Cyathula geminata (Schumach.) Moq.

Cyathula geminata (Schumach.) Moq. View in CoL in DC., Prodr. 13 (2): 330 (1849).

≡ Achyranthes geminata Schumach. View in CoL , Beskr. Guin. Pl.: 138 (1827). Described from Ghana (Akuapem-Akropong, Eastern Region).

Note.

Schumacher (1827) noted that the original material of the species collected in present-day Ghana and described — but not named — by P. Thonning had largely been lost during the bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807, amidst the Napoleonic Wars. This loss had already occurred by the time Schumacher validly published numerous new species names in that work. Later, Hepper (1976) confirmed that no material of Achyranthes geminata Schumach. is preserved at C, supporting the likelihood that it was destroyed during the war. Although the taxonomic identity of A. geminata is beyond doubt, thanks to the detailed morphological description provided in its protologue, we refrain from designating a neotype due to the current scarcity of herbarium collections from Ghana.

The name C. geminata was rarely discussed in early literature. Hooker (1849) and Baker and Clarke (1909) accepted it, but did not mention the name C. achyranthoides and rather believed that C. geminata is hardly separable from C. prostrata . Cavaco (1954) placed C. geminata in the synonymy of C. prostrata , but later merged it with C. achyranthoides ( Cavaco 1962: 85) and also cited it together with C. prostrata and C. achyranthoides in the list of Amaranthaceae occurring in Fernando Po (Bioko) Island, Equatorial Guinea, without any explanation ( Cavaco 1962: 221). Subsequent authors (e. g. Gosline et al. (2023)) have consistently referred to the taxon as Cyathula achyranthoides , maintaining it as distinct from C. prostrata .

Description.

Perennial herbs up to 1 m high rooting at nodes; leaf pairs 3–6 on each branch; leaves obovate or broadly ovate, shortly petiolate (petioles up to 10 (15–20) mm), apically not attenuate and shortly acuminate, 40–130 × 20–50 mm, glabrous or sparsely pubescent (mostly abaxially on the veins) with appressed hairs up to 1.0 mm long; bract (persistent on the inflorescence axis) 1.5–2.0 mm long, triangular or oblong; synflorescences dense, main florescence 40–100 mm long; paracladia present; cymes (Fig. 2 E View Figure 2 ) asymmetric, bracteoles of the first order (br 1: Fig. 3 A, B View Figure 3 ) two, ~ 2.5 mm long, narrowly oblong, mucronate, with central fertile flower in between, sterile part pedicellate (pedicel 0.5–0.8 mm long), with central sterile flower having a narrowly cylindrical perianth up to 2.0 (2.5) mm long, its segments lanceolate, acuminate, non-hooked or only recurved; second-ordered bracteoles (br 2) two, uncinate, 2.5–3.0 mm long; two rudimentary flowers located in the axils of second-ordered bracteoles are accompanied by paired uncinate third-ordered bracteoles (br 3) shorter than br 2; thus, each cyme has at least six unequal uncinae; perianth of fertile flower with five green segments 3.0–4.0 mm long, pubescent, each segment three-nerved; pseudostaminodes 0.3–0.4 mm long, entire; anthers ~ 0.3 mm long; style (with capitate stigma) 0.8–1.0 mm long; fruit (without style) 1.8–2.4 (2.8) mm long; seed coat brown; radicle pointed upwards.

Habitat.

Tropical lowland and submontane forests up to 1200 m a. s. l., semi-shady disturbed areas.

IUCN category.

Frequently found in ruderal sites (e. g. Hauman (1951); Chatelain et al. (2024), both as C. achyranthoides ) and, therefore, is assigned the least-concern ( LC) category.

Distribution

(Fig. 11 View Figure 11 ).

Angola: [Cuanza Norte Prov.] Cazengo, May 1912, J. Gossweiler 5705 ( COI 00068665).

Benin: [without exact location and date] M. Poisson s. n. ( K 005772342); [Plateau Dept.] Pobé City, 2 Sep 1964, E. J. Adjanohoun 120 ( P 05029074); Zou Dept., Cové, 12 Dec 1998, N. Sokpon 464 ( BR 0000013779054); Zou Dept., Savè, 15 Dec 1999, V. Adjakidjè & al. 3178 ( WAG 0204798).

Burkina Faso: Houet [Prov.], 80 km NE of Bobo [- Dioulasso], 23 Jan 2005, L. Sanou & M. van Slageren 1662 ( K 005772326).

Cameroon (selected): [East Region] 30 km SSE of Batouri, 7 Apr 1962, R. Letouzey 4677 ( P 05028675); [Centre Region] nr Ngoro vill., 30 Mar 1963, J. Raynal & A. Raynal 10594 ( P 05028673); [Adamawa Region] Tibati, Sep 1963, R. Letouzey 5846 ( P 05028679); [East Region] Njangené, S of Ebaka, 27 Dec 1965, A. J. M. Leeuwenberg 7371 ( K 005772496, P 05028683); [West Region] Bamboutos Mt., 10 Sep 1967, A. Meurillon 603 ( K 005772495); [South Region] Nkolowom, 10 Mar 1970, R. Letouzey 110129 ( K 005772494); [Central Region] Ndanan, M’Fou Park, 9 Mar 2004, M. Cheek & al. 11577 ( K 000339697).

Central African Republic: Ouaka Pref., Oubangui plateau, 20 Mar 1925, R. P. Ch. Tisserant 1700 ( P 05028702); [Lobaye Pref.] Mbaïki, 3 Dec 1936, R. P. Ch. Tisserant 3454 ( P 05028700).

Chad: Reported by César and Chatelain (2019); probably a collection “ [Nana-Grébizi Pref.] Chari Territory, Between Fort Crampel [Kaga-Bandoro, Central African Republic] town & La Nana [N’Gueli, Chad Rep.], Dec 1903, A. Chevalier 10689 ” ( P 05028703) belongs hereto.

Congo Rep.: Nkéni-Alima Dept., Gamboma to Etoro, 7 Jun 1961, B. Descoings 7108 ( P 05028696); [Cuvette-Ouest Dept.] Ewo to Palabaka, 3 Aug 1961, B. Descoings 8738 ( P 05028685); [Likouala Dept.] nr Impfondo, 20 Jan 1966, A. Bouquet 2008 ( P 05028697); M’Bamou Island, 25 May 1967, P. Sita 1701 ( P 05028692); Sangha Dept., Nouabalé-Ndoki NP, 379 m a. s. l., 20 Dec 2011, N. Ebika 688 ( E 00737319, WAG 1971816); Sangha Dept., Bon Coin vill., 1 Feb 2013, N. Ebika 974 ( E 00757912, WAG 1576459).

DR Congo (selected): [Tshopo Prov.] Stanleyville [Kisangani], 12 Jan 1882, P. T. L. Putman 93 ( K 005772497); [Bas-Uélé Prov.] Dili, [without date, probably early 20 th century] K. Jespersen 25 ( BR 0000013780074); [Kasai Prov.] Port Francqui [Ilebo], [without date, probably early 20 th century] H. Vanderyst 24370 ( BR 0000013779689); [Sud-Ubangi Prov.] Bokumu, [without date, probably early 20 th century] H. Vanderyst 24527 ( BR 0000013779733); [Équateur Prov.] Eala, Nov 1923, V. Goossens 4452 ( BR 0000013779993); [Mongala Prov.] Lisala, Mar 1924, V. Goossens 4133 ( BR 0000013780029); [North Kivu Prov.] E of Beni, 1929, H. Humbert 8755 ( BR 0000013780463, P 05028688); [Kongo Central Prov.] Kanga, 10 Oct 1930, H. Vanderyst 26162 ( BR 0000013779245); [Bas-Uélé Prov.] Bambesa, 19 Mar 1935, Steyaert 25 ( BR 0000013780364); [Haut Uele prov.] Nganzi, 30 Oct 1938, J. Louis 12186 ( BR 0000006607135, K 005772498); [Tshopo Prov.] Yangambi, 17 Jun 1938, J. Louis 9817 ( BR 0000013780227, K 005772501); [Sud-Ubangi Prov.] Budjala Territory, Wadju, 3 Feb 1938, V. A. Brimeyer s. n. ( BR 0000013779856); [Kwilu Prov.] Kikwit, 4 Jun 1946, M. Renier 89 ( BR 0000013779610); [Lomami Prov.] nr Mwene-Ditu, 1952, Dandoy 12 ( BR 0000013779764) – Fig. 12 View Figure 12 ; [Haut-Lomami Prov.] Mukulakulu, 25 Mar 1953, De Troyer 68 ( BR 0000013779771); [Mai-Ndombe Prov.] Irongo Terr., Panza, 25 Jun 1953, G. Gilbert 14270 ( BR 0000013779917, WAG 0186660); [South Kivu Prov.] Kalehe Territory, 3 Jan 1958, R. Gutzwiller 2515 ( WAG 0186661); [North Kivu Prov.] Lungoma, 1050 m a. s. l., 11 Jun 1958, R. Gutzwiller 3084 ( BR 0000013779986, WAG 0186663); [Tshuapa Prov.] Monkoto, 9 Aug 1958, C. Evrard 4568 ( BR 0000013779900); [Bas-Congo Prov.] Luki vill., 17 Aug 1959, P. Compere 103 ( BR 0000013779207); Kwango Prov., nr Kenge, 14 May 1964, L. Pauwels 4459 ( BR 0000013779597); [Tshopo Prov.] 12 km E of Waine Rukula, 3 Jan 1973, S. Lisowski 15626 ( BR 0000013780135); [Bas-Uélé Prov.] 130 km NW of Likati, Bongbeto, 3 Jan 1978, S. Lisowski 46673 ( BR 0000013780173); [Tshopo Prov.] 15 km E of Kisangani, 30 Nov 1981, S. Lisowski 66797 ( BR 0000013780180); [Maniema Prov.] nr Lubutu, 20 Feb 1982, L. Pauwels 6588 ( WAG 0186662); [North Kivu Prov.] Nyamakombola, 15 Oct 1989, Terashima 8 ( BR 0000013780371); Mambasa Territory, Ituri Forest, 13 Apr 2001, F. Bujo Degho 632 ( K 005772506); [Tshopo Prov.] Liambe, 370 m a. s. l., 23 May 2010, Boyekoli Ebale Congo Expedition 754 ( BR 0000005706723).

Equatorial Guinea: Fernando Po [Bioko Island], 1843, Vogel [ex herb. Hooker] 253 ( K 005772356, K 005772357); [location unknown] 450 m a. s. l., 18 Mar 1908, G. Tessmann 273 ( K 005772350).

Ethiopia: Southwest Ethiopia Region, Keffa Zone, S of Mizan Teferi, 1050 m a. s. l., 1 Dec 1984, I. Friis & al. 3914 ( K 005772572); [Gambela Region] 15 km E of Pugnido, 600 m a. s. l., 23 Nov 1995, I. Friis & al. 7289 ( K 005772568).

Gabon: Woleu-Ntem Prov., Limbali Forest, 20 Dec 1990, J. J. Dibata D 57 ( WAG 0126503).

Ghana: Gibi, 16 Dec 1952, J. K. Morton 8112 ( K 005772328); [Eastern Region] nr Asiakwa, 19 Dec 1952, J. K. Morton 8209 ( K 005772329); Banda area, Bui, 20 Dec 1953, J. K. Morton 25075 ( K 005772327, WAG 0186027); Volta Region, Kpando, 215 m a. s. l., 23 Dec 1972, J. F. Veldkamp 6092 ( L 1690977).

Guinea: Milo River, 2 Dec 1966, S. Lisowski 81483 ( BR 0000013779061); Forécariah Pref., nr Dalonia, 900 m a. s. l., 19 Jan 2013, M. Cheek & al. 16970 ( K 000334927).

Guinea-Bisau: Gabú Region, 5 km ESE of Lugajole, 9 Dec 2017, E. L. A. N. Simons & al. 2239 ( WAG 1977274).

Ivory Coast: [Abidjan Autonomous Distr.] Bingerville, Dec 1906, A. Chevalier 16025 ( P 05029080); [Abijan Autonomous Distr.] Anguédédou Forest, 1948, G. Mangenot & L. Aké Assi 3933 ( P 05029082, UCJ 000657); Toumodi, 4 Nov 1950, G. Roberty 12588 ( G); [Agnéby-Tiassa Region] Anno vill., 15 Dec 1955, L. Aké Assi 3512 ( UCJ 000658); Orumbo Boka Forest, 10 Dec 1957, E. Adjanohoun 2049 ( UCJ 000659); Lamto, 1973, L. Aké Assi s. n. ( UCJ 000660); Abijan, Banco Forest Reserve, 23 Mar 1976, J. de Koning 6720 ( BR 0000016151369, WAG 0098800); Bouna Pref., Comoé Sud, 4 Nov 1987, P. Poilecot 39755 ( G); Bouna, Divo Dept., 4 km W of Divo city, 2 Dec 1992, C. Chatelain & H. G. Téhé 40288 ( G).

Liberia: Grand Cape Mount Co., Ganna Tanyehun, 21 Dec 1947, J. T. Baldwin 10777 ( K 005772337); Ganta Town, 16 Dec 1951, A. J. D. Baker 1126 ( K 005772336).

Mali: [Kayes Region] Kita, 27 Dec 1947, G. Roberty 10246 ( G); Bamako, 29 Nov 1969, N. Diarra 387 ( P 05029066); [Sikasso Region] Kadiolo, 30 Dec 1969, N. Diarra 452 ( P 05029067); Sikasso Region, Bougouni, 325 m a. s. l., 1 Dec 2010, S. Sanogo & al. 724 ( K 005772325).

Niger: W National Park, 8 Dec 1978, M. Saadou & M. Garba 1099 ( P 05029084, WAG 0033827).

Nigeria: [Oyo State] Garuba, Sep 1890, A. Moloney 11 ( K 005772315); [Ogun State] Akilla, 23 Feb 1931, W. D. MacGregor 499 ( K 005772345); [Oyo State] nr Ibadan, 600 ft [183 m], Nov 1936, R. J. Newberry & A. E. Etim 168 ( K 005772313); [Edo State] Okomu Forest Reserve, 20 Jan 1948, J. P. M. Brenan & P. W. Richards 8850 & 8851 ( K 005772346, P 05029068); [Bauchi State] Bauchi city, 4 Dec 1971, M. G. Latilo 64739 ( K 005772341); [Cross River State] Ogoja, nr Yahe vill., 21 Feb 1973, Latilo & Oguntayo 67625 ( K 005772351); [Ogun State] Ilaro Forest Reserve, 12 Dec 1982, J. Lowe 4358 ( K 005772349).

Senegal: [Ziguinchor Region] Brin vill., 27 Dec 1976, C. Vanden Berghen 1638 ( BR 0000013779023, WAG 0105288); [Ziguinchor Region] Badiouré, 29 Nov 1983, C. Vanden Berghen 4066 ( BR 0000013779016).

Sierra Leone: Ndoke, 1914, N. W. Thomas 4537 ( K 005772340); [Northern Prov.] Gbinti (Dibia), 11 Jan 1953, F. C. Deighton 5900 ( K 005772339); Northern Prov., Dumbala to Wania, 5 Jan 1964, Morton & Gledhill 519 ( K 005772333); Tingi Mts., 19 Dec 1965, Morton & Gledhill 3208 ( K 005772330).

South Sudan: [Eastern Equatoria State] Talanga, 110 m a. s. l., 7 Dec 1980, I. Friis & K. Vollesen 755 ( BR 0000016151352, K 005772565).

Togo: [Plateaux Region] Kloto, 1977, J. F. Brunel 4130 ( TOGO 01696); Nuivé, Dec 1978, J. F. Brunel 6219 ( TOGO 01694); Boulohou, Nov 1984, J. F. Brunel 9107 ( TOGO 01693).

Uganda: [Central Region] Buddo, 3800 ft [1158 m], Aug 1937, anonymous 1814 ( K 005772942); Buganda prov., Kyagwe, 3750 ft, 7 Dec 1949, H. C. Dawkins 469 ( K 005772940); [Central Region] 2 km E of Kayugi, 1150 m a. s. l., 22 May 1972, K. A. Lye 6833 ( K 005772938); [Central Region] Mawokota County, Bunjako Island, 1143 m a. s. l., 13 Mar 2011, S. Santini 457 ( FT 0004990).

General distribution.

Only known in Tropical Africa. Cyathula geminata is not reported for the flora of tropics of southern Africa ( Phiri 2005; Odorico et al. 2022). It is also not reported for Rwanda ( Townsend 1985; present paper), although its presence is possible due to records in the neighbouring regions of Uganda and DR Congo.