The Rubiaceae of Sao Tome e Principe (Gulf of Guinea): taxonomy and conservation

A synoptic treatment of the Rubiaceae of Sao Tome e Principe (Gulf of Guinea) is presented based on herbarium collections kept at BM, COI, K and LISC. There are 36 genera and 64 species of Rubiaceae represented in the flora of Sao Tome e Principe. Identification keys are provided for genera, species and infraspecific taxa. A new combination is made in Chassalia. Twenty-nine taxa are endemic to these islands, two of which are also endemic to Annobon. The conservation status of the endemic taxa is assessed and IUCN categories of threat are proposed for ten taxa. Nineteen taxa of Rubiaceae are considered under threat in Sao Tome e Principe and ten are considered nearly threatened. (c) 2005 The Linnean Society of London.