Zehneria grandibracteata (Cucurbitaceae), an overlooked new species from western Kenyan forests

Abstract

Zehneria grandibracteata , a new species of Cucurbitaceae from western Kenya, is described here, based on morphological and molecular data. It has long been misidentified as the widely-distributed species Z. scabra . However, it differs by its ovate leafy probract at the base of the inflorescences, subglabrous condition of the entire plant, shorter receptacle-tube and filaments, as well as denser and sessile inflorescences. Furthermore, the molecular phylogenetic analysis of Zehneria , based on nrITS sequences, further supports the argument that Z. grandibracteata should be segregated from Z. scabra .