Diversity and endemism of the flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea: state of knowledge and future perspectives

Abstract Understanding biodiversity of plants depends on detailed knowledge floristics and environmental parameters. According to the Flora Ethiopia Eritrea (FEE; 1989–2009), latest academic flora these two topographically complex countries, number taxa (including non-indigenous ones) is 6027 which 647 are endemic. Since 2009, 56 indigenous have been described from FEE area. Based data later information, species here counted at 5219. In RAINBIO database Sosef et al. (BMC Biol 15:1–23, 2017) in 4481 (Eritrea not counted). Studies local diversity endemism produce different results with varying methods sources: show highest southern part near borders Kenya, while south-west around town Harar. Wang (J Syst Evol 58(1):33–42, 2020) found ‘weighted endemism’ central Ethiopian mountains, our indicates single-region Kenya Somalia; Hawthorne Marshall (Gard Bull Singap 71(Suppl. 2):315–333, 2019), weighting according rarity, ‘bioquality score’ same areas as endemism. altitudinal a ‘mid-elevation bulge’ 1400–2100 m a.s.l. More needed before we understand including diversity. We review needs for additional gathering modelling that may help answering outstanding questions. Graphic abstract