A new species of Cryptolepis (Periplocoideae, Apocynaceae) from Arabia

A new species of Cryptolepis from Yemen, Arabian Peninsula, C. yemenensis i s described and figured. It is recognized by the glabrous appearance of the plant, oblong-elliptic to narrowly obovate leaves, small flowers, small fo llicles and ridged seed. The new species resembles Cryptolepis gillettii Hu tch. & E.A. Bruce and C. volubilis (Balf f.) Schwartz to some extent. Their flowers are alike. except for size and different corona shapes. However, t hey differ with reg ard to the shape and size of the follicles, the texture of the seed coat and the absence or presence of vesture on the plants. (C) 1999 The Linnean Society of London.