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.