16 species of Ocimum on mainland Africa are recognized and four new species are described. The relationships between Ocimum and neighbouring genera are discussed. A more natural classification of Ocimum and related genera is suggested, but not formally proposed as New World and Asiatic species have not been studied in detail. Ocimum in Africa is represented by two sections: sect. Ocimum and sect. Hierocymum Benth. The type section is divided into two subsections. O. circinatum probably belongs in sect. Ocimum on account of its stamen morphology, but it does not fall into either existing subsection. The calyx and nutlets of O. circinatum suggest that a new subsection should be circumscribed. However, this would be premature as a more extensive survey of related taxa is needed before proposing a new infrageneric classification. It is also suggested that sect. Hierocymum is not a natural group.
Kew Bulletin is an international peer-reviewed journal of plant taxonomy. It publishes original articles, short communications and reviews on the taxonomy, nomnecalture, phylogeny, systematics and floristics of vascular plants and fungi. Papers on palynology, cytology, anatomy, phytogeography and phytochemistry are also included if they have taxonomic implications. Each part is illustrated with high quality line drawings and photographs. The journal also features a book review and notices section. From 2008 the journal will be published by Springer Verlag on behalf of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where the editorial office is located. It is available in print and online. Four parts are published each year (c. 640 pp).
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Kew Bulletin
© 1992 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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