A synopsis of the African genus Whitfieldia (Acanthaceae: Whitfieldieae) and a key to the species

Summary We present a synopsis and an identification key for the 13 species one subspecies of African genus Whitfieldia Hook. (Acanthaceae: Acanthoideae: Whitfieldieae). This work is based on observation analysis morphological data from herbarium specimens photographs species, study all relevant literature genus. latiflos C.B.Clarke ex Stapf Liberia reinstated as accepted full description illustration are provided. A new subspecies, W. colorata subsp. tigrina A.Grall & I.Darbysh., also Liberia, described. In addition, arnoldiana De Wild. T.Durand letestui Benoist treated synonyms laurentii (Lindau) preussii respectively first time. Eleven names in lectotypified. Reference specimens, literature, habitat notes, distribution maps, taxonomic notes preliminary assessment conservation status extinction risk provided each taxon. Four considered to be threatened which two ( rutilans Heine) assessed Endangered (EN) while others purpurata (Benoist) Heine thollonii (Baill.) Benoist) placed Vulnerable (VU) category. taxa Near Threatened (NT) currently Data Deficient (DD).