Synoptic Revision of the exindusiate species of Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae) from Central Africa (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi) with description of Dryopteris schizopaleata sp. nov. from Rwanda

A synopsis of the exindusiate species of Dryopteris occurring in the area of the Flore d'Afrique Centrale (D.R.Congo, Rwanda, Burundi) is provided. Three species occur in the area. Dryopteris schizopaleata sp. nov., a new species from Rwanda, is described here. It differs from all other Dryopteris species occurring in the area in the stipe scales that are broadly ovate, with a fimbriate apex, divided into long uniseriate, irregular fissures and without glands. D. manniana is recorded for D.R.Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. D. ruwenzoriensis occurs in the Ruwenzori mountains in Eastern D.R.Congo and Western Uganda, and the Virunga Volcanoes in Eastern D.R.Congo and Rwanda. A key to the three species is provided.

Automated summary

This article provides a synopsis of the exindusiate species of Dryopteris found in the area of the Flore d'Afrique Centrale (D.R.Congo, Rwanda, Burundi). There are three species in the area, including a newly described species called Dryopteris schizopaleata sp. nov. This new species is characterized by broadly ovate stipe scales with a fimbriate apex, divided into long uniseriate, irregular fissures, and the absence of glands. D. manniana is recorded in D.R.Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, while D. ruwenzoriensis occurs in the Ruwenzori mountains in Eastern D.R.Congo, Western Uganda, and the Virunga Volcanoes in Eastern D.R.Congo and Rwanda. The article also includes a key to identify the three species.