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Conservation and taxonomic updates for the Jamaican endemic genus Dendrocousinsia (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract:

The nomenclature of Dendrocousinsia (Hippomaneae, Euphorbiaceae) is revised and we present four new taxonomic combinations within the genus. It comprises six species and one variety. Extensive field surveys were conducted and conservation assessments are presented based on the IUCN redlist system for threatened species. Three of the species are Critically Endangered as each of them has a very restricted distribution. The other three species are Vulnerable. There has been a long debate pertinent to the taxonomic placement of Dendrocousinsia. Until extensive phylogenetic studies are performed within the Hippomaneae we propose to maintain this group as a distinct genus and not as a section within Sebastiania. This study highlights Dendrocousinsia as restricted to Jamaica with a high conservation priority because of its uniqueness and the Critically Endangered status of half of its species.