrév. a 5-ridged fruit, but differs by its much smaller leaves. As it name implies, Capurodendron nanophyllum L. Gaut. & Naciri has the smallest leaves encountered in the genus. It is a shrub found near Tsihombe in the extreme south, the driest part of the island, within the range of the variable Capurodendron androyense Aubrév. The differences between the two taxa are highlighted. All three species are preliminary assessed as "Critically Endangered".