A new species of Drypetes (Putranjivaceae) discovered by J. Leonard in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background - During his stay in Yangambi in the 1940s, the Belgian botanist J. Leonard collected a species of the genus Drypetes endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He named it D. morocarpa on herbarium labels, but never published it. Methods - The present study is based on the revision of 26 collections of D. morocarpa. Morphometric measurements on herbarium specimens belonging to the new species and its closest relatives in Drypetes were carried out in order to describe this new species. Results - We describe here D. morocarpa J.Leonard ex D.J.Harris & Quintanar. It is easily recognisable by its blackish twigs and young branchlets, orbicular stipules, leaf blades usually entire, and hard fruits, covered with irregular protuberances. It has been collected in two areas along the course of the Congo river or its tributaries. A differential diagnosis, a detailed morphological description, a key to distinguish it from the most similar species, an illustration and all the available information about its habitat, distribution and conservation status are provided.