A taxonomic revision of Englerodaphne Gilg (Thymelaeaceae: Thymelaeoideae)

Englerodaphne Gilg (Thymelaeaceae) is distinguished from allied genera in subfamily Thymelaeoideae with an articulated hypanthium and unilocular ovary by its arborescent habit, broad membranous leaves, and ebracteate inflorescences of tetramerous flowers with four petaloid scales, each divided nearly to the base into two narrow segments. Three species are recognised, two endemic to southern Africa and the third with a disjunct distribution in southern and tropical east Africa. The three species differ in inflorescence type, foliage and hypanthium indumentum, flower colour and hypanthium length, and in details of the petaloid scales. Each species is described and illustrated, with notes on nomenclature, typification, ecology, and distribution. A lectotype is designated for Englerodaphne ovalifolia.