Tragia grandistipularis (Euphorbiaceae), a new species from Malawi

Abstract

We describe and illustrate Tragia grandistipularis (Euphorbiaceae), a new species from the Southern Region of Malawi, which is easily distinguished by its large stipules. We amend the key to the genus in Flora Zambesiaca to accommodate the new species. The new species is only known from a single population in a threatened habitat. Based on its limited known distribution and the threats to this habitat, we provisionally assess it as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B2ab(i,ii,iii,v) following the IUCN Red List categories and guidelines. We recommend further surveys to better understand the ecology and distribution of this new species.