A TAXONOMIC REVISION OF ELAEODENDRON JACQ. (CASSINOIDEAE, CELASTRACEAE) IN AFRICA

The heterogeneous genus, Cassine L. s.l. is subdivided into smaller. m ore natural genera, following new evidence from macromorphology, palyn ology and anatomy. Elaeodendron Jacq., one of the segregate genera, is here revised for Africa. The redefined genus Elaeodendron is cosmopol itan, with consists of 30 to 40 species of shrubs and trees distribute d in Africa, Asia, Australasia and central America. Eight species of E laeodendron are recognized in Africa. A new combination, E. transvaale nse (Burtt Davy) R.H. Archer (= Cassine transvaalensis) is proposed. T he other species are Elaeodendron aquifolium (Fiori) Chiov., E. buchan anii (Loes.) Lees., E. croceum (Thunb.) DC., E. matabelicum Loes., E. schlechterianum (Loes.) Loes. and E. zeyheri Spreng. ex Turcz. The cor rect application of the previously misapplied and confused name E. cro ceum is discussed.