Reassessment of Marquesan Ochrosia and Rauvolfia
Author Information
Author(s): David H. Lorence, Jean-François Butaud
Primary Institution: National Tropical Botanical Garden
Conclusion
Two new combinations of species in the genera Ochrosia and Rauvolfia were established, and all four species are recommended for the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered.
Supporting Evidence
- Two species each of Ochrosia and Rauvolfia are recognized from the Marquesas Islands, all endemic.
- Recent field work has provided new data on their distribution, habitat, and conservation status.
- All four species should be added to the IUCN Red List at the Critically Endangered category.
Takeaway
Scientists studied some plants from the Marquesas Islands and found that two of them needed to be renamed and are in danger of disappearing.
Methodology
The study involved reassessing herbarium specimens and conducting field observations to determine the correct identity and conservation status of the species.
Limitations
The study is limited by the availability of herbarium specimens and the potential for misidentification in previous classifications.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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