Foetidia

Abstract: The wood structure of 71 species representing 24 genera of the pantropical Lecythidaceae s.l., including the edible Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa) and the spectacular cannon-ball tree (Couroupita guianensis), was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. This study focused on finding phylogenetically informative characters to help elucidate any obscure evolutionary patterns within the family. The earliest diverging subfamily Napoleonaeoideae has mixed simple/scalariform vessel perforations, scalariform vessel-ray pitting, and high multiseriate rays, all features that are also present in Scytopetaloideae. The wood structure of Napoleonaea is distinct, but its supposed close relative Crateranthus strongly resembles Scytopetaloideae. The isolated position of Foetidia (Foetidioideae) can be supported by a unique type of vessel-ray pitting that is similar in shape and size to intervessel pitting (distinctly bordered, ,5 lm). The more derived Planchonioideae and Lecythidoideae share exclusively simple perforations and two types of vessel-ray pitting, but they can easily be distinguished from each other by the size of intervessel pitting, shape of body ray cells in multiseriate rays, and the type of crystalliferous axial parenchyma cells. The anatomical diversity observed is clearly correlated with differences in plant size (shrubs vs. tall trees): the percentage of scalariform perforations, as well as vessel density, and the length of vessel elements, fibers, and multiseriate rays are negatively correlated with increasing plant size, while the reverse is true for vessel diameter. Lecythidaceae s.l., including Napoleonaeaceae and Scytopetalaceae, comprise about 25 genera and 315 species. The family is represented by tall to small trees and shrubs largely distributed in the moist lowland neotropics, while other genera are restricted to tropical West and East Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, and tropical Asia to North Australia (Appel, 2004; Prance, 2004; Prance and Mori, 2004). A main center of diversity is lowland Amazonia, in which the two most famous Lecythidaceae species grow: the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl.), known for its edible seeds, and the spectacular cannon-ball tree (Couroupita guianensis Aubl.), which is commonly used as an ornamental plant in (sub)tropical gardens. Although the family includes some well-known representatives, much more work is needed to clarify the controversial inter- and intrafamily relationships. With respect to its higher level classification, Lecythidaceae were previously placed close to Myrtaceae based on the shared occurrence of separate petals, numerous stamens, and a syncarpous inferior ovary with axile placentation (e.g. ,M iers, 1874). However, Lecythidaceae can be clearly distinguished from typical

Abstract: A new critically endangered species of Foetidia (Lecythidaceae, subfamily Foetidioideae) recently discovered in Mayotte, Comoros archipelago. A new species of Foetidia Comm. ex Lam., Foetidia comorensis Labat, Bidault & Viscardi, is described for the Comoros archipelago. This species, morphologically close to F. africana Verdc .and F. macrocarpa Bosser, has been found on one single locality on Mayotte Island: Sazile peninsula. The fact that the unique known population is facing high grazing, stomping, and cutting pressure, leads us to propose the IUCN criteria CR (critically endangered). We also propose urgent conservation measures, in order to maintain this new and rare species, such as the acquisition of the concerned land by the Conservatoire de l'espace littoral et des rivages lacustres, the protection of the species by the law, and the monitoring by a heading plan of conservation.

Abstract: Seventeen species of Foetidia are recognized; one from East Africa, two from the Mascarene Islands and the remaining fourteen from Madagascar. A key to all the species is provided for the first time.