Taxonomic studies of Diospyros (Ebenaceae) from the Malagasy region. V. Synoptic revision of the Bernieriana group in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands

A synoptic revision of the Bernieriana group of Diospyros L. (Ebenaceae) in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands is presented in which seven species are recognized, including four new species that are described and illustrated (Diospyros hongwae G. E. Schatz, Lowry & Phillipson, Diospyros ranirisonii G. E. Schatz, Lowry & Phillipson, Diospyros silicea G.E. Schatz, Lowry & Phillipson, and Diospyros suarezensis G.E. Schatz, Lowry & Phillipson). A key to the species is provided, along with a risk of extinction assessment for each species using the IUCN Red List criteria. Two species are assessed as "Endangered" (Diospyros hongwae and Diospyros silicea), one as " Vulnerable" (Diospyros ranirisonii), two as " Near Threatened" (Diospyros suarezensis and Diospyros torquata H. Perrier), and two as "Least Concern" (Diospyros bernieriana (Baill.) H. Perrier and Diospyros danguyana H. Perrier).