Micrococca

Abstract: In Acalypha a description is amplified. A. poiretii Spreng. is recorded for W. Africa and the allomorphic flowers of A. segetalis Muell. Arg. are described. In Croton, a new record for E. Africa is reported. In Drypetes, D. sclerophylla Mildbr. is upheld, and two recent gatherings from Tanzania are referred to it. In Erythrococca, 2 new species are described, 7 reductions to synonymy are made, a new record for E. Africa is reported, and the problem of 'E. sansibarica' is cleared up. In Jatropha, a new record for Kenya is reported. In Maesobotrya, a reduction to synonymy is made. In Micrococca, a new record for Kenya is reported. In Pseudolachnostylis, two species are reduced to varietal status under P. maprouneifolia Pax. Thecacoris is reported as a genus new to the Kenya flora.

Abstract: Micrococca is a rare genus represented in the Malesian region by only three species. Micrococca mercurialis (L.) Benth. is widespread, but in Malesia it is found only in Peninsular Malaysia. Micrococca malaccensis Airy Shaw and M. johorica Airy Shaw are both endemic to Johore. Micrococca can be distinguished from its close allies, Erythrococca and Claoxylon, by its interrupted racemes (with long internodes), pistillate flowers with elongated (strap-like) disc lobes, and a deeply 3-lobed, thinly crustaceous capsule dehiscing both septicidally and loculicidally. Micrococca mercurialis is a small-leaved shrub, while the other two species are trees with much larger leaves. Micrococca johorica has glands on the leaf bases, narrow leaves, and short inflorescences, whereas M. malaccensis lacks glands on the leaf bases, has wider leaves, and longer inflorescences.