Re-appraisal of Nertera (Rubiaceae) in Taiwan

Abstract

A revision of Nertera ( Rubiaceae ) in Taiwan was carried out by classical taxonomic methods and the presence of two endemic species was confirmed. Only one species, misapplied as N. granadensis , had been reported in the second edition of “Flora of Taiwan”, but there were two additional endemic species in this genus: N. nigricarpa and N. taiwaniana confirmed. Nertera nigricarpa is characterised by the entire leaf, purple-black petals, black fruits and dark-purple seeds with raised striate. Nertera taiwaniana has leaves with undulated margins, yellowish-green petals, red fruits and yellow-white seeds without striate. N. granadensis is excluded from the flora of this Island.