Annotated Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Kakamega Forest, Western Province, Kenya

Abstract

An annotated checklist of the Kakamega Forest in Kakamega District is presented. The checklist includes the plants found mainly in Buyangu National Reserve, and the Nature Reserves of Isecheno and Yala. It also includes the adjacent forest fragments of Malava, Kisere and Kaimosi. Nine hundred and eighty six (986) plant taxa (including 36 introduced or cultivated, 12 probably misidentified, 111 photo recorded taxa, and 83 undocumented plant taxa) in 129 families and 527 genera are recorded. This represents about 15.2% of the total number of 6506 Kenyan vascular plant species. For each taxon documented, a short description of its habit and distribution is given. Also 181 synonyms are listed.

Full text

Journal of East African Natural History
99(2): 129–226 (2010)
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ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR PLANTS OF KAKAMEGA
FOREST, WESTERN PROVINCE, KENYA
Eberhard Fischer, Katja Rembold, Arnhild Althof, Jasmin Obholzer
Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, University of
Koblenz-Landau, Universitätsstrasse 1, 56070 Koblenz, Germany
efischer@uni-koblenz.de; rembold@uni-koblenz.de; arnhild.althof@gmx.de;
Jasmin.Jazzman@gmx.de
Itambo Malombe, Geoffrey Mwachala
The East African Herbarium, National Museums of Kenya
P.O. Box 40658, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
malombe2030@yahoo.com; gmwachala@museums.or.ke
John C. Onyango
University Botanic Garden, Maseno University
P.O. Private Bag, 40105 Maseno, Kenya
jonyango@yahoo.com
Bonny Dumbo, Inge Theisen
Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, University of
Koblenz-Landau, Universitätsstrasse. 1, 56070 Koblenz, Germany
bdumbo2000@yahoo.fr; theisen@uni-koblenz.de
ABSTRACT
An annotated checklist of the Kakamega Forest in Kakamega District is
presented. The checklist includes the plants found mainly in Buyangu National
Reserve, and the Nature Reserves of Isecheno and Yala. It also includes the
adjacent forest fragments of Malava, Kisere and Kaimosi. Nine hundred and
eighty six (986) plant taxa (including 36 introduced or cultivated, 12 probably
misidentified, 111 photo recorded taxa, and 83 undocumented plant taxa) in 129
families and 527 genera are recorded. This represents about 15.2% of the total
number of 6506 Kenyan vascular plant species. For each taxon documented, a
short description of its habit and distribution is given. Also 181 synonyms are
listed.
Keywords: Kakamega Forest, vascular plants, pteridophytes, gymnosperms,
angiosperms, biodiversity

130 E. Fischer et al.
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INTRODUCTION
Kakamega Forest is often considered to be the easternmost remnant of the Guineo-
Congolian rainforest system (Kokwaro, 1988), and in comparison to these forests of
Central and West Africa, it is relatively young, having developed only about 10 000
years ago. With 986 vascular plant taxa it has a fairly low plant species diversity
compared to other forests in Kenya, e.g. Shimba Hills with 1396 species (Luke, 2005).
Many species, however, are not found elsewhere in Kenya and reflect, in part, the
insularity of Kakamega forest and the absence of similar forests nearby. The West
African influence in combination with afromontane elements evolves a unique floristic
mix in Kakamega Forest.
A review of the literature available for Kakamega Forest shows that only few
studies deal with its flora and vegetation. Among them are investigations of the
vegetation status and composition, the human impact on the forest, and regeneration
processes of trees (Kigomo, 1987; Kokwaro, 1988; Tsingalia, 1988, 1990; Mutangah
et al., 1992; Wass, 1995; Mutangah, 1996; Scully, 2001; Nzilani, 2002; Fashing &
Gathua, 2004; Fashing et al., 2004; Mitchell, 2004).
The present study was part of the BIOTA (Biodiversity Monitoring Transect
Analysis in Africa) framework (www.biota-africa.org), funded by the German Federal
Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), subproject BIOTA-East E04, which
researches ecosystem function, fragmentation along gradients of disturbance,
implementation on biodiversity and conservation and sustainable use of East African
rainforest ecosystems.
STUDY SITE
Kakamega Forest is located in the Western Province of Kenya, situated approximately
150 km west of the Rift Valley, 50 km northeast of Lake Victoria and 70 km east of
the Uganda border. It is part of the Nyanza Low Plateau with slight relief undulation
and slopes gently towards Lake Victoria (KIFCON, 1994). The study site ranges over
an altitude of 1460-1765 m (Lung & Schaab, 2006) and extends between latitudes
00°08’30.5’’N (41 236 in UTM 36 N) and 00°22’12.5’’N (15 984) in North-South-
direction and longitudes 34°46’08.0’’E (696 777) and 34°57’26.5’’E (717 761) in
East-West-direction (Schaab, 2001). It covers the main block of Kakamega Forest and
further associated forest fragments (Malava, Kisere and Kaimosi Forest) (see figure 1).
A lot of small rivers and streams cross Kakamega Forest with two main river
systems, the Isiukhu River in the north and the Yala River in the south. Most of the
forest is flat to undulating, with two steep hills rising several hundred metres above
the forest (Buyangu Hill in the north and Lirhanda Hill in the south).

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 131
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Figure 1. Map of Kakamega Forest and associated forests with the official forest boundary
gazetted in 1933 (dashed line), the Buyangu National Reserve in the north, the Nature
Reserves Isecheno and Yala in the middle and south. The study sites within the forest are
indicated in grey lines. The grey shaded area represents the extent of mature forest as derived
from visual interpretation. UTM projection: transverse mercator, grid: UTM Zone 36, Unit of
measurement: meters. Source: G. Schaab, E02 (Karlsruhe).

132 E. Fischer et al.
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The temperature ranges on average between 10.6°C and 27.7°C. The area receives
an average annual rain fall of about 2000 mm, with maximum of rainfall in April/May
and August/September, and minimum between December and February (Tsingalia,
1990; Greiner, 1991; KDDP, 1994/1996).
In a highly populated rural area, with an average population density of 600 people
per km2 (Blackett, 1994) and more than 200 000 people distributed in 57 villages
adjacent to the forest, the Kakamega Forest has been an important resource for local
people over a long period (Kiplagat et al., 2008). Thus the forest plays a significant
role as a ‘safety net’ to supplement household basic needs (Mitchell, 2004), such as
firewood or traditional medicinal plants (Engelhard, 1984; Haupt, 2000).
Mitchell (2004) collected information about the former size of the forest and gives
a comparison between the expansion of Kakamega Forest since 1933, before the
extensive clearing of the forest started and the current status (see table 1).
Table 1. Forest area [in ha] for Kakamega Forest and two associated forest areas within the
official forest boundaries as gazetted since 1933 (Lung, 2004; Althof, 2005).
Area gazetted in 1933 1984 2001
Malava 703 230 311
Kisere 458 409 433
Kakamega Forest (main forest block) 23.632 16.658 17.684
Today, Kakamega Forest is in part a National Reserve, a Nature Reserve and a
Forest Reserve, and is managed by three distinct organizations: Kenya Wildlife
Service (KWS) (National Reserve: Buyangu and Kisere fragments), Kenya Forest
Service (Kakamega, Yala, Isecheno, Ikuywa, Malava), and Friends’ Church Mission
(FCM) (Kaimosi).
GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Kakamega Forest is located on the Lake Victoria Basin which was formed during the
middle Pleistocene by tectonic movements. The same movements created the western
arm of the Great Rift Valley system stretching from north to south throughout East
Africa (White, 1983). The underlying rocks of this Lake Victoria Basin belong to the
Precambrian and locally covered by younger alluvium material (Lovett & Wasser,
1993). Geologically, the subsoil is characterized by volcanic lavas, tuff, basalt,
phonolites and ancient gneisses from the Kavirondian system and Nyanzian rock
formation systems, which are associated with gold-bearing quartz veins (KIFCON,
1994). Such rock series have made Kakamega District the most important producer of
gold in Kenya (KDDP, 1994/1996). About 56 % of the soils of Kakamega Forest are
granitic in origin. These rocks are transformed into well drained, deep clay-loam, clay
and sandy clay soils (ferralochromic/orthic Acrisols, humic Cambisols, mollic
Nitosols). The soils belong to the latosols, more precisely to the ferrisols. They are
well drained, very deep, reddish brown to yellowish red with a humic top soil
(Sombroek et al., 1982). Independent from the nutrient poor soil (beside the central
part of the Kakamega Forest consisting of fertile Nitosols), the forest can maintain

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 133
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itself by decomposing the organic material. This nutrient recycling is disrupted and the
soil fertility declines when the forest is cleared and the nutrients leached out by rain.
VEGETATION
The Kakamega Forest is the most eastern remaining part of the equatorial Guineo-
Congolian rainforest, which extended during Pleistocene period from West-Africa
across the Congo basin. As a result of increased rainfall in Africa during that time, the
rainforest streched out eastwards and covered much more area in Uganda and Kenya
than today. Due to the climatic change in the beginning of the Holocene around
10 000 years ago, the vegetation became drier and more and more isolated from the
continuous main forest (KIFCON, 1994). Therefore the Kakamega Forest, the only
interior mid-elevation rain forest of Kenya, is floristically strongly related to the
Central and West African lowland rainforest, but is also further enriched by
afromontane forest elements from the Rift Valley escarpement. Therefore the forest
contains a remarkable intermix of plant diversity. As Blackett (1994) describes, the
unique combination of lowland forest species, mixing with the afromontane taxa is
unusual even on a continental scale. Beentje (1990) classifies Kakamega Forest as
Tropical Rainforest equivalent to the Transitional Rainforest of White (1983). Floristic
affinity to the afromontane forest is supported for example by Prunus africana and
Olea capensis, the relationship to the West-African forest is characterized by
Englerophytum oblanceolatum, and Monodora myristica (Hamilton, 1981; Friis, 1992;
Althof, 2005).
According to the physiognomic, climatic and floristic characteristics Kakamega
Forest can be defined as a multi-storey, dry peripheral semi-evergreen Guineo-
Congolian transitional rainforest, with canopy heights between 20 and 35 m and some
emergents which can reach heights up to 40 m (Althof, 2005). The relatively high
species richness of Kakamega Forest results not only from the transitional character of
the forest, but also from the variety of habitats, and corresponding ecological niches.
Within the study site relatively undisturbed (nearly primary) forest, as well as
disturbed, secondary forest, areas of plantation, swamps and riverine forest and natural
glades are present.
Scientific research has indicated the presence of 13 different plant communities
each representing a different succession stage, and which have been described by
Althof (2005) and Althof & Fischer (2006). Most of Kakamega Forest consists of
middle-aged secondary forest but much of the Buyangu area and the north-eastern part
of the forest are characterised by very young secondary forest. Kakamega Forest is
generally highly degraded and fragmented and the composition of the plant
communities has been greatly influenced by past commercial logging activities and
other anthropogenic disturbances (Mitchell, 2004; Bleher et al., 2006; Mitchell &
Schaab 2008). A true primary forest cannot be found in Kakamega (Mutangah, 1996;
Althof, 2005).
The forest is developing towards a climax stage but the pattern of succession is
dictated largely by former disturbances (e.g. Fashing et al., 2004; Althof, 2005). Much

134 E. Fischer et al.
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of the mature forest has been classified as Antiaris toxicaria—Diospyros abyssinica—
Alliance (Althof, 2005). The two species lending their name to this alliance both
represent afromontane and Guineo-Congolian floral elements.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Integrated into the scientific research project BIOTA Africa, several field studies,
especially imbedded into several PhD and Diploma theses (Althof, 2005; Malombe,
2009; Mwachala, 2005; Rembold in prep.; Kamau in prep.; Obholzer 2010), were
done by the authors since 1998. All collected plant specimens are deposited in the East
African Herbarium (EA) of the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi. We also
considered and included in this study the available data from already published
vascular plant checklists of Kakamega Forest (Kokwaro, 1988; Blackett, 1994;
KIFCON, 1994; Mutangah, 1996; Althof 2005) (see table 2), as well as some collected
material in the East African Hebarium (EA) of the National Museum of Kenya in
Nairobi and in the Herbarium at Botany Department of the University of Nairobi
(NAI).
The checklist includes the vascular plants recorded in the Kakamega Forest including
Buyangu National Reserve, and the associated forest fragments of Malava, Kisere,
Kaimosi and the Nature Reserves of Isecheno and Yala. Somewhat underrepresented in
the present study are habitats like lakes, watercourses, forest canopy and in some extent
glades. Thus we can expect a higher number of vascular plant species (especially
epiphytes or aquatic plants) in the Kakamega Forest, than the currently recorded 986 taxa
(including 111 photo records, and 83 undocumented taxa from earlier available literature
andchecklists e.g. Agnew & Agnew (1994) Kokwaro (1988) or KIFCON (1994)).
Table 2. Comparison of the total number of vascular plant taxa from different plant check-lists of
Kakamega Forest.
Kokwaro (1988) Kifcon (1994) Blackett (1994) Mutangah (1996) Alhof (2005)
370 39 145 193 400
TAXONOMY AND IDENTIFICATION
For plant identification standard references for the area are used (FTEA, 2010;
Beentje, 1994; Agnew & Agnew, 1994; Stewart, 1996; Stewart et al., 2006 for
orchids). Taxonomic information from ALUKA (2010), African Plants Database
(2010), and Clayton et al. (2009) was also used. Collected plant specimens were
compared with material held in EA (East African Hebarium of the National Museum
of Kenya, Nairobi).
The family circumscriptions are realigned after the updated molecular phylogenetic
data by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG, 2009; Stevens, 2008; The Plant List,
2010), thus sometimes diverging from traditional concepts followed in FTEA (see

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 135
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Appendix). The taxonomy and the synonyms follow the African Plants
Database (2010).
CHECKLIST
Within the checklist, the families and genera of each group (pteridophytes,
gymnosperms, angiosperms) are listed alphabetically and not in systematic order.
For each taxon, the full authority is given (author names after Brummit & Powell,
1992), followed by the local name if known (data from Beentje (1994)) and
information on growth habit, distribution (first global or African range; then for
Kenya), and a cited specimen. In general all cited specimens are present in EA (East
African Hebarium of the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi) and therefore not
integrated in the collector`s number. In few cases the specimens are deposited at the
Royal Botanical Gardens Kew and marked with (K). 189 taxa are listed without any
collected herbarium specimen. This includes 111 photo records—printed pictures
are available at (EA)—and 83 taxa only cited by former published checklists
(Kokwaro, 1988; Blackett, 1994; KIFCON, 1994, Mutangah, 1996). Those not well
documented taxa are indicated by “+” in front of the name, to characterize them as
potentially occurring species, which need a proper voucher specimen. If the
specimen is listed in the former checklist under a synonym, the name of the collector
is indicated in brackets. An asterisk “*” in front of the name marks introduced or
naturalized species.
The abbreviation of the country name follows the alpha-3 codes of ISO 3166
Maintenance Agency (ISO, 2009); continental African countries are listed first,
followed by the “African Islands” e.g. Madagascar (MDG) or the Seychelles (SYC).
The national distribution data for Kenya (KEN) are listed in rectangular brackets and
show the occurrence of the taxon within the seven Kenyan floristic regions as
delimited by FTEA.
The last entry for each taxon is the information about the CITES and IUCN redlist
category if listed (categories: CR – Critically Endangered; EN – Endangered; VU –
Vulnerable; LR/nt – Lower Risk near threatened; LR/cd – Lower Risk conservation
dependent, LC – Least Concern).
RESULTS
The current checklist contains a total of 986 vascular plant taxa (81 ferns and 905
spermatophytes) that are indigenous and naturalized or introduced to Kakamega
Forest. The plant records covered 129 families and 527 genera. This represents
15.2% of the total number of 6506 Kenyan vascular plant species (UNEP-
WCMC, 2004).
The most species rich families are Orchidaceae (30 genera/83 species),
Asteraceae (36/66), Fabaceae (31/60), Rubiaceae (30/55), Acanthaceae (20/51),

136 E. Fischer et al.
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Poaceae (25/45), Lamiaceae (20/44), Euphorbiaceae (15/31), Aspleniaceae (1/23),
and Cyperaceae (11/22).
Regarding the different growth forms (see table 3), more than 58.7% are herbs and
39.9% are trees, shrubs or lianas.
Table 3. Growth habit of the plants of Kakamega Forest.
Growth habit Number of taxa % of total
Trees 110 11.2
Small trees (tree or shrub) 127 12.9
Shrubs 56 5.7
Climbers (perennial woody) / lianas /
scandent shrubs 100 10.1
Shrubby, woody herbs 61 6.2
Perennial herbs 358 36.2
Annual or (short-lived) perennial
herbs 44 4.5
Annual herbs 63 6.4
Parasites (hemi- / holo-) 9 0.9
Epiphytes 52 5.3
Aquatics 1 0.1
Unknown growth habit 5 0.5
Table 4 presents an overview of the phytogeographic affinities of the flora,
according to the phytochoria defined by White (1983). Only about 10.3% are elements
from the Guineo-Congolian lowland rainforest; about 10.9% are of afromontane
origin, and the majority of about 35.4% are widespread species distributed in tropical
and subtropical Africa south of the Sahara.
Table 4. Phytogeographic affinities.
Shared taxa with / phytogeographic region number
of taxa % of
total
Kenyan Endemics (including 6 Kakamega Forest Endemics) 9 0.9
East Tropical Africa elements (Lake Victoria regional mosaic: KEN,
TZA, UGA, BDI, RWA, easternmost part of COD) 37 3.8
Afromontane elements 107 10.9
Congolian elements 34 3.4
Guineo-Congolian elements 68 6.9
Sudanian elements 12 1.2
Sudano-Zambesian elements 38 3.9
Somalian-Masai elements (DJI, ERI, ETH, KEN, SOM, TZA,
easternmost SDN and UGA, and southern Arabia) 6 0.6
Zambezian elements 56 5.7
Somalian-Masai and Zambezian elements 73 7.4
Sub-Saharan elements (widespread tropical - southern Africa,
including MDG and Mascarenes) 350 35.4
Panafrican 8 0.8
Palaeotropical 76 7.7
Pantropical 72 7.3
Introduced / cultivated (and escaped) / naturalized 36 3.7
Unknown 4 0.4

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 137
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NEW RECORDS FOR KENYA
The following eight taxa are first records for Kenya:
Aspilia africana (Asterac.) herb; Dopatrium baoulense (Plantaginac.) herb; Liparis
nervosa (Orchidac.) herb; Nervilia adolphi (Orchidac.) herb; Paspalum conjugatum
(Poac.) herb; Tetracera potatoria (Dilleniac.) liana; Turraea vogelioides (Meliac.)
shrub; Vernonia conferta (Asteraceae) tree.
Two species will be described in near future: Aframomum spec. nov. (Zingiberac.)
herb; Renealmia spec. nov. (Zingiberac.) herb.
A remarkable species recorded for the first time in Kenya and Kakamega Forest is
the small tree Vernonia conferta. Its presence was predicted following the record of
the beetle Goliathus goliathus goliathus L., which is distributed widely from Western
to Eastern equatorial Africa and which is also present in Kakamega Forest. The
Goliath beetle is known to feed mainly on the phloem sap of this species in eastern
Congo, and its presence in Kakamega Forest was an indicator for the occurrence of
Vernonia conferta which subsequently was located near Isecheno. This is the
easternmost distribution of the species.
NEW RECORDS FOR KAKAMEGA FOREST
Probably first records for Kakamega Forest, until now not mentioned in the literature,
are the following 59 taxa:
Ferns (6 spp.): Pellaea doniana (Adiantac.); Dryopteris athamantica (Dryopteridac.);
Dicranopteris linearis (Gleicheniac.); Lycopodiella cernua (Lycopodiac.); Ophioglossum
lancifolium (Ophioglossac.); Platycerium elephantotis (Polypodiac.).
Shrubs or trees (10 spp.): Argomuellera macrophylla (Euphorbiac.);
Chrysophyllum viridifolium (Sapotac.); Dissotis cryptantha (Melastomatac.);
Fernandoa cf. magnifica (Bignoniac.); Ficus verruculosa (Morac.); Rubus keniensis
(Rosac.); Rubus rosifolius (Rosac.); Strychnos usambarensis (Loganiac.); Tetrapleura
tetraptera (Fabac.-Mimosoid.); Turraea abyssinica (Meliac).
Climbers or lianas (7 spp.): Connarus longistipitatus (Connarac.); Cucumis
aculeatus (Cucurbitac.); Dregea abyssinica (Apocynac.); Dregea rubicunda
(Apocynac.); Mucuna poggei var. poggei (Fabac.-Papilionoid.); Oreosyce africana
(Cucurbitac.); Tacazzea conferta (Apocynac.).
Herbs (36 spp.): Alectra rigida (Orobanchac.); Alysicarpus vaginalis var. villosus
(Fabac.-Papilioid.); Aristea alata (Iridac.); Basella alba (Basellac.); Biophytum abyssinicum
(Oxalidac.); Brachiaria scalaris (Poac.); Buchnera capitata (Orobanchac.); Celosia
anthelminthica (Amaranthac.); Crassula alsinoides (Crassulac.); Crepidorhopalon rupestris
(Linderniac.); Cyathula uncinulata (Amaranthac.); Cynoglossum lanceolatum (Boraginac.);
Dietes iridioides (Irid..); Disperis anthoceros (Orchidac.); Helichrysum glumaceum
(Asterac.); Hydrocotyle ranunculoides (Araliac.); Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (Araliac.);
Hypoestes aristata (Acanthac.); Hypoestes triflora (Acanthac.); Isoglossa lactea
(Acanthac.); Justicia unyorensis (Acanthac.); Kalanchoe crenata (Crassulac); Lindernia
nummularifolia (Linderniac.); Meyna tetraphylla (Rubiac.); Nervilia bicarinata (Orchidac.);

138 E. Fischer et al.
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Nervilia petraea (Orchidac.); Nidorella resedifolia (Asterac.); Albuca donaldsonii
(Asparagac.); Oxalis antielmintica (Oxalidac.); Polystachya bicarinata (Orchidac.); Rubia
cordifolia (Rubiac.); Sebaea pumila (Gentianac.); Sphaeranthus suaveolens (Asterac.);
Spermacoce radiata (Rubiac.); Striga elegans (Orobanchac.); Vernonia natalensis
(Asterac.).
The Bignoniaceae Fernandoa cf. magnifica was collected in a sterile state at
Buyangu Hill. During the eight years of our study it did not bear flowers or fruits. The
habit of this taxon is different from the known species of Bignoniaceae of Kakamega
Forest and after cross-checking with herbarium material at the East African Herbarium
(EA) of the National Museums of Nairobi (NMK) it seems to be closely related to
Fernandoa magnifica which is only known as a coastal species in Kenya. However,
several species have a similar disjunct distribution in Kenya, occuring at the coast and
in the inland area only in Kakamega Forest (e.g. Alchornea laxiflora, Antiaris
toxicaria, Crepidomanes ramitrichum, Ctenitis cirrhosa, Cyrtorchis brownii, Ficus
bubu, Mallotus oppositifolius, Monanthotaxis buchananii, Tristemma mauritianum).
There is evidence for the disjunct distribution of populations caused by climate change
during the glacial period.
ENDEMICS
Out of nine Kenyan endemic vascular plant species occurring in Kakamega Forest,
seven taxa are considered to be restricted to this forest:
Aframomum spec. nov. (Zingiberac.) herb (restricted to Kakamega Forest);
Commelina albiflora (Commelinac.) herb (restricted to Kakamega Forest); Croton
alienus (Euphorbiac.) tree; Diplazium spec.B sensu Verdcourt [Verdcourt, 2003]
(Woodsiac.) fern (restricted to Kakamega Forest); Isoglossa membranacea ssp.
septentrionalis (Acanthac.) herb (restricted to Kakamega Forest); Monechma spec.A
sensu Agnew & Agnew (Agnew & Agnew, 1994) (Acanthac.) herb (restricted to
Kakamega Forest); Polyscias kikuyuensis (Araliac.) tree; Renealmia spec. nov.
(Zingiberac.) herb (restricted to Kakamega Forest); Tiliacora kenyensis
(Menispermac.) liana (restricted to Kakamega Forest).
Commelina albiflora is a common but not abundant herb in older closed-canopy
forests. This plant is the only consistently pure white-flowered species of Commelina
in Kenya (Faden 1994). According to Beentje (1994) Tiliacora kenyensis is endemic
to Kakamega Forest, but it could not be recollected by the authors. Not yet described
are four species – a probably new fern (Diplazium spec. B sensu Verdcourt),
Monechma spec.A sensu Agnew & Agnew and two Zingiberaceae species collected
by E. Fischer (Aframomum spec. nov., Renealmia spec. nov.).
WIDESPREAD TAXA RESTRICTED IN KENYA TO KAKAMEGA FOREST
Eighty-nine taxa are widely distributed in tropical Africa, but occur in Kenya only in
Kakamega Forest:

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 139
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Ferns (9 spp.): Antrophyum mannianum (Vittariac.); Asplenium spp. (A. africanum,
A. angolense1, A. blastophorum, A. formosum, A. preussii) (Aspleniac.); Bolbitis
heudelotii (Lomariopsidac.); Diplazium velaminosum (Woodsiac.); Pteris preussii
(Pteridac.).
Shrubs or trees (31 spp.): Acanthopale macrocarpa (Acanthac.); Alchornea
cordifolia (Euphorbiac.); Anthocleista vogelii (Gentianac.); Baissea major
(Apocynac.); Chrysophyllum albidum (Sapotac.); Chrysophyllum delevoyi (Sapotac.);
Clerodendrum formicarum (Lamiac.); Clerodendrum melanocrater (Lamiac.);
Clerodendrum silvanum var. buchholzii (Lamiac.); Cordia millenii (Boraginac.);
Craterispermum schweinfurthii (Rubiac.); Englerophytum oblanceolatum (Sapotac.);
Entandrophragma angolense (Meliac.); Ficus saussureana (Morac.); Globimetula
braunii (Loranthac.); Gomphia densiflora (Ochnac.); Gomphia likimiensis (Ochnac.);
Maesopsis eminii (Rhamnac.); Monodora myristica (Annonac.); Mussaenda
erythrophylla (Rubiac.); Pouteria altissima (Sapotac.); Premna angolensis (Lamiac.);
Protea madiensis (Proteac.); Psychotria bagshawei (Rubiac.); Rothmannia longiflora
(Rubiac.); Synsepalum cerasiferum (Sapotac.); Uvariopsis congensis (Annonac.);
Vepris grandifolia (Rutac.); Voacanga thouarsii (Apocynac.); Zanthoxylum
mildbraedii (Rutac.); Zanthoxylum rubescens (Rutac.).
Climbers and lianas (15 spp.): Acacia montigena (Fabac.-Mimosoideae);
Adenia cissampeloides (Passiflorac.); Adenia schweinfurthii (Passiflorac.);
Agelanthus brunneus (Loranthac.); Cissus humbertii (Vitac.); Coccinia barteri
(Cucurbitac.); Entada gigas (Fabac.-Mimosoideae); Flabellaria paniculata
(Malpighiac.); Illigera pentaphylla (Hernandiac.); Jasminum pauciflorum (Oleac.);
Rutidea smithii (Rubiac.); Sericostachys scandens (Amaranthac.); Simirestis
brianii (Celastrac.); Uncaria africana ssp. lacus-victoriae (Rubiac.); Ventilago
diffusa (Rhamnac.).
Herbs (34 spp.): Achyrospermum parviflorum (Lamiac.); Aframomum mala
(Zingiberac.); Aframomum subsericeum (Zingiberac.); Alectra alba (Orobanchac.);
Amorphophallus calabaricus ssp. mayoi (Arac.); Aneilema beniniense
(Commelinac.); Angraecum infundibulare (Orchidac.); Begonia eminii (Begoniac.);
Brachycorythis buchananii (Orchidac.); Bulbophyllum encephalodes (Orchidac.);
Bulbophyllum distans (Orchidac.); Chlorophytum filipendulum (Asparagac.);
Commelina capitata (Commelinac.); Crepis newii (Asterac.); Dioscorea
odoratissima (Dioscoreac.); Dissotis brazzae (Melastomatac.); Eulophia galeoloides
(Orchidac.); Habenaria egregia (Orchidac.); Malaxis weberbaueriana (Orchidac.);
Melanthera scandens ssp. subsimplicifolia (Asterac.); Momordica cissoides
(Cucurbitac); Panicum mapalense (Poac.); Peperomia fernandopoiana (Piperac.);
Phaulopsis angolana (Acanthac.); Piper guineense (Piperac.); Pollia condensata
(Commelinac.); Pseuderanthemum ludovicianum (Acanthac.); Renealmia engleri
(Zingiberac.); Sesamum angolense (Pedaliac.); Thonningia sanguinea
(Balanophorac.); Triceratorhynchus viridiflorus (Orchidac.); Tridactyle filifolia

1 Sensu Agnew & Agnew - U.K.W.F. ed. 2: 27 (1994) the name of this plant
Asplenium angolense is uncertain.

140 E. Fischer et al.

(Orchidac.); Tridactyle tridentata (Orchidac.); Vigna triphylla (Fabac.-
Papilionoideae).
DOUBTFUL RECORDS
Twelve probably misidentified species are not included in total number of 898
vascular plant taxa:
Amorphophallus laxiflorus N.E.Br. = Amorphophallus gallaensis (Engl.) N.E.Br.
(Arac.) (Ittenbach, 2003); perennial, seasonally dormant herb 40-100cm,
inflorescence >50 cm, tuber; 5-1200m, Acacia-Commiphora bushland; ETH,
SOM; KEN [1, 4, 7]; 100?m. Mutangah (Altitude too low for occurrence in
Kakamega.)
Angraecopsis tenerrima Kraenzl.; perennial herb, epiphytic, stem 1-7cm, leaves
6-20cm long; endemic to TZA. Kokwaro (Probably based on a
misidentification)
Asplenium cornutum Alston (Aspleniac.); perennial herb; CMR, NGA; KEN [?].
Kokwaro. (Probably to be identified as A. theciferum, according to Beentje
(2008)).
Cadaba carneo-viridis Gilg & Bened. (Capparac.); scandent shrub 1-3m; evergreen
(secondary) bushland; TZA; KEN [7]; 30-600m. Kifcon (All Kenya material is
from K7.)
Combretum illairii Engl. (Combretac.); evergreen shrub or liana 1-5m; coastal
bushland or evergreen forest; MOZ, TZA, UGA; KEN [1, 7]; 30-800m. Kifcon
(Discordant altitude and all Kenya material is coastal.)
Dracaena afromontana Mildbr. (Asparagac.); tree 2.5-7m; moist or bamboo forest;
BDI, COD, ETH, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [1-7]; 1600-2400m.
Kifcon
Dryopteris kilimensis (Kuhn) Kuntze (Dryopteridac.); perennial herb, leaves <2m
long, terrestrial; dense shade montane forest; MOZ, MWI, TZA, ZMB, ZWE;
KEN [4, 5]; (1890-)2000-3000m. Mutangah. (Altitudinal amplitude discordant
for occurrence in Kakamega.)
Impatiens hoehnelii T.C.E.Fries (Balsaminac.); perennial herb <50cm; upper forest
level up to treeline; endemic to KEN [2-6]; 1475-3470m. Mutangah
Mellera lobulata S.Moore (Acanthac.); perennial shrubby herb <3m; forest
understorey; CAF, ETH, MOZ, MWI, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [?].
Kifcon
Nephrangis filiformis (Kraenzl.) Summerh.; perennial herb, epiphytic, pendent,
leaves terete 2-9cm long; on branches of canopy; COD, LBR, TZA, UGA,
ZMB; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest]. (Piers (in. litt.) - probably a
misidentifcation by Piers (pers.comm. B. Bytebier))
*Phyllanthus macrocalyx Müll.Arg. (Phyllanthac.); subshrub; native range IND.
Kifcon
Warburgia salutaris (Canellac.); tree or shrub 4-10(-18) m; MOZ, MWI, ZAF,
ZWE. Kokwaro. (Probably misidentified and listed as Warburgia ugandensis)

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 141

INTRODUCED (CULTIVATED) OR NATURALIZED SPECIES
Thirty six exotic species, mostly weeds and cultivated fruit or timber trees, have been
recorded for the Kakamega Forest, and marked within the checklist with an asterisk
“*” in front of the name:
Acrocarpus fraxinifolius (Fabac.-Caesalpinioideae) tree; Bidens pilosa (Asterac.)
herb; Bischofia javanica (Phyllanthac.) tree; Brachiaria umbellata (Poac.) herb;
Cestrum aurantiacum (Solanac.) shrub; Conyza bonariensis (Asterac.) herb;
Cupressus lusitanica (Cupressac.) tree, Desmodium adscendens (Fabac.-Papilionoid)
herb; Duranta erecta (Verbenac.) shrub or tree; Eucalyptus saligna (Myrtac.) tree;
Euphorbia hirta (Euphorbiac.) herb; Galinsoga parviflora (Asterac.) herb; Grevillea
robusta (Proteac.) tree; Kalanchoe prolifera (Crassulac.) herb; Lantana camara
(Verbenac.) shrub; Lantana trifolia (Verbenac.) shrub; Lilium regale (Liliac.) herb;
Oxalis latifolia (Oxalidac.) herb; Passiflora caerulea (Passiflorac.) herb; Passiflora
edulis (Passiflorac.) herb; Passiflora subpeltata (Passiflorac.) herb; Persea americana
(Laurac.) tree; Physalis peruviana (Solanac.) shrub; Phytolacca octandra
(Phytolaccac.) herb; Pinus patula (Pinac.) tree; Pisonia aculeata (Nyctaginac.) liana;
Plectranthus barbatus var. grandis (Lamiac.) herb; Psidium guajava (Myrtac.) tree;
Rubus niveus (Rosac.) shrub; Rubus rosifolius (Rosac.) shrub; Senna spectabilis
(Fabac.-Caesalpinioid.) shrub; Solanum mauritianum (Solanac.) shrub; Syzygium
cumini (Myrtac.) tree; Tagetes minuta (Asterac.) herb; Tithonia diversifolia (Asterac.)
herb; Tridax procumbens (Asterac.) herb.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors are grateful for the invaluable assistance of the Director and staff of the National
Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, especially Helida Oyieke, Beatrice Khayota and Siro Masinde,
and the staff of Maseno University, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kakamega
Environmental Education Programme (KEEP). We are indebted to Wolfgang Wägele
(Bonn) and Wolfram Freund (Bonn), and all BIOTA-East subprojects having provided
additional data or maps, especially Gertrud Schaab (Karlsruhe) and Helmut Dalitz
(Hohenheim). The financial support by the German Federal Ministry of Education and
Research BMBF/PT-DLR) for funding the BIOTA East Africa project, subproject E04
(grant number 01LC0625C1) is sincerely acknowledged. The Katholischer-Akademischer-
Ausländer-Dienst (KAAD) provided generous scholarships. Furtermore we would like to
thank Dorothee Killmann (Koblenz) and Kumelachew Yeshitela (Addis Abeba/Koblenz) for
valuable discussions. Last but not least we express our gratitude to the Academy of Sciences
and Literature, Mainz for support of travel costs.
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146 E. Fischer et al.
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APPENDIX
Taxa according to Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (Stevens, 2008) and The Plant List,
2010:
Agavaceae → Asparagaceae
Alangium → Cornaceae
Alectra → Orobanchaceae
Anagallis → Myrsinaceae
Anthocleista → Gentianaceae
Anthericaceae →Asparagaceae
Ardisiandra → Myrsinaceae
Asclepiadaceae → Apocynaceae
Balanites → Zygophyllaceae
Bischofia → Phyllanthaceae
Bridelia → Phyllanthaceae
Buchnera → Orobanchaceae
Buddleja → Scrophulariaceae
Casearia → Salicaceae
Celtis → Cannabaceae
Clerodendrum → Lamiaceae
Crepidorhopalon → Linderniaceae
Dombeya → Malvaceae
Dopatrium → Plantaginaceae
Dovyalis → Salicaceae
Dracaena → Asparagaceae
Drypetes → Putranjavaceae
Flacourtia → Salicaceae
Flacourtiaceae → Achariaceae,
Salicaceae
Flueggea → Phyllanthaceae
Gomphocarpus → Apocynaceae
Grewia → Malvaceae
Hyacinthaceae → Asparagaceae
Hydrocotyle → Araliaceae
Hymenocardia → Hymenocardiaceae
Lindernia → Linderniaceae
Lysimachia → Myrsinaceae
Margaritaria → Phyllanthaceae
Mondia → Apocynaceae
Nuxia → Stilbaceae
Oncoba → Salicaceae
Periploca → Apocynaceae
Premna → Lamiaceae
Ritchiea → Capparaceae
Rotheca → Lamiaceae
Ruscaceae → Asparagaceae
Sanicula → Apiaceae
Secamone → Apocynaceae
Sopubia → Orobanchaceae
Sterculia → Malvaceae
Striga → Orobanchaceae
Tacazzea → Apocynaceae
Trema → Cannabaceae
Trimeria → Salicaceae
Triumfetta → Malvaceae
Veronica → Plantaginaceae
Vitex → Lamiaceae

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 147
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ANNOTATED CHECKLIST
PTERIDOPHYTA
Adiantaceae
Adiantum hispidulum Sw.; perennial herb, leaves 15-60 cm long, terrestrial; dense
shade along streams and waterfalls; Asia (IND, IDN, MYS, TWN), AUS, NZL,
NFK; Africa (MWI, MOZ, TZA, ZAF; COM, MDG, MUS, REU); KEN
[1, 4, 5, 7]; Faden 69/2108
Adiantum poiretii Wikstr. var. poiretii; perennial herb, leaves (10-)20-60(-100) cm
long, terrestrial; shady moist forest; Central and South America, MEX, Caribbean,
Asia (IND), Arabia and Africa (BDI, CMR, ETH, GNQ, MWI, SDN, SOM, TZA,
ZAF; COM, MDG, REU, MUS); KEN [1-6]. Faden & Evans 69/2049
Adiantum thalictroides Willd. ex Schltdl. = Adiantum poiretii
Cheilanthes bergiana Schltdl.; perennial herb, leaves 30-100 cm long, terrestrial;
moist shaded banks; ETH, COD, MWI, MOZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; MDG;
KEN [3, 5, 6?, 7]. Faden & Rathbun 69/2111
Cheilanthes farinosa (Forssk.) Kaulf.; perennial herb, leaves 6-120 cm long, terrestrial
rarely epiphytic; along streams, waterfalls, moist roadside banks; tropical America,
Asia, Arabia and Africa (AGO, BWA, CIV, CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GIN, GNQ,
MWI, NGA, SDN, SLE, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; COM, REU); KEN [1, 3-
7]. Faden & Evans 69/2048
Coniogramme africana Hieron.; perennial herb, leaves 0.5-2 m long, terrestrial; along
streams and waterfalls; Africa (CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GNQ, LBR, MWI,
NGA, RWA, TZA, UGA); KEN [3-5]. Maas Geesteranus 6290
Doryopteris concolor (Langsd. & Fisch.) Kuhn var. kirkii (Hook.) R.E.Fr.; perennial
herb, leaves <30 cm long, terrestrial; woodland; tropical Arabia (YEM); Africa
(AGO, BDI, BWA, CIV, CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GHA, GIN, MWI, MOZ, NGA,
RWA, SDN, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM); KEN [1, 3-7]. Maas
Geesteranus 6289
Doryopteris kirkii (Hook.) Alston = Doryopteris concolor var. kirkii
Pellaea adiantoides (Bory ex Willd.) J.Sm. = Pellaea viridis var. glauca
+Pellaea doniana Hook.; perennial herb, leaves <19-60(-100) cm long, terrestrial;
shade moist thickets, riverine forest; BDI, BEN, CIV, CMR, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; MDG, SYC; KEN
[4, 5 (new), 6, 7; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Rembold photo record
Pellaea cf. dura (Willd) Hook. var. schweinfurthii (Hieron.) Verdc.; perennial herb,
leaves <40 cm long; moist rock crevices; BDI, CAF, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB,
NGA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [1, 3, 4, 7]. Althof 2002/217
Pellaea schweinfurthii (Hieron.) Diels = Pellaea dura var. schweinfurthii
Pellaea viridis (Forssk.) Prantl; perennial herb 15-100 cm, leaves 4-25 cm long;
terrestrial, on banks, pathsides, forest margins, among rocks in woodland; native
range Asia (IND, LKA), Arabia (YEM) and Africa (AGO, BWA, COD, ETH,
MOZ, MWI, NAM, SDN, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, MDG),
introduced in AUS; KEN [1, 3-7]. Faden & Evans 69/2050

148 E. Fischer et al.
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Pellaea viridis (Forssk.) Prantl var. glauca (Sim.) Sim.; perennial herb, leaves <50 cm
long, terrestrial or lithophytic on rocky places in full sun; BDI, MOZ, MWI, UGA,
ZAF, ZWE; MDG; KEN [3, 5, 6]. Althof & Fischer 2003/14
Aspleniaceae
Asplenium aethiopicum (Burm.f.) Bech.; perennial herb, leaves 30-66(-100) cm long,
epiphytic, lithophytic or occasionally terrestrial; in leaf litter of moist forest floor,
moist bushland; Central and South America, Caribbean, Australia, Asia, Arabia
(DJI, YEM); Africa (BDI, CMR, ETH, GAB, GIN, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, RWA,
SOM, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, MDG, REU); KEN [1-7]. Kokwaro
4316
Asplenium africanum Desv.; perennial herb, leaves 25-125 cm, epiphytic or litophytic;
AGO, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, NGA,
SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest along Yala River]. Faden
et al. 70/39
Asplenium angolense Baker; perennial herb, leaves <30 cm long, terrestrial or
epiphytic; dense shade in moist forests; AGO; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega
Forest]. Faden et al. 70/1
Asplenium blastophorum Hieron.; perennial herb, leaves 25-80 cm long, lithophytic or
terrestrial; moist forest on wet rocks in deep shade; CIV, CMR, MOZ, MWI, SDN,
TGO, TZA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega and Malava
Forest]. Faden & Evans 69/2040
Asplenium buettneri Hieron. ex Brause; perennial herb, leaves 25-45 cm long,
lithophytic or terrestrial; dense shade in dry and riverine or moist intermediate
forests; BDI, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GNQ, MWI, MOZ, TGO, TZA, UGA,
ZMB; MDG; KEN [1, 3, 4, 5, 7]. Althof 2002/179
Asplenium cf. bugoiense Hieron.; perennial herb, leaves 35-70 cm long, terrestrial
occasionally low epiphytic or lithophytic; dense shade, usually near streams, in
moist forests; ETH, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [3-5, Kaimosi Forest]. Gillett 16703
Asplenium ceii Pic.Serm.; perennial herb, leaves 13-45 cm long, epiphytic; dense
shade in moist forests; BDI, ETH, MOZ, MWI, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN
[3, 5]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6671
Asplenium christii Hieron.; perennial herb, leaves <50 cm long, terrestrial occasionally
low epiphytic or lithophytic; dense shade in moist, forests; MOZ, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZWE; KEN [3, 5; 7]. Faden & Faden 77/920
Asplenium dregeanum Kunze; perennial herb, leaves 25-50 cm long, terrestrial or
lithophytic; on moist boulders in dense shade; BDI, CIV, CMR, ETH, GAB, GIN,
GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM,
MDG; KEN [3-7]. Faden & Rathbun 69/2103
Asplenium elliottii C.H.Wright; perennial herb, often gregarious, leaves 30-140 cm
long, terrestrial or low epiphytic; moist montane forest, bamboo zone; BDI, CMR,
COD, ETH, RWA, TZA, UGA; MDG; KEN [3-7]. Faden et al. 69/2015
Asplenium erectum Bory ex Willd.; perennial herb, leaves 15-50 cm long, terrestrial or
epihytic; dense shade, seasonally moist forest, bamboo zone; Asia (IND, LKA) and
Africa (BDI, CMR, ETH, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB, ZWE; MDG, MUS, REU); KEN [3-7]. Faden 69/1998
Asplenium formosum Willd.; perennial herb, leaves 10-35 cm long, lithophytic or low-
epihytic or terrestrial; partially shaded rock crevices; Central and South America,

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 149
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Asia (IND, LKA) and Africa (BDI, CIV, CMR, ETH, GAB, GHA, LBR, MOZ,
MWI, NGA, SDN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; MDG); KEN [5,
restricted to Kakamega Forest along Isiukhu River]. Faden & Rathbun 69/2113
Asplenium cf. gemmiferum Schrad.; perennial herb, leaves 60-120 cm long; terrestrial,
on humous-covered boulders in deep shade in forest; BDI, CMR, COD, COG,
GNQ, MOZ, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; MUS; KEN [1, 4-7]. Althof
2003/54
Asplenium inaequilaterale Willd.; perennial herb, leaves 16-50 cm long, epilithic or
terrestrial; dense shade in moist forests, near rivers; CMR, ETH, GAB, GNQ, LBR,
MOZ, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, MDG, REU; KEN [3-
5, 7]. Faden & Faden 77/828
Asplenium lividum Mett. ex Kuhn; perennial herb, leaves <56 cm long, lithophytic;
dense shade in riverine and moist intermediate forests on humus-covered boulders;
tropical America (VEN) and Africa (AGO, CMR, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG, REU); KEN [3-6]. Faden et al. 69/2006
Asplenium lunulatum Sw. ssp. erectum (Bory ex Willd.) Baker = Asplenium erectum
Asplenium macrophlebium Baker; perennial herb, leaves 15-60 cm long, terrestrial;
moist intermediate forest; CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GIN, GNQ, LBR, SDN, TZA,
UGA; KEN [3, 5, 7]. Faden et al. 69/1999
Asplenium mannii Hook.; perennial herb, leaves 2-16 cm (proliferous stolon-like
leaves 2-50 cm) long, epiphytic; in shade in moist intermediate and montane forest;
BDI, CMR, ETH, GAB, GNQ, MWI, MOZ, RWA, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE;
MDG; KEN [4-7]. Faden & Evans 69/2044
+Asplenium megalura Hieron.; perennial herb, leaves <50 cm long, epiphytic or
lithophytic; moist intermediate and montane forests; BDI, CIV, CMR, GAB, GNQ,
LBR, MWI, MOZ, RWA, SDN, SLE, TZA, ZMB; KEN [3-5?]. Kifcon
Asplenium preussii Hieron; perennial herb, leaves <60 cm long, terrestrial or
lithophytic; dense shade near streams, moist intermediate forest. CMR, COD,
GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; MDG; KEN [5, restricted
to Kakamega and Kaimosi]. Faden et al. 2018
Asplenium protensum Schrad.; perennial herb, leaves <60 cm long, terrestrial or low-
level epiphythic or lithophytic; moist montane and intermediate forest; tropical
Arabia and Africa (BDI, CMR, ETH, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB, ZWE; MDG, MUS, REU); KEN [2-7]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6675
Asplenium pseudoauriculatum Schelpe = Asplenium preussii
Asplenium sandersonii Hook.; perennial herb, leaves <15 cm long, gregarious
epiphyte; montane moist forest, occasionally in moister spots in dry forests; BDI,
CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE;
COM, MDG, REU; KEN [3-6?]. Faden & Evans 69/2033
Asplenium theciferum (Kunth) Mett. var. concinnum (Schrad.) Schelpe; perennial
herb, leaves <35 cm long, epiphytic; in moist intermediate forests and bamboo
zone, often growing on isolated trees or clumps of trees; tropical America and
Africa (AGO, BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SWZ,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, MDG, REU); KEN [1-7]. Kokwaro 3090
Asplenium unilaterale Lam.; perennial herb, leaves 20-30 cm long; lithophytic or
terrestrial in deep shade on wet rocks, along streams and near waterfalls; tropical
Asia (CHN, IDN, MYS, PNG, PHL), AUS and Africa (CMR, COD, GAB, ETH,

150 E. Fischer et al.
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GHA, GNQ, LBR, NGA, TZA, UGA, ZWE; COM, MDG, REU; KEN [3-6].
Faden et al. 69/1989
Dennstaedtiaceae
+Histiopteris incisa (Thunb.) J.Sm.; perennial herb, leaves 0.6-2 m long, terrestrial;
glades, clearings in bamboo zone; pantropical; KEN [3?, 5-7]. Mutangah
Microlepia speluncae (L.) T.Moore; perennial herb, leaves (0.45-)1.5-3 m long,
terrestrial; open swampy spots in forest, rocky places and crevices; pantropical;
KEN [3?, 5-7]. Faden 69/2036
+Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn ssp. aquilinum; perennial herb, leaves 15-40 (-100)
cm long, terrestrial; grasslands, forest margins; almost cosmopolitan, pantropical at
higher altitude, temperate North America and Europe; KEN [3-7]. Kokwaro
Dryopteridaceae
Ctenitis cirrhosa (Schumach.) Ching; perennial herb, leaves 20-45 cm long, terrestrial;
moist forest, often near streams; CIV, CMR, GNQ, MWI, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZMB,
ZWE; COM, MDG; KEN [5, 7]. Faden et al. 69/1981
Cyrtomium caryotideum (Wall. ex Hook. & Grev.) C.Presl var. micropterum (Kunze)
C.Chr.; perennial herb, leaves 8-29 cm long, terrestrial, less often epiphytic or
lithophytic; (riverine) forest, plantation; Asia (CHN, IDN, JPN, TWN) and Africa
(ETH, MWI, TZA, UGA; MDG; KEN [5]. Faden & Rathbun 69/2105
Didymochlaena truncatula (Sw.) J.Sm.; perennial herb, leaves 0.7-2.1 m long,
terrestrial; pantropical; KEN [4-7]. Maas Geesteranus 6292
Dryopteris athamantica (Kunze) Kuntze; perennial herb, leaves <1.3 m long,
terrestrial or epiphytic or lithophytic; (wooded) grassland, near water or shade of
rocks; AGO, BDI, CMR, ETH, GAB, NGA, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; KEN
[3, 5; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Faden & Evans 69/2054
Dryopteris manniana (Hook.) C.Chr.; perennial herb, leaves <1 m long, terrestrial;
moist (riparian) forest; CAF, CIV, CMR, GIN, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA,
SLE, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZWE; MDG; KEN [4, 5, 7]. Faden 69/1991
Phanerophlebia caryotidea (Wall. ex Hook. & Grev.) Copel. var. micropteris (Kunze)
Tardieu = Cyrtomium caryotideum var. micropterum
Tectaria gemmifera (Fée) Alston; perennial herb, leaves <1.8 m long, terrestrial; moist
forest, near streams, tropical Arabia and Africa (AGO, BDI, COD, ETH, MWI,
RWA, SDN, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF; COM, MDG); KEN [1, 3-7]. Faden 70/13
Gleicheniaceae
+Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.f.) Underw.; perennial herb, terrestrial, leaves 1-1.8 m
long; in exposed habitats, usually on disturbed soil, on roadside banks, often
associated with Lycopodiella cernua; palaeotropical and AUS, Polynesia; KEN
[1?, 3, 4, 5 (new), 7; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Fischer photo record
Hymenophyllaceae
Crepidomanes chevalieri (H.Christ) Ebihara & Dubuisson; small perennial herb,
epiphytic or lithophytic, leaves <5 cm long; moist forests; CAF, COD, GIN, LBR,
TZA; KEN [4-7]. Gillett 16689
Crepidomanes melanotrichum (Schltdl.) J.P.Roux; perennial herb, lithophytic or low-
level epiphytic usually on tree trunks, leaves <7.5 cm long; wet places in dry

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 151
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forests, uncommonly on rocks in wet forests; AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH,
MOZ, MWI, NGA, SLE, TZA, ZAF; MDG; KEN [1-7]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6672
Crepidomanes ramitrichum (R.B.Faden) Beentje; small perennial herb, low epiphyte
or lithophyte, leaves <2.5 cm long; moist forest especially near water, or on rocks
by falls; BDI, COD, MOZ, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [5, 7]. Faden &
Evans 69/2045a
Trichomanes chevalieri H.Christ = Crepidomanes chevalieri
Trichomanes melanotrichum Schltdl. = Crepidomanes melanotrichum
Trichomanes pyxidiferum L. var. melanotrichum (Schltdl.) Schelpe = Crepidomanes
melanotrichum
Trichomanes ramitrichum R.B.Faden = Crepidomanes ramitrichum
Vandenboschia melanotricha (Schltdl.) Pic.Serm. = Crepidomanes melanotrichum
Lomariopsidaceae
Bolbitis heudelotii (Bory ex Fée) Alston; perennial herb, aquatic lithophytic, leaves
30-85 cm long; on deeply shaded rocks in rivers, with the sterile leaves often
submerged; AGO, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, LBR,
MWI, MLI, MOZ, NGA, SEN, SLE, TZA, TGO, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN
[5; restricted to Kakamega Forest (Isiukhu River)]. Faden 69/2101
Lomariopsis warneckei (Hieron.) Alston; perennial herb, terrestrial or low epiphytic,
leaves <1 m long; deep shade in moist forest; GNQ, MOZ, MWI, TZA, UGA,
ZWE; KEN [4, 5, 7]. Faden, Evans & Bally 72/195
Lycopodiaceae
+Lycopodiella cernua (L.) Pic. Serm.; perennial terrestrial herb with Christmas-tree-
like ascending shoots <1.8 m long; roadsides, disturbed ground, swamp edges, in
full sun, often together with the Dicranopteris linearis; throughout tropics and
subtropics; KEN [3, 4, 5 (new); 6, 7; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Fischer
photo record
Marattiaceae
Marattia fraxinea Sm.; perennial herb (1-)2.5-4 m, rhizome an erect caudex <40 cm,
leaves 1.5 m long, terrestrial; moist forests along streams; Asia (IDN, PHL), AUS,
NZL, Polynesia and Africa (AGO, BDI, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GIN, GNQ, LBR, MWI, NGA, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; COM, MDG, MUS,
REU); KEN [4, 5, 7]. Maas Geesteranus 6281
Oleandraceae
Arthropteris orientalis (J.F.Gmel.) Posth.; perennial herb, leaves 25-40 cm long,
lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely epiphytic; forests or thickets; tropical Arabia
(YEM), Africa (AGO, BDI, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GIN, GNQ, LBR,
MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SLE, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG,
MUS, REU); KEN [1, 3-7]. Tweedie 3421
Nephrolepis undulata (Afzel. ex Sw.) J.Sm. var. undulata; perennial herb, leaves
(15-)35-100(-150) cm long, deciduous in dry season, lithophytic or epiphytic, but
mostly terrestrial; dense colonies in forest or moist thickets; Asia (IND, THL) and
Africa (BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, CPV, ETH, GAB, GIN, GNQ, LBR,

152 E. Fischer et al.

MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SEN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA; ZMB, ZWE; COM,
MDG, MUS, REU); KEN [3, 5]. Gardner in FD 1037
Ophioglossaceae
Ophioglossum lancifolium C.Presl; grass-like perennial herb, leaves <9 cm, terrestrial;
seasonally waterlogged depressions in grassland and rocky outcrops; MWI, TZA,
UGA, ZMB, ZWE; COM, CPV, MDG, MUS; KEN [3, 4, 5 (new), 7; new record
for Kakamega Forest]. Obholzer 88-208
Polypodiaceae
Drynaria volkensii Hieron.; perennial herb, leaves 30-100 cm long, epiphytic; moist
montane forests, occasionally on isolated trees in cultivated, formerly forested
areas; BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, GHA, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SDN, SOM, TZA,
UGA, ZMB; KEN [3-5]. Faden & Evans 69/258
Loxogramme abyssinica (Baker) M.G.Price; perennial herb, leaves 5.5-35 cm long,
epiphytic or lithophytic; forest; tropical Arabia and Africa (AGO, CMR, ETH,
GAB, GIN, GNQ, MOZ, RWA, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF; COM, MDG); KEN
[1, 3-7]. Verdcourt 1672
Loxogramme lanceolata (Sw.) C.Presl sensu Agnew U.K.W.F. ed. 1: (1974) =
Loxogramme abyssinica
+Platycerium elephantotis Schweinf.; perennial herb, leaves 30-75cm long, epiphytic
or rarely lithophytic; AGO, BDI, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, GAB, ETH, LBR,
MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE, SEN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN
[1, 3, 5 (new), 7; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Rembold photo record
Pleopeltis macrocarpa (Bory ex Willd.) Kaulf.; perennial herb, leaves 10-20 cm long,
epiphytic or lithophytic; (riverine) forests, bamboo zone; tropical South America,
Carribean, Asia (IND, LKA) and Africa (AGO, BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, MOZ,
MWI, RWA, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, MDG, MUS, REU);
KEN [1-7]. Lucas 91
Pyrrosia schimperiana (Kuhn) Alston; perennial herb, leaves (6-)11-40 cm long,
epiphytic, lithophytic or rarely terrestrial; riverine forests; AGO, BDI, CAF, CMR,
COD, ETH, GAB, GIN, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE;
KEN [1, 3-6]. Gilbert 68/48
Pteridaceae
Pteris buchananii Sim; perennial herb, leaves 0.5-1(-2) m long, terrestrial; deep shade
in forests; ETH, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; KEN [4, 5]. Faden & Rathbun 69/2096
Pteris catoptera Kunze; perennial herb, leaves (0.25-)1-1.5(-2.5) m long, terrestrial;
forest, bamboo zone; tropical Arabia (YEM) and Africa (AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR,
COD, COM, ETH, GMB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN,
SEN, SLE, SWZ, TGO, ZAF, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [1-7]. Althof
2003/61
Pteris catoptera Kunze var. friesii (Hieron.) Verdc.; perennial herb, leaves (0.25-)1-
1.5(-2.5) m long, terrestrial; swamp, swamp forest; tropical Arabia; tropical Arabia
(YEM) and Africa (AGO, CMR, COD, GAB, GIN, LBR, MWI, MOZ, NGA,
RWA, SDN, SLE, SWZ, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE, TZA, UGA; MDG; KEN [3-5, 7].
Faden & Evans 69/2042

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 153
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Pteris cretica L.; perennial herb, leaves 0.45-1.2 m long, terrestrial; dry or moist shady
montane forests, usually on streambanks; palaeotropical and South Europe; KEN
[2-6]. Kamau 50
Pteris dentata Forssk.; perennial herb, leaves 0.15-2.1 m long, terrestrial or rarely
epiphytic; moist shady habitats, woodland, particularly abundant in open
Podocarpus latifolius forests and in some pine plantations; Arabia (SAU) and
Africa (AGO, BDI, COD, ETH, GHA, GNQ, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; CPV, MDG, MUS); KEN [1, 3-7]. Faden 70/43
Pteris friesii Hieron. = Pteris catoptera var. friesii
Pteris mohasiensis Hieron. = Pteris catoptera var. friesii
Pteris preussii Hieron.; perennial herb, leaves (0.5-)1-2 m long, terrestrial; dense
shade in montane forests; CMR, TZA, UGA; KEN [2?, 5, restricted to Kakamega
Forest]. Faden et al. 69/2010
Pteris pteridioides (Hook.) Ballard; perennial herb, leaves 0.5-1.5 m long, terrestrial;
dense shade in forests; BDI, CMR, ETH, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, TZA, UGA, ZMB,
ZWE; MDG; KEN [1, 4-6]. Faden 69/2038
Pteris vittata L.; perennial herb, leaves 0.75-1.8 m long, terrestrial or lithophytic; rock
crevices (in streams); native range palaeotropical and AUS, Polynesia, introduced
into New World tropics; KEN [2-7]. Faden et al. 70/24
Selaginellaceae
Selaginella kraussiana (Kunze) A.Braun; creeping perennial herb 15-30 cm; wet
forest floor, bamboo zone; BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, RWA,
SDN, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; naturalized in AUS, NZL, America (USA,
MEX, BRA) and Europe (PRT, ESP, FRA, IRL); KEN [3-7]. Faden et al. 70/30
Thelypteridaceae
+Amauropelta bergiana (Schltdl.) Holttum var. bergiana; perennial herb, leaves 35-
110 cm long, terrestrial; along streams in moist montane forest up to bamboo zone,
also occuring in deep leaf-litter; CMR, COD, ETH, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, SDN,
TZA, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [4, 5, 7]. (Mutangah)
Christella dentata (Forssk.) Brownsey & Jermy; perennial herb, leaves 0.4-1.5(-2) m
long, terrestrial; along streams and wet places in forests, mostly in partial shade but
also in full sun; native range Old World tropics and subtropics reaching into Spain,
introduced in parts of tropical America; KEN [2-5, 7]. Faden et al. 69/1979
Christella gueinziana (Mett.) Holttum; perennial herb, leaves <34 cm long, terrestrial;
shaded or exposed stream-banks, wet places (e.g. moist roadside banks), but
appararently absent from undisturbed forests or open marshes; AGO, COD, ETH,
MOZ, MWI, SDN, TZA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [3-6?]. Faden et al. 70/21
Christella hispidula (Decne.) Holttum; perennial herb, leaves 30-100(-120) cm long,
terrestrial; among rocks and boulders along streams in moist forests; pantropical;
KEN [4, 5, 7, Kakamega Forest along Yala River]. Faden et al. 69/2012
Cyclosorus dentatus (Forssk.) Ching = Christella dentata
Cyclosorus madagascariensis (Fée) Ching = Pneumatopteris unita
Cyclosorus quadrangularis (Fée) Tardieu = Christella hispidula
Pneumatopteris unita (Kunze) Holttum; perennial herb, leaves 0.9-3.6 m long,
terrestrial; along streams in moist montane forests, bamboo zone; COD, ETH,
GNQ, MOZ, SLE, TZA, ZAF, ZWE; MDG; KEN [3-5, 7]. Althof 2003/12

154 E. Fischer et al.

Pseudocyclosorus pulcher (Bory ex Willd.) Holttum; perennial herb, leaves 0.8-2 m
long, terrestrial; streambanks in light shade; CAF, CMR, COD, ETH, MWI, TZA,
UGA, ZWE; COM, MDG, MUS, REU; KEN [3-5]. Faden et al. 70/25
Thelypteris bergiana (Schltdl.) Tardieu = Amauropelta bergiana
Thelypteris dentata (Forssk.) E.P.St.John = Christella dentata
Thelypteris gueinziana (Mett.) Schelpe = Christella gueinziana
Thelypteris hispidula (Decne.) C.F.Reed = Christella hispidula
Thelypteris longicuspis (Baker) Schelpe = Pseudocyclosorus pulcher
Thelypteris madagascariensis (Fée) Ching = Pneumatopteris unita
Thelypteris quadrangularis (Fée) Schelpe = Christella hispidula
xChrismatopteris holttumii N.Quansah & D.S.Edwards; hybrid parentage Christella
dentata × Pneumatopteris afra; perennial herb, leaves 60-110 cm long, terrestrial;
CMR, GHA, LBR, NGA, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, 7, Kakamega Forest (Kibiri)].
Faden et al. 70/23
Vittariaceae
Antrophyum mannianum Hook.; perennial herb, leaves 11-45 cm long, epiphytic; on
rocks, tree trunks in dense shade near streams, moist forests; BDI, CMR, COD,
ETH, GAB, GIN, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, RWA, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted
to Kakamega Forest]. Faden et al. 69/2027
Woodsiaceae
Athyrium scandicinum (Willd.) C.Presl. ssp. newtonii (Baker) Verd.; perennial herb,
leaves 0.15-2 m long, terrestrial; bamboo zone, montane forest, ericaceous zone;
MOZ, MWI, SDN, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; MDG, REU; KEN [3-5]. Faden
et al. 69/1977
Deparia boryana (Willd.) M.Kato = Dryoathyrium boryanum
Diplazium spec.B sensu Verdcourt [FTEA 2003]; perennial herb, leaves <1 m long,
terrestrial; dense shade moist forest; endemic to KEN [5, endemic to Kakamega
Forest]. Faden et al. 69/1976
Diplazium velaminosum (Diels) Pic.Serm.; perennial herb, leaves 1.2-1.8 m long,
terrestrial; dense shade swampy places in moist forest; CMR, GIN, LBR,
UGA; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest, Kibiri Block]. Faden et al.
70/10
Dryoathyrium boryanum (Willd.) Ching; perennial herb, leaves 0.6-2 m long,
terrestrial; along streams in moist forest; tropical to temperate Asia (CHN, IND to
MYS) and Africa (CMR, ETH, GNQ, MOZ, NGA, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZWE; COM, MDG, REU); KEN [3-6]. Faden et al. 70/2
SPERMATOPHYTA
GYMNOSPERMAE
Cupressaceae
*Cupressus lusitanica Mill.; evergreen tree 25-30 m; timber plantation; native
range MEX, Central America, cultivated throughout the tropics; KEN [1-7?].
Althof s.n.

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 155

Pinaceae
*Pinus patula Schltdl. & Cham.; tree 40 m; timber plantations; native range MEX,
cultivated throughout the tropics; KEN [1-7?]. Althof s.n.
ANGIOSPERMAE
Acanthaceae
Acanthopale macrocarpa Vollesen; shrub or (woody) perennial herb <5 m; moist
forest understorey; UGA; KEN [5; restricted to Kakamega Forest]. Drummond &
Hemsley 4772
Acanthopale pubescens (Lindau ex Engl.) C.B.Clarke; shrub or (woody) perennial
herb 0.3-3(-5) m; moist forest understorey; BDI, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, RWA,
SDN, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [1, 3-5]. Drummond & Hemsley 4773
Acanthus eminens C.B.Clarke; shrub or (woody) perennial herb 1-5 m; moist or dry
forest, also among bamboo; ETH, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [2-6]. Kokwaro 4329
EA
Acanthus polystachyus Delile; Marakalu (Luhya), Otagalo/Otako (Luo); shrub or
(woody) perennial herb 1-5 m; forest clearings, wooded grassland; BDI, COD,
ETH, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [1, 3, 5]. Drummond & Hemsley 4759
Acanthus pubescens (Thomson ex Oliv.) Engl = Acanthus polystachyus
Anisotes pubinervis (T.Anderson) Heine = Metarungia pubinervia
Asystasia gangetica (L.) T.Anderson; perennial (or annual) herb <1 m; forest, riparian
zones, (secondary) grassland, agricultural areas; native range palaeotropical,
introduced into tropical America; KEN [1-7]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6605
Asystasia mysorensis (Roth) T.Anderson; annual (rarely short-lived perennial) herb
<80 cm; grassland, bushland, often in disturbed places, abundant weed; Asia
(IND), eastern to southern Africa (BDI, BWA, ETH, NAM, SDN, TZA, ZAF);
KEN [1-7]. Lucas 116
Asystasia schimperi T.Anderson = Asystasia mysorensis
Barleria ventricosa Hochst. ex Nees; perennial herb <1 m; forest undergrowth; ERI,
ETH, RWA, TZA, UGA; MDG; KEN [2-6]. Verdcourt 1654
Brillantaisia cicatricosa Lindau; perennial herb or shrub <5 m; wet montane
evergreen forest, forest margins, along streams; BDI, COD, MOZ; MWI, RWA,
SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5]. Drummond & Hemsley 4768
Brillantaisia madagascariensis T.Anderson ex Lindau; perennial herb <2 m; forest
understorey on damp places; BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GIN, LBR, RWA,
SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; MDG; KEN [5]. Verdcourt 1656
Brillantaisia nyanzarum Burkill = Brillantaisia owariensis
Brillantaisia owariensis P.Beauv.; perennial herb <2(-4) m; dense shade along streams
and forest understorey; AGO, BEN, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GNQ,
LBR, NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5]. Kokwaro 4335
Brillantaisia vogeliana (Nees) Benth.; perennial herb <1.5 m; forest understorey;
CAF, CMR, GAB, GHA, GNQ, NGA, SDN, UGA; KEN [5]. Verdcourt 1683
Dicliptera elliotii C.B.Clarke; decumbent herb <30 cm; BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD,
GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, MLI, MOZ, NGA, SLE, TZA; KEN [?]. Malombe
& Morawetz 950

156 E. Fischer et al.

Dicliptera laxata C.B.Clarke; scrambling perennial shrub or woody herb <1 m; forest
understorey; BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, MWI, NGA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [1-7].
Magogo 1532
+Dyschoriste hildebrandtii (S.Moore) S.Moore; perennial herb or shrub <1 m; Acacia-
Commiphora or Combretum woodland and grassland; BWA, ETH, MOZ, MWI,
SOM, TZA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1, 3, 4, 6, 7]. (Kokwaro)
Dyschoriste multicaulis (A.Rich.) Kuntze; perennial herb <75 cm; ETH; KEN [3-6].
Paulo 523
+Dyschoriste nagchana (Nees) Bennet; perennial woody herb or small shrub 30-65
cm; wet grassland, swamp, riverbanks, riverine forest, roadside, old cultivations;
tropical Arabia, Asia and Africa (CIV, CMR, COD, EGY, ETH, GHA, GIN, LBR,
MOZ, NAM, NGA, SDN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE); KEN [3-7].
(Kokwaro)
Dyschoriste nobilior C.B.Clarke = Dyschoriste hildebrandtii
Dyschoriste perrottetii (Nees) Kuntze = Dyschoriste nagchana
+Dyschoriste radicans Nees; spreading, creeping semi-woody perennial herb (rarely
shrub) 10-80 cm; open and wooded grassland; tropical Arabia and Africa (BDI,
CMR, ERI, ETH, GMB, MLI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE);
KEN [1-6]. Kokwaro
Eremomastax speciosa (Hochst.) Cuf.; perennial herb <1.3(-2) m; riverine forest;
BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GNQ, LBR, NGA, SDN, SLE,
TGO,TZA, UGA; MDG; KEN [3, 5]. Bally 13679
Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Heine = Hygrophila schulli
Hygrophila schulli (Buch.-Ham.) M.R.Almeida & S.M.Almeida; annual herb <1.3
(-1.8)m; Asia (IND) and tropical Africa (BDI, BEN, BFA, CIV, CMR, ERI, ETH,
GHA, GMB, GNB, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, TCD, TGO, TZA,
UGA; ZAF, ZMB; MUS); KEN [1, 3-5, 7]. Obholzer & Fischer s.n.
Hypoestes aristata (Vahl) Sol. ex Roem. & Schult.; perennial herb <1.5 m; forest,
thicket and margins of relict forest patches, clearings; BDI, CIV, CMR, COD,
ETH, GAB, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, NGA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; KEN [1, 3-7; new
record for Kakamega Forest]. Malombe et al. 1341
Hypoestes cancellata Nees; perennial? herb 30-90 cm; AGO, BDI, BEN, BFA, CAF,
CIV, CMR, COD, GIN, GNB, NGA, RWA, SEN, SLE, TZA; KEN [?]. Obholzer
& Fischer s.n., Fischer photo record
+Hypoestes forskaolii (Vahl) R.Br.; perennial herb 0.2-1.5 m; open places in various
habitats; tropical Arabia (YEM) and Africa (AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR,
ERI, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNB, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NAM, NGA, RWA, SDN,
SEN, SLE, TCD, TGO, TZA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG); KEN [1-7]. Rembold
photo record
Hypoestes triflora (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult.; straggling annual or perennial woody
herb 20-100(-150) cm; forest understorey, forest margins; tropical Arabia and
Africa (BDI, BEN, CMR, ETH, GIN, GNQ, MWI, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB);
KEN [1-6; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Malombe & Morawetz 949
Hypoestes verticillaris (L.f.) Sol. ex Roem. & Schult. = Hypoestes forskaolii
Isoglossa lactea Lindau ex Engl.; perennial herb <1.5 m; forest; understorey; TZA;
KEN [1, 3, 4, 5 (new), 7; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Althof 2002/226
Isoglossa laxa Oliv.; perennial herb <2 m; dry evergreen woodland and forest; TZA;
MDG; KEN [1, 3-7]. Althof 2003/46

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 157

Isoglossa membranacea C.B.Clarke ssp. septentrionalis I.Darbysh. ined.; woody herb
<1.2 m; forest margins or along streams; endemic to KEN [5; endemic to
Kakamega Forest]. Ekkens 1953
+Isoglossa oerstediana Lindau; perennial herb; montane rainforest understorey; ETH,
TZA; KEN [1-6]. Kokwaro/Mutangah
Isoglossa punctata (Vahl) Brummitt & J.R.I. Wood: herb; tropical Arabia (YEM) and
Africa (COD, ETH, TZA, UGA; KEN [?]. Lucas 96
Justicia anselliana (Nees) T.Anderson; perennial herb 10-60 cm; marshy grassland,
wooded grassland; AGO, BEN, GHA, LBR, MLI, NGA, SDN, TGO, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB; KEN [3-6]. Fischer, Malombe et al. s.n, Fischer photo record
Justicia betonica L.; perennial herb or subshrub 10-60(-100) cm; forest, forest
margins, woodland, wooded grassland, shaded road banks; native range tropical
Asia (IND, MYS) and Africa (AGO, BWA, COD, ETH, LSO, MLI, MOZ, MWI,
NAM, SDN, SEN, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE), introduced throughout
the tropics; KEN [1-7]. Verdcourt 1675
Justicia extensa T.Anderson; shrub or climber <3 m; forest; CAF, CIV, CMR, COD,
GAB, GHA, GIN, LBR, NGA, SDN, SLE, UGA; KEN [3-5]. Kokwaro 4338
Justicia flava (Forssk.) Vahl; perennial herb 30-120 cm; open woodland, grassland;
tropical Arabia and Africa (BDI, BEN, BWA, CIV, COD, ERI, ETH, GHA, LBR,
MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SLE, SWZ, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF); KEN
[1-7]. Perdue & Kibuwa 9423
Justicia glabra K.Koenig ex Roxb.; (ascending) perennial herb 0.3-1.8 m; riverine
forest; native range Asia (IND, THA, VNM) and Africa (BWA, CAF, CMR, ETH,
MWI, MOZ, NGA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; MDG), introduced to CRI, MEX,
PAN; KEN [2-7]. Bamps 6469
Justicia keniensis Rendle = Justicia unyorensis var. keniensis
Justicia pinguior C.B.Clarke; perennial herb <60 cm; forest clearings, wooded
grassland; BDI, COD, ETH, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [2-6]. Verdcourt 1632
+Justicia striata (Kotzsch) Bullock; annual or short-lived perennial herb; woodland,
bushed grassland; CAF, CMR, GHA, MWI, MOZ, NGA, RWA, TGO, TZA,
UGA, ZMB; KEN [3-6]. Rembold & Fischer photo record
Justicia toroensis S.Moore: herb; COD, TZA; KEN [?]. Bally 13681
Justicia unyorensis S.Moore var. keniensis (Rendle) Hedrén; ascending perennial herb
<40cm; forest (margins); BDI; KEN [3-6; new record for Kakamega Forest].
Malombe et al. 1324
Macrorungia pubinervia (T.Anderson) C.B.Clarke = Metarungia pubinervia
Metarungia pubinervia (T.Anderson) Baden; shrub 1-5 m; forest understorey; BDI,
COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, SDN, TZA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [2-5]. Verdcourt 1702;
Perdue & Kibuwa 9475
Mimulopsis arborescens C.B.Clarke; shrub 2-8 m; riverine or swampy sites, moist
forests; BDI, TZA, UGA; KEN [3-5]. Cock 009
Mimulopsis solmsii Schweinf.; Liliambili (Luhya); (woody) herb 0.8-5 m; forest
understorey or margins, abundant in disturbed sites; BDI, CMR, ETH, GNQ, MWI,
SLE, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [3-7]. Holm & Holm 14
+Monechma spec.A sensu Agnew & Agnew (1994); shrubby herb; forest; endemic to
KEN [5, endemic to Kakamega Forest]. Agnew & Agnew
Nelsonia canescens (Lam.) Spreng.; trailing perennial herb <60 cm; native range Asia
(IND, NPL, LAO) and Africa (BDI, BEN, BFA, CAF, CIV, CMR, ERI, ETH,

158 E. Fischer et al.

GAB, GHA, GNB, GNQ, LBR, MLI, MWI, NER, NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TZA,
UGA, ZMB; MDG), introduced to tropical America; KEN [4/7, 5, Buyangu area].
Malombe 951
Phaulopsis angolana S.Moore; perennial herb <50 cm; AGO, BEN, CAF, CMR,
GAB, GHA, GNQ, SLE, TZA; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest, Yala
River]. Faden 70/11
Phaulopsis imbricata (Forssk.) Sweet; woody, viscid, perennial herb <1(-2) m; forest
margins or clearings; BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GIN, GNB,
LBR, MLI, MWI, NGA, SLE, SEN, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; COM, MDG;
KEN [1-7]. Cock 102
Pseuderanthemum ludovicianum (Büttner) Lindau; Shibuku (Luhya); (scandent)
woody perennial herb 0.9-2 m; (riverine) forest understorey; AGO, CAF, CIV,
CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GNQ, LBR, NGA, SDN, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [5,
restricted to Kakamega Forest]. Bally 13661
Ruellia patula Jacq.; variable species, subshrub or woody or perennial herb <0.6(-1)
m; bushland, grassland, glades; tropical Arabia (DJI, OMN, SAU, YEM), ASIA
(IND, PAK); Africa (BDI, BWA, CAF, COD, EGY, ERI, ETH, MOZ, MWI,
NAM, NER, RWA, SDN, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [1-
7]. Obholzer 100-237
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims; twining perennial herb <15 m; bushland thicket, in
partial shade, secondary grassland; native range Africa (BDI, BWA, CAF, CIV,
ERI, ETH, GHA, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE, SWZ, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB; MDG), cultivated and introduced globally in all warmer parts; KEN
[1-7]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6682
Thunbergia elliotii S.Moore = Thunbergia paulitschkeana
Thunbergia fasciculata Lindau; woody climber <3(-5) m; wet forest; CMR, COD,
ETH, NGA, SDN, TGO, UGA; KEN [5]. Faden 69/2056
+Thunbergia cf. gregorii S.Moore; climbing prennial herb <1(-5) m; grassland,
bushland, forest margins; BDI, COD, ETH, TZA, UGA; KEN [4-6]. Rembold
photo record
+Thunbergia cf. paulitschkeana Beck; perennial herb <1 m; upland grassland and
bushland, montane forest on streambanks, glades, roadsides, abandoned
cultivations; TZA, UGA; KEN [3-6]. Rembold photo record
Thunbergia usambarica Lindau; climbing perennial herb <1 m; wet montane forest;
BDI, COD, MOZ, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE, KEN [3, 5]. Mabberley
& Tweedie 1107
Achariaceae
Rawsonia lucida Harv. & Sond.; Munamatolo (Luhya); evergreen tree 2-20 m; moist
or riverine forest; AGO, CAF, COD, MOZ, MWI, SDN, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1, 3-7]. Kagusha 158
Amaranthaceae
Achyranthes aspera L.; (woody) perennial herb 0.2-2 m; common on cultivated or
disturbed dry (rocky) ground, open grassland, along forest trails and margins,
dried-up watercourses; pantropical weed; probably native range IND; KEN [5-7].
Hooper & Townsend 1508

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 159

+Achyranthes aspera L. var. pubescens (Moq.) C.C.Towns.; (woody) perennial herb
0.2-2m; dry (rocky) ground, open grassland, relict forests; BWA, MWI, MOZ,
TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1, 3-7]. Kokwaro
Achyranthes bidentata Blume = Achyranthes aspera var. pubescens
+Celosia anthelminthica Aschers.; climbing perennial herb <2 m; dry bushland,
secondary forest; ETH; KEN [3, 4, 5 (new), 6; new record for Kakamega Forest].
Rembold photo record
Celosia schweinfurthiana Schinz.; (woody) perennial herb <15 cm; ground cover
along forest margins and clearings, roadside, especially near water, or weed of
cultivation; AGO, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [1, 3, 5, 7].
Sturrock 515
+Cyathula polycephala Baker; perennial herb 0.6-2(-6) m; forest glades and margins,
secondary grassland, disturbed places, sometimes near swampy ground; ETH,
TZA; KEN [3, 4-6]. Mutangah
+Cyathula uncinulata (Schrad.) Schinz; (climbing) perennial herb (0.3-)0.75-3(-6) m;
forest margins, hedges, roadside, stream banks; BDI, CMR, ETH, LSO, MOZ,
MWI, SDN, SOM, TZA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [2-6; new record for
Kakamega Forest]. Rembold photo record
+Pupalia lappacea (L.) Juss. var. velutina (Moq.) Hook.; woody annual or perennial
herb 0.3-0.9(-2.5) m; open deciduous woodland, near streams or seasonal swamps;
palaeotropical; KEN [1-7]. Mutangah
Sericostachys scandens Gilg & Lopr.; liana or woody climber 3-30 m, moist riverine
or lakeside forest (margins); AGO, CIV, CMR, GNQ, ETH, MWI, NGA, TZA,
UGA; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest and near Kericho]. Drummond &
Hemsley 4751
Anacardiaceae
Lannea edulis Sond. var. edulis; woody perennial herb or shrub <30 cm; open
woodlands and grasslands, dambos (swamps) termite mounds, burnt ground; AGO,
BDI, MOZ, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5]. Rembold s.n.,
Fischer photo record
Pseudospondias microcarpa (A.Rich.) Engl.; Ochol (Luo); tree 15-20(-40) m, strongly
buttressed, fluted bole; lake shores, swamp and riverine forest (margins); AGO,
BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, GAB, GHA, GMB, GIN, GNB, GNQ, LBR,
MLI, NGA, SDN, SEN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; COM; KEN [5]. M.D.Graham 14
Rhus natalensis Bernh. = Searsia natalensis
Rhus tenuinervis Engl. = Searsia pyroides
Rhus vulgaris Meikle. = Searsia pyroides
Searsia natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) F.A.Barkley; Sangla (Luo); shrub or tree 1.5-3
(-8) m; bushland, woodland, (riverine) forest margins, on well-drained slopes,
termite mounds, rocky places; tropical Arabia and Africa (AGO, BEN, CIV, CMR,
ETH, GHA, GIN, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SOM, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF; COM); KEN
[1-7]. Althof 2002/176
Searsia pyroides (Burch.) Moffett; Sangla-Madongo/Monjororioyat (Luo); shrub or
tree 1-9 m; bushland, wooded grassland, dry forest margins, along stream banks, on
termite mounds; BDI, CMR, ETH, MOZ, MWI, TZA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-6].
Kokwaro 4323

160 E. Fischer et al.

Annonaceae
Artabotrys likimensis De Wild.; Lusolokho, Ikoyi (Luhya); liana or climbing shrub <30
m; evergreen rainforest; BDI, COD, UGA; KEN [3, 5, Kakamega and Nandi
Forests]. Moon in Battiscombe 570, Holyoak in F.D. 2564
Artabotrys monteiroae Oliv.; liana, shrub or small tree 1.5-6(-12) m; forest margins,
moist grassland, riverine thickets, often in old termite mounds, AGO, BDI, COD,
ETH, MOZ, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [7]. Kokwaro 4321
Artabotrys nitidus sensu Dale & Greenway K.T.S.: 34 (1961) non Engl. = Artabotrys
likimensis
Monanthotaxis buchananii (Engl.) Verdc.; liana, shrub or tree 1.5-7.5 m; open
woodland, (secondary) thickets on rocky hills; CAF, COD, MOZ, MWI, SDN,
TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [5, 7]. Althof XI/2002
Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal; Lubushi (Luhya); shrub or tree 1.5-6(-35) m;
evergreen, riverine or lakeside forest; AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, GAB,
GHA, GNQ, LBR, NGA, SDN, TGO, TZA, UGA; MDG; cultivated elsewhere;
KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest and Kibiri Block]. Verdcourt 1690, Machin
in FD 3243, Faden et al. 70/33.
Uvariopsis congensis Robyns & Ghesq.; Mukumasia (Luhya); shrub or tree 4-12 m;
understory of secondary evergreen forest; AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB,
SDN, UGA, ZMB; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest (Kibiri Block)].
Verdcourt 1695; Faden et al. 70/34
Apiaceae
+Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.; creeping perennial herb; (moist) grassland, under bushes,
roadsides; pantropical (subtropical); KEN [1-7]. Kokwaro
Diplolophium africanum Turcz.; perennial herb <2 m; upland wooded grassland and
woodland edges; BEN, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GIN, NGA, SDN, TGO; KEN [3-
6]. Obholzer 100-249
Sanicula elata Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don; perennial herb 80 cm; moist shady forest floor;
tropical Asia (CHN, IDN, JPN, VNM, YEM) and Africa (BDI, CMR, ETH, GNQ,
RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE, MWI; COM, MDG); KEN [1-7]. Faden &
Faden 77/856
Apocynaceae
Baissea major (Stapf) Hiern; scandent shrub or liana 5-15m; forest; AGO, CAF,
CMR, COD, GIN, GMB, GNB, MLI, NER, SEN, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [5,
restricted to Kakamega Forest]. Dale 3385
Baissea multiflora sensu auctt. e.g. Agnew & Agnew U.K.W.F. ed. 2 (1994) or
Beentje K.T.S.L. (1994), non A.DC. = Baissea major
Carissa edulis (Forssk.) Vahl. = Carissa spinarum
Carissa spinarum L.; Ochuogo (Luo); shrub 0.2-3 m (ocassionaly scrambling up to
20m); forest margins, bushland, wooded grassland, thickets, especially in rocky
places; tropical Asia (IND, THL, YEM), AUS and Africa (BEN, CIV, CMR, ETH,
GHA, MWI, NGA, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF; COM, MDG, MUS); KEN [1-7].
Malaki 48
Dregea abyssinica K.Schum.; woody climber <7.5 m (or shrub in grassland); rocky
places within dry woodland and riverine forest, grassland after forest has been
removed; tropical Arabia and Africa (AGO, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, ETH, GHA,

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 161

NGA, SEN, TZA, UGA; KEN [1, 4, 5 (new), 6, 7; new record for Kakamega
Forest]. Althof s.n.
Dregea macrantha Klotzsch = Dregea rubicunda
Dregea rubicunda K.Schum.; climber <9 m; bushland, riverine woodland; BWA,
CAF, ETH, MOZ, SDN, TZA, ZWE; KEN [1-3, 5 (new), 6, 7; new record for
Kakamega Forest]. Obholzer 4-17
Funtumia africana (Benth.) Stapf; Mutondo (Luhya); tree 8-30 m; moist forest or
groundwater forest; AGO, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GNQ, LBR,
MOZ, MWI, NGA, SEN, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [3, 5, 7]. Dale 802
Funtumia latifolia (Stapf) Schltr. = Funtumia africana
Gomphocarpus semilunatus A.Rich.; perennial herb <2 m; disturbed places, seasonal
swampy grassland and roadsides; CMR, RWA, TZA, UGA; SYC; KEN [3-6?].
Carroll H12
Landolphia buchananii (Hallier f.) Stapf; Rikikini (Luo); liana 3-40 m or scandent
shrub 0.9-7 m; (riverine) forest, relict montane evergreen forest; AGO, BDI, CMR,
COD, ETH, GAB, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZMB,
ZWE; KEN [1, 3-7]. Althof s.n.
Landolphia kilimandjarica (Warb.) Stapf = Landolphia buchananii
Mondia whitei (Hook.f.) Skeels; Kumukombelo (Luhya); climber 3-6 m, woody
twining stems / lianas from tuberous root-stock; forest; BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV,
CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GNB, MWI, NGA, SDN, SEN, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB,
ZWE; KEN [3, 5, Kakamega Forest and Bungoma]. Dale 3431
Oncinotis tenuiloba Stapf; liana or scandent shrub 1.8-30 m; (riverine) forest margins;
CAF, CMR, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZEW,
ZMB; KEN [3, 4, 7]. Mungai 150/89
Pentarrhinum insipidum E.Mey.; herbaceous climber 2-3 m; edges of dry evergreen
forest; BDI, BWA, CMR, ERI, ETH, NAM, RWA, SDN, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB; KEN [3-6]. Obholzer 74-168
Periploca linearifolia Quart.-Dill. & A.Rich.; Muhalia (Luhya); liana or climbing herb
<10 m; upland forest margins, riverine forest, secondary bushland derived from
forest; BDI, COD, ETH, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [1-6]. Maitai
CKM13
Rauvolfia caffra Sond.; shrub or tree 2-30 m; riverine forest, wet upland forest,
thicket; AGO, BEN, CAF, CMR, GAB, GHA, GNQ, MWI, NGA, SDN, SWZ,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; KEN [1, 3-7; new reocord for Kakamega Forest]. Althof
29. III/2002
+Saba comorensis (Bojer ex A.DC.) Pichon; liana <20(-30) m; riverine forest, forest
margins, rocky woodland; AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GIN, MLI, MWI, NGA, SEN, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZWE; COM, MDG; KEN [1-7].
Rembold photo record
Secamone africana (Oliv.) Bullock; climbing shrub <3 m; forest or thicket edges;
AGO, CMR, TZA, UGA; KEN [5]. Obholzer 70-154
Secamone punctulata Decne.; climber 2-6(-15) m; dry forest, riverine forest,
evergreen woodland; AGO, CIV, COD, ETH, GHA, SOM, TZA; MUS; KEN [1-
7]. Althof s.n.
Tabernaemontana stapfiana Britten; Kunandere (Luhya); tree 5-25(-35) m; moist
(disturbed) forest; BDI, COD, MOZ, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [3-7].
Higgins & Magogo 11752

162 E. Fischer et al.

Tabernaemontana ventricosa Hochst. ex A.DC.; Shitondo (Luhya), Adhiang’ (Luo);
shrub or tree 3-15 m; riverine or groundwater forest; BDI, CMR, COD, MOZ,
MWI, NGA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3-7]. Perdue & Kibuwa 9468
Tacazzea conferta N.E.Br.; liana 5-10 m; moist forest, bamboo; ETH, TZA; KEN
[1, 3-5, 7, new record for Kakamega Forest]. Althof s.n.
Tacazzea galactogoga Bullock = Tacazzea conferta
Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult.; Adhiang’ (Luo); shrub or tree 2-15(-20) m;
swamps; AGO, CIV, GMB, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE, SWZ,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest].
Faden & Evans 69/2061
Araceae
Amorphophallus abyssinicus (A.Rich.) N.E.Br.; perennial, seasonally dormant herb
40-60 cm, inflorescence <30 cm, tuber; deciduous woodland, grassland, marshy
ground; BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GHA, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN,
TCD, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5]. Hooper & Townsend 1468 (K)
Amorphophallus calabaricus N.E.Br. ssp. mayoi Ittenb.; perennial, seasonally dormant
herb <1.2 m, inflorescence <60 cm, tuber; evergreen forest; COD, UGA; KEN [5,
restricted to Kakamega Forest]. Hansen 921 , Fischer s.n., Fischer photo record
[Amorphophallus calabaricus N.E.Br. ssp. calabaricus; restricted to West Africa
(BEN, NER, NGA, CMR).]
Culcasia falcifolia Engl.; lianescent or ground-creeping perennial herb; rainforest,
riverine or swamp forest; BDI, COD, ETH, GAB, MOZ, MWI, SDN, TZA, UGA,
ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5, 7]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6623
Culcasia scandens Engl. sensu Agnew U.K.W.F. ed. 1 (1974) = Culcasia falcifolia
Araliaceae
Cussonia arborea Hochst. ex A.Rich.; Kitandawabasia (Luhya); candelabra-like tree
3-6(-13) m; Combretum woodland or wooded grassland; BDI, BEN, CIV, CMR,
COD, ETH, GHA, GIN, MLI, MOZ, NGA, SDN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB,
ZWE; KEN [2-6]. Dale in FD 3079
Cussonia holstii Horms ex Engl.; tree <20 m; evergreen bushland on rocky slopes,
grassland, dry forest edges; COD, ETH, RWA, SOM, TZA, UGA; KEN [1, 3-6].
Obholzer 85-200
Hydrocotyle mannii Hook.f.; creeping perennial herb; damp forest floor, common in
and below the bamboo zone; AGO, CMR, COD, ETH, GMB, GNQ, MOZ, MWI,
SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [3-6]. Bally 13691
+Hydrocotyle ranunculoides L.f.; creeping perennial herb; rooted in marshy ground or
free floating in ponds; tropical America and Africa, naturalized in Spain and Italy;
KEN [3-6; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Rembold photo record
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam.; creeping perennial herb; muddy and peaty stream
banks, damp grassland in upper forest levels and alpine zone; native range Old
World tropics, introduced to America; KEN [3-6; new record for Kakamega
Forest]. Fischer, Malombe et al. s.n.
Polyscias fulva (Hiern) Harms; Mwanzu (Luhya), Nyakom-Ondiek (Luo); candelabra-
like tree 18-25(-30) m; riverine forest, wet upland grassland and forest; AGO, BDI,
CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GIN, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE;
KEN [4-7]. Dale in FD 3254

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 163

+Polyscias kikuyuensis Summerh.; candelabra-like tree 15-25 m; wet upland forest;
endemic to KEN [3, 4, 6]; VU. Kifcon
Arecaceae
+Phoenix reclinata Jacq.; Othith (Luo); tree 2-10 m; lowland along watercourses,
upland on rocky hillsides and open forests; tropical Arabia (SAU, YEM) and
Africa (AGO, BDI, BEN, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GIN, GMB, GNB, MOZ, MWI, NAM, NGA, RWA, SEN, SLE, SOM, SWZ,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, MDG; KEN [1, 3-7]. Rembold photo record
+Raphia farinifera (Gaertn.) Hyl.; tree <25 m; riverine forest, freshwater swamp-
forest; panafrican, frequently cultivated in tropics; KEN [4, 5?, 7]. Rembold photo
record
Asparagaceae
+Albuca donaldsonii Rendl; perennial herb 15-150 cm, bulb <8 cm across;
grassland, bushland; ETH, SOM, TZA; KEN [1, 4, 5 (new), 6, 7; new record for
Kakamega Forest]. Rembold photo record
Anthericum monophyllum Baker = Chlorophytum subpetiolatum
Anthericum subpetiolatum Baker = Chlorophytum subpetiolatum
+Asparagus racemosus Willd.; creeping or climbing perennial herb <2 m; forest
margins, drier bushland; tropical Asia, AUS, Arabia and Africa (AGO, BWA, ERI,
ETH, GAB, GNB, LBR, MOZ, NAM, SDN, SOM, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF;
MDG); KEN [2-7]. Mutangah
Chlorophytum blepharophyllum Schweinf. ex Baker; perennial herb 10-40 cm; burnt
grassland; AGO, BFA, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, ETH, GNB, MLI, MOZ,
NGA, SDN, SEN, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5, 7]. Mabberley & Tweedie
1087
+Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques; perennial herb 10-60(-100) cm; shady
wet places in forest; native range Africa (BDI, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB,
GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SLE, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE),
introduced throughout the tropics; KEN [1, 3-7]. Rembold photo record
Chlorophytum elgonense Bullock = Chlorophytum comosum
Chlorophytum filipendulum ssp. filipendulum Baker; perennial herb 10-70 cm; forest;
AGO, BDI, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GIN, LBR, NGA, TGO, TZA, UGA;
KEN [5; restricted to Kakamega Forest]; LC. Gillett 16693
Chlorophytum macrophyllum (A.Rich.) Asch.; perennial herb 20-80 cm; grassland,
open bushland, often on black-cotton soil; BFA, BEN, CIV, CMR, ETH, GHA,
GNB, LBR, NGA, MOZ, NGA, SDN, SEN, TZA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [4-6?].
Hansen 942
Chlorophytum sparsiflorum Baker = Chlorophytum comosum
Chlorophytum subpetiolatum (Baker) S.Kativu; perennial herb 10-40 cm grassland,
woodland; AGO, CMR, ETH, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZMB,
ZWE; KEN [2-7]. Tweedie & Mabberley in EA 14956
Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker Gawl.; Mwere/Ofito (Luo), Embano/Lukhuba (Luhya);
shrub or tree 3-5(-15) m; moist forest; AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB,
GHA, GIN, GMB, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB,
ZWE; cultivated tropics and subtropics; KEN [1-7]. Kokwaro 3091

164 E. Fischer et al.

Dracaena laxissima Engl.; sarmentose shrub 1-4 m; moist or riverine forest, in dry
forest usually near water; BDI, CAF, CMR, GAB, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA,
SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [1, 4-7]. Cunningham van Someren s.n.
+Dracaena steudneri Engl.; shrub or tree 3-12 m; forest; BDI, ETH, MWI, SDN,
TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [1, 3-5, 7]. Rembold photo record
Asteraceae
Acmella caulirhiza Delile; decumbent (<15 cm) or scrambling (<60 cm) perennial or
annual herb; swampy or seasonally wet sites, river banks, forest margins, cultivated
areas; AGO, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR,
MLI, MWI, NER, NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE, SEN, TCD, TZA, UGA, ZAF; MDG;
KEN [1-7]. Hansen 926
+Adenostemma caffrum DC.; annual or short-lived perennial herb <1.5 m; shady
marshes; tropical Arabia and Africa (AGO, BDI, BFA, BEN, BWA, CAF, CIV,
CMR, COD, ETH, GHA, GIN, GNQ, MLI, MWI, NGA, RWA, SLE, SEN, SWZ,
TAZ, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE); KEN [3, 5]. Rembold photo record
Adenostemma mauritianum DC.; perennial herb <1.2 m; forest (margins); stream
banks, bamboo zone; BDI, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GHA, GNQ, NGA, MWI,
RWA, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, MUS, REU; KEN [3-7].
Perdue & Kibuwa 9415
Ageratum conyzoides L.; annual herb <1 m; weedy escape in cultivation, pioneer on
cleared land, grassland; pantropical, probable origin neotropics; KEN [1-7]. Althof
X/2001
Anisopappus buchwaldii (O.Hoffm.) Wild = Anisopappus chinensis ssp. buchwaldii
Anisopappus chinensis (L.) Hook. & Arn. ssp. buchwaldii (O. Hoffm.) S.Ortiz, Paiva
& Rodr.-Oubina; perennial herb 40-150 cm; dry rocky grassland; AGO, BDI,
CMR, COD, ETH, GHA, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE;
KEN [3-6]. Drummond & Hemsley 4788
+Aspilia africana (Pers.) C.D.Adams; semi-woody perennial herb 25-130(-200) cm,
woody root-stock; weed; BEN, BFA, CIV, CMR, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, LBR,
MLI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [5 (new); new record for Kenya].
Obholzer photo record
Aspilia mossambicensis (Oliv.) Wild; perennial herb 0.1-2.5 m; ruderal sites, seasonal
swamps, riverine, lake shore, forest margins, woodland, (wooded) grassland; BDI,
BWA, COD, DJI, ETH, MOZ, MWI, NAM, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; KEN
[1-7]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6627
Aspilia pluriseta Schweinf.; perennial herb <50 cm; grassland, woodland, pioneer of
cultivation and ruderal sites; BDI, COD, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [2-7]. Gonget 140
Berkheya spekeana Oliv.; perennial shrubby herb <2.5 m; woody grassland; BDI,
CMR, COD, ETH, NGA, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [3-6]. Drummond &
Hemsley 4787
*Bidens pilosa L.; annual herb weed of cultivation and ruderal sites, alluvial sites,
forest margins, swamps, riverine; native range South America, naturalized
pantropical-subtropical weed, extending to temperate zone; KEN [1-6]. Kokwaro
3776

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 165

Bidens ternata (Chiov.) Sherff; perennial herb 0.6-2 m; grassland, bushland, forest
clearings and margins, ruderal; CMR, COD, ETH, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5].
Drummond & Hemsley 4753
Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC.; annual or perennial herb 20-90 cm; local by streamsides
and naturally disturbed places; Old World tropics and AUS; KEN [3-7]. Obholzer
106-247
Blumea mollis (D.Don) Merr. = Blumea axillaris
*Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist; annual herb 40-150(-200) cm; native range
tropical America, naturalized pantropical weed, KEN [1-7]. Obholzer 79-181
Conyza megensis sensu Agnew & Agnew in U.K.W.F. ed. 2: (1994) non F.G.Davies
= Nidorella resedifolia
Conyza subscaposa O.Hoffm.; perennial herb 8-60 cm; grassland; AGO, CMR, COD,
ETH, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-7].
Gilbert & Mesfin 6646
Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth.) S.Moore; annual herb 25-120(-150) cm; moist
sites along rivers and lakes, forest margins, secondary vegetation, weed of
disturbed places and cultivation; native range tropical Arabia and Africa (AGO,
BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, MWI, NGA,
SDN, SEN, SLE, SWZ, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG), introduced
in tropical Asia and the Pacific region; KEN [1, 3-7]. Carroll H27
Crassocephalum montuosum (S.Moore) Milne-Redh.; annual or short-lived perennial
herb 25-250 cm; montane forest clearings; AGO, BDI, CAF, CMR, COD, GAB,
GNQ, ETH, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZWE; MDG; KEN [1-
6]. Kamau et al. 278
Crassocephalum rubens var. sarcobasis (DC.) C.Jeffrey & Beentje; annual herb <30
cm; disturbed, often cultivated ground; tropical Arabia (YEM) and Africa (AGO,
BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, NGA, MOZ, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE;
MDG); KEN [2-7]. Obholzer 99-233
Crassocephalum sarcobasis (DC.) S.Moore = Crassocephalum rubens var. sarcobasis
Crassocephalum vitellinum (Benth.) S.Moore; annual or perennial herb 30-150(-350)
cm; forest margins and clearings, grassland, bushland, sometimes swamps; BDI,
CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GIN, GNQ, NGA, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [3-6].
Kokwaro 4283 [Agnew & Agnew (1994): “Intermediates between C. vitellinum
and C. picridifolium (DC.) S.Moore may be hybrids and are known, inter alia from
Mumias and Kisili” – regions of Western Province Kenya.]
Crepis newii Oliv & Hiern ssp. newii; perennial herb 10-120 cm; upland grassland,
forest margins; BDI, COD, MOZ, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [5, restricted to
Kaimosi]. Gilbert Rogers 752
Dichrocephala integrifolia (L.f.) Kuntze; annual herb 10-100 cm; disturbed wet
montane forest; Arabia, Asia (CHN, IDN, JPN, LKA, NPL, PNG, THL, VNM),
AUS and Africa (AGO, BDI, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GIN, MLI,
MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF; MDG); KEN [1-6]. Bally 13664
Echinops eryngiifolius O.Hoffm.; perennial herb 45-120 cm; wet grassland; BDI,
COD, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5]. Greenway & Doughty 8525
Emilia integrifolia Baker; annual or short-lived perennial herb 10-125 cm; swamp or
moist grassland; COD, ETH, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [3, 5].
Malombe et al. 1288

166 E. Fischer et al.

*Galinsoga parviflora Cav.; annual herb 10-75(-100) cm; weed of cultivation,
roadsides, waste places, riverine, forest margins; native range Central to South
America, naturalized worldwide weed in tropical, subtropical and temperate zones;
KEN [2-7]. Lucas 90
Gnaphalium rubriflorum Hilliard = Gnaphalium unionis var. rubriflorum
Gnaphalium unionis var. rubriflorum (Hilliard) Beentje; perennial herb 5-30 cm;
moist forest soils; BDI, ERI, ETH, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [1-6]. Obholzer
31-17
Gutenbergia cordifolia Oliv. var. cordifolia; annual or short-lived perennial herb or
subshrub 0.3-2(-2.5) m; BDI, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA,
ZWE; KEN [3-7]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6664
+Helichrysum cf. forskahlii (J.F.Gmel.) Hilliard & B.L.Burtt; perennial herb or shrub
0.3-1 m; grassland; tropical Arabia (YEM) and Africa (AGO, BDI, CMR, ETH,
MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZWE); KEN [1-6]. Rembold photo record
Helichrysum gerberifolium Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. = Helichrysum nudifolium
Helichrysum glumaceum DC.; annual or perennial shrubby herb 10-60 cm; dry
(wooded) grassland, sand dunes; Arabia (OMN, YEM) and Africa (AGO, EGY,
ERI, ETH, MRT, SDN, SEN, SOM, TZA, UGA; COM; KEN [1-4, 5 (new), 6, 7;
new record for Kakamega Forest]. Althof X/2001
Helichrysum globosum Sch.Bip.; perennial herb 0.2-0.9(-1.2) m; montane grassland;
AGO, BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GIN, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN,
SLE, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZMB; MDG; KEN [1-6]. Obholzer 49-110
Helichrysum nudifolium (L.) Less; perennial herb 10-80(-100) cm; montane grassland;
tropical Arabia (YEM) and Africa (AGO, BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, LSO, MWI,
RWA, SDN, SLE, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE); KEN [1-6]. Gilbert
Rogers 748
Helichrysum panduratum O.Hoffm. var. panduratum; (scrambling) perennial herb 20-
100(-200) cm; grassland; AGO, BDI, COD, GAB, MOZ, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5, 7]. Magogo 1533
Inula decipiens E.A.Bruce = Inula paniculata
Inula glomerata Oliv. & Hiern; perennial herb 90-200 cm; lowland wet forest; AGO,
BDI, COD, MOZ, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [2, 3, 5].
Drummond & Hemsley 4762
+Inula paniculata (Klatt) Burtt Davy; biennial or perennial herb 0.6-2.4 m; wooded
grassland; COD, ETH, MWI, NGA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN
[3, 5, 6]. (Kokwaro)
Lactuca glandulifera Hook.f.; perennial herb 0.3-2 m; BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, GNQ,
LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [3-5]. Gilbert 6883
Laggera brevipes Oliv & Hiern; annual (or perennial) herb 0.4-2 m; (disturbed)
grassland, forest margins; AGO, BDI, CMR, COD, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA,
ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [3-7]. Graham 82
Melanthera pungens Oliv. & Hiern var. pungens; perennial herb 0.3-1.2 m; moist
forest margins; CAF, COD, GIN, MLI, SDN, SEN, TZA, UGA; KEN [2, 3, 5].
Carson H19
Melanthera scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Roberty ssp. madagascariensis (Baker)
Wild; (scandent) perennial herb <1(-4) m; moist forest margins; AGO, BEN,
BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, NGA,

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 167

SEN, SLE, NAM, TCD, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; MDG; KEN [1, 3-7].
Carroll H19
Melanthera scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Roberty ssp. subsimplicifolia Wild;
(scandent) perennial herb <1(-4) m; moist forest margins; CMR, LBR, MOZ,
MWI, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest]. Maas
Geesteranus 6239
+Microglossa pyrifolia (Lam.) Kuntze; (scandent) shrub 1-3(-6) m; forest margins,
waste shrubland; tropical Asia (CHN, IDN, MMR, PHL, PNG, THL, TWN, VNM)
and Africa (AGO, BDI, BFA, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GIN, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, NGA, RWA, SLE, SEN, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZWE;
MDG); KEN [1, 3-7]. Rembold photo record
Mikania chenopodiifolia Willd.; shrub 5-9 m; forest, swamp forest, river banks,
bamboo edges; AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GMB, GNB, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TGO, TZA,
UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [3-7]. Gilbert 6896
Mikania cordata sensu pro parte quoad Agnew & Agnew U.K.W.F. ed. 2: 24 (1994)
non (Burm.f.) B.L.Rob. = Mikania chenopodiifolia
Mikaniopsis cf. bambuseti (R.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey; scandent shrub or climber <8 m; forest;
UGA; KEN [2-4, 6]. Rembold s.n.
Mikaniopsis clematoides sensu Agnew in U.K.W.F. ed. 1: 471 (1974) non (A.Rich.)
Milne-Redh. = Mikaniopsis bambuseti
+Mikaniopsis usambarensis (Muschl.) Milne-Redh.; climber several meter; moist
forest margins; BDI, COD, RWA, TZA; KEN [4, 5]. Rembold photo record
Nidorella resedifolia DC.; annual herb 30-100 cm; disturbed places; AGO, BWA,
COD, LSO, MOZ, MWI, NAM, RWA, TZA, ZAF, ZWE; KEN [4, 5 (new), 6; new
record for Kakamega Forest]. Obholzer 89-224
Senecio syringifolius O.Hoffm.; liana 1.5-10 m; evergreen forest, forest margins,
bamboo zone, secondary bushland in forest zone; BDI, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA;
KEN [1, 3-7]. Althof s.n.
Senecio vulgaris L.; annual herb 14-37 cm; disturbed cultivated ground; cosmopolitan
weed; KEN [3, 5]. Obholzer 29-68
+Solanecio mannii (Hook.f.) C.Jeffrey; Marowo (Luo); shrub or tree 1-10 m; dry or
evergreen forest margins, secondary fores, riverine forest, on rocky slopes in
bushland; AGO, BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN,
TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-7]. Rembold photo record
+Sonchus luxurians (R.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey; scrambling annual or short-lived perennial
herb <2(-6) m; thicket, forest margins, forest stream banks, roadsides; BDI, COD,
ETH, RWA, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [3-6]. Kokwaro
Sphaeranthus gomphrenoides O.Hoffm. = Sphaeranthus steetzii
Sphaeranthus steetzii Oliv. & Hiern; annual or perennial herb 20-120 cm; along
watercourses and ephemeral pools; BDI, CMR, ETH, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN,
TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-7]. Althof 2003/73
+Sphaeranthus suaveolens (Forssk.) DC.; erect or trailing perennial herb 10-100 cm;
near fresh water, often in dry streambeds; BDI, COD, EGY, ETH, MOZ, MWI,
RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [1, 3-6; new record for Kakamega Forest].
Rembold photo record
Spilanthes mauritiana sensu Agnew & Agnew in U.K.W.F. ed. 2: 216 (1994) non
(Rich.) DC. = Acmella caulirhiza

168 E. Fischer et al.
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Stomatanthes africanus (Oliv. & Hiern) R.M.King & H.Rob.; subshrub 20-120 cm;
pyrophyte, regularly burnt upland grassland, weed of cultivation and woodland;
AGO, BDI, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, MOZ, MWI,
NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5]. Carrol
H5
*Tagetes minuta L.; annual herb 10-250 cm; widespread weed; native range South
America, naturalized pantropical; KEN [1-7]. Hohl 105
*Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray; annual or short-lived perennial herb or
(scandent) shrub 0.7-3 m; escaped from cultivation (hedgeplant), neophyte on
waste ground and near rivers and roadsides; native range Central America,
naturalized pantropical in higher rainfall areas; KEN [3-5, 7]. Trapnell 2194
*Tridax procumbens L.; annual or perennial herb 15-50 cm; roadsides and waste
places; native range Central America, naturalized pantropical weed; KEN [1, 3-7].
Obholzer 98-223
Vernonia adoensis Walp.; woody herb or shrub 0.6-4 m; abandoned cultivation and
waste places; BEN, BFA, CMR, ETH, GIN, MLI, MOZ, MWI, SDN, SEN, TGO,
TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [2, 3, 5, 6]. Obholzer 62-135
Vernonia amygdalina Delile; Omulusya/Olumulusya/Musuritsa (Luhya), Olusia
(Luo); shrub or tree 0.5-10 m; lake shores, riverine, disturbed forest, cultivation;
Arabia (YEM) and Africa (BWA, CAF, CMR, ETH, GIN, MLI, MOZ, MWI,
SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG); KEN [2, 3, 5, 6]. Perdue & Kibuwa
9422
Vernonia auriculifera Hiern; Olusia (Luo); shrub or tree (or woody herb) 1-7.5 m;
forest margins, riverine, lake shores, bushland derived from disturbed upland
forests; AGO, BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, NGA, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [2-6].
Perdue & Kibuwa 9424
+Vernonia biafrae Oliv. & Hiern; (scrambling) shrub 0.7-6 m; forest margins, wet
grassland; CAF, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GIN, GNQ, LBR, MWI, RWA, TZA,
UGA; KEN [3-5]. (Kokwaro)
+Vernonia cinerascens Sch.Bip.; woody herb or shrub 0.4-2(-3) m; dry bushland,
woody grassland; Arabia (OMN, YEM) and Africa (AGO, BWA, ETH, NAM,
SDN, SOM, TZA, ZAF, ZWE); KEN [1-7]. Mutangah
Vernonia conferta Benth.; tree 6-13.5 m; (secondary) forest; AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR,
COD, COG, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE, TGO, UGA;
KEN [5 (new); new record for Kenya]. Mwachala & Dumbo 321
Vernonia hymenolepis A.Rich.; Musuritsa (Luhya); shrub or woody herb (rarely a
tree) 1.2-4 m; distrurbed places, grassland, upland shruby grassland; CMR, ETH,
SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [1-6]. Drummond & Hemsley 4748
Vernonia ituriensis Muschl.; woody perennial herb 90-200 cm; wet forest margins;
BDI, CIV, CMR, COD, GIN, ETH, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [3-5]. Gillett
16695
Vernonia karaguensis Oliv. & Hiern; perennial herb <2 m; wooded grassland; AGO,
BDI, CMR, COD, COG, ETH, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZMB,
ZWE; KEN [1-6]. Obholzer 80-182
Vernonia natalensis Sch.Bip. ex Walp.; perennial herb 45-100 cm; wooded grassland;
AGO, LSO, MOZ, MWI, TZA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [4, 5 (new), 6; new record
for Kakamega Forest]. Obholzer 30-70

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 169

Vernonia smithiana Less.; annual herb 20-90 cm; wooded grassland; AGO, BDI,
CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, MLI, MOZ, NGA, RWA,
SDN, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [2, 3, 5]. Obholzer 88-09
Vernonia tufnelliae S.Moore = Vernonia biafrae
Vernonia wollastonii S.Moore; woody herb or shrub 0.6-3.6 m; evergreen highland
grassland and forest margins, riverine amongst rocks; COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI,
RWA, SDN, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5]. Gilbert 6891
Xanthium cf. pungens Wallr. = Xanthium cf. strumarium
+Xanthium cf. strumarium L.; annual or short-lived perennial herb 30-90 cm;
cosmopolitan weed; probably native range North America, naturalized
cosmopolitan weed KEN [4, 5]. Obholzer photo record
Balanophoraceae
Thonningia sanguinea Vahl; parasitic hypogeal perennial herb, epigeal inflorescence
<7 cm; forest, woodland; AGO, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GNQ, LBR, NGA, SEN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [5, restricted
to Kakamega Forest]. Mutangah et al. K37
Balsaminaceae
Impatiens burtonii Hook.f. var. burtonii; perennial herb <1 m; river-banks, swampy
sites in montane forests; CMR, COD, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, (cultivated and
naturalized in 3, 4)]. Brown 1771; Verdcourt 1639
Impatiens eminii Warb. = Impatiens burtonii
Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. ssp. hochstetteri; short-lived perennial herb <40 cm; near
streamsides in wet forests; CMR, COD, ETH, GIN, SDN, SLE, SWZ, TZA, ZAF;
KEN [2-6]. Drummond & Hemsley 4750
Impatiens meruensis Gilg ssp. cruciata (T.C.E.Fries) Grey-Wilson; perennial herb <40
cm; montane forest; SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [2-6]; LC. Ekkens 2170
Impatiens niamniamensis s.l. Gilg; perennial herb <1 m; wet forest; CAF, CMR,
COD, GAB, GNQ, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [3-5]. Williams & Piers 595.
Impatiens stuhlmannii Warb. var. stuhlmannii; perennial herb <1 m; wet forests; BDI,
COD, UGA; KEN [3, 5]. Dale in FD 3274
Basellaceae
+Basella alba L.; annual or short-lived perennial herb 1-10 m, succulent tangled
twiner / climber; thickets, hedges, riverine vegetation (margins), cultivations, on
swampy ground; pantropical, but perhaps naturalized in neotropics; KEN [1, 3-6;
new record for Kakamega Forest]. Rembold photo record
Begoniaceae
Begonia eminii Warb.; perennial herb <1.2 m (<4 m climbing), terrestrial, lithophytic
or epiphytic; in moist forest often near streams; AGO, BDI, CAF, CMR, COD,
COG, GAB, GHA, GNQ, NGA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to
Kakamega Forest]. Dale 3250
Begonia oxyloba Welw. ex Hook.f.; perennial herb 10-55(-150) cm (<2 m climbing),
terrestrial; in moist forest, near water; AGO, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, GAB, GHA,
GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA; MDG; KEN [5].
Faden et al. 70/40

170 E. Fischer et al.
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Bignoniaceae
Fernandoa cf. magnifica Seem.; shrub or tree 2-20 m; coastal thicket or woodland;
MOZ, MWI, TZA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [5 (new), 7; new record for Kakamega
Forest]. Althof XI/2002
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. ssp. africana; Kumufungu/Morabe (Luhya), Yago
(Luo); shrub or tree 2-18(-24) m; grassland or woodland; BDI, BEN, BFA, BWA,
CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GMB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, MLI, MOZ,
NAM, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SLE, SOM, SWZ, TCD, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB, ZWE; cultivated throughout the tropics; KEN [1-7]. Dale 904
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. ssp. moosa (Sprague) Bidgood & Verdc.; Morave
(Luhya); shrub or tree 3-15 m; riverine (evergreen or swamp) forest, forest
margins; tropical Africa (W Africa, AGO, BDI, COD, SDN, SLE, TZA, UGA);
KEN [4, 5]. Verdcourt 1678
Kigelia moosa Sprague = Kigelia africana ssp. moosa
Markhamia lutea (Benth.) K.Schum.; Shisimbali/Lusiola (Luhya), Siala (Luo); tree
(5-)15-21(-30) m; wooded grassland, (riverine) forest; BDI, CAF, CIV, CMR,
COD, GHA, GNQ, NGA, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [1-6]. Machin 737
Markhamia platycalyx (Baker) Sprague = Markhamia lutea
Spathodea campanulata P.Beauv. ssp. nilotica (Seem.) Bidgood; Mutsurio/Mutsulia
(Luhya), Madungudungu/Nyawend-agata (Luo); tree 6-30 m; (riverine) forest
(margins), scattered tree grassland, West and Central Africa extending to AGO,
BDI, COD, RWA, but cultivated throughout the; KEN [2, 4, 5]. Maas Geesteranus
6305
Spathodea nilotica Seem. = Spathodea campanulata
Stereospermum kunthianum Cham.; Mahorlu (Luhya); shrub or tree 2-20 m; rocky
bushland, wooded grassland; BFA, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH,
GHA, MWI, MOZ, NER, NGA, SEN, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN
[1-7]. Holyoak 2781
Boraginaceae
Cordia abyssinica R.Br. = Cordia africana
Cordia africana Lam.; Mukumari (Luhya); evergreen tree 3-15(-30) m; wooded
grassland, riverine forest; tropical Arabia (YEM) and Africa (AGO, BDI, CMR,
COD, ETH, GIN, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, TZA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM,
MDG; sometimes cultivated in tropical Asia; KEN [1-6]. Jackson s.n.
Cordia millenii Baker; Mungoma (Luhya); tree <25 m; wooded grassland, riverine
forest; CAF, CIV, COD, GAB, GHA, GIN, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted
to Kakamega Forest] ; LC. Makin in FD 3284; Perdue & Kibuwa 9469
Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. ssp. johnstonii (Baker) Wright; (ascending) perennial
herb <120 cm; submontane grassland, forest clearings, pathsides; AGO, CMR,
COD, ETH, MWI, TZA, UGA; KEN [3-6]. Lucas 105
+Cynoglossum lanceolatum Forssk.; biennial (or perennial) herb 30-120(-180) cm;
grassland, river banks, riverine forest, roadsides, cultivated ground; Arabia (YEM),
tropical Asia (BTN, IND, NPL, PAK, MMR, THL, IDN, MYS, PHL) and Africa
(BDI, COD, ETH, GNQ, LSO, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, TZA, SWZ, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB, ZWE; COM; KEN [3-6; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Rembold photo
record

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 171
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Ehretia cymosa Thonn.; Shekutu/Shikuti (Luhya); shrub or tree 2-9 m; forest
(margins), secondary vegetation; BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; COM;
KEN [1-7]. Drummond & Hemsley 4785
Cactaceae
Rhipsalis baccifera (J.S.Muell.) Stearn ssp. erythrocarpa (K.Schum.) Barthlott;
epiphytic or lithophytic pendent shrub <3 m; (dry) forest; COD, TZA, UGA; KEN
[1, 4-7]. Bjornstad 255
Campanulaceae
Monopsis stellarioides (C.Presl.) Urb. ssp. schimperiana (Urb.) Thulin; annual
or perennial herb 5-60 cm; upland grassland or marshes; BDI, CMR, COD,
ETH, GNQ, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZMB; COM; KEN [3-6]. Obholzer 58-
123
Canellaceae
+Warburgia ugandensis Sprague; Apacha (Luhya), Sogo-Maitha (Luo); tree <42 m;
lowland rainforest, upland dry evergreen (riverine) forest, secondary bushland,
grassland, often on termite mounds; COD, ETH, TZA, UGA; KEN [4-6]. (Kokwaro)
(collected as Warburgia salutaris, but most probably misidentified)
Cannabaceae
Celtis africana Burm.f.; Mweyu/Mwenya (Luhya); deciduous tree 5-27 m; riverine
forest, dry evergreen forest; tropical Arabia (YEM) and Africa (AGO, BWA, CAF,
CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GHA, LSO, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SWZ,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG); KEN [1-5]. Obholzer 77-175 , Perdue &
Kibuwa 9436
Celtis durandii Engl. = Celtis gomphophylla
Celtis gomphophylla Baker; Nyawend-Agwata (Luo); tree 8-15(-25) m; moist
evergreen forest; AGO, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, NGA, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, MDG; KEN [1, 4, 5, 7]. Kokwaro 3782
Celtis mildbraedii Engl.; Shiunza (Luhya); tree 3-35 m, sharp buttresses; moist
evergreen forest; AGO, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GIN, NGA, SDN, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; COM, MDG; KEN [4, 5, 7].
Dale 3083
Celtis soyauxii Engl. = Celtis mildbraedii
Trema guineensis (Schum. & Thonn.) Ficalho = Trema orientalis
Trema orientalis (L.) Blume; Musagala (Luhya); evergreen shrub or tree 1.2-12 m;
forest margins, riverine (secondary) forest, wooded grassland, pioneer in disturbed
forest; tropical Asia, AUS and Africa; KEN [1, 3-7]. Hansen 887
Capparaceae
Ritchiea albersii Gilg; shrub or tree 2-15(-20) m; forest margins, forest patches,
riverine forest, plantation understorey; CMR, COD, ETH, NGA, RWA, SDN,
TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1, 3, 5-7]. Perdue & Kibuwa 9439

172 E. Fischer et al.

Caryophyllaceae
+Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex Schult.; straggling procumbent short-lived
perennial? herb, stems <1 m; hedges, forest margins, pathsides in the wetter forest
zones; pantropical-subtropical; KEN [1, 3-5, 7]. Kokwaro
Stellaria mannii Hook.f.; procumbent perennial herb 1 m; shady forest floor, pathsides
of moist highland forest, coffee plantations; CMR, COD, ETH, TZA, UGA, ZWE;
COM, MDG, REU; KEN [3-6]. Althof s.n.
Celastraceae
+Elaeodendron buchananii (Loes.) Loes.; Kumunyofwe (Luhya); shrub or tree (1-)5-
26(-30) m; riverine woodland, wooded grassland, termites mounds; AGO, COD,
ETH, GHA, MWI, SDN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [3-6]. Mutangah
Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. ex Engl. = Loeseneriella africana var. africana
+Loeseneriella africana (Willd.) N.Halle var. africana; liana or scandent shrub 2-15
m; riverine forest or (rocky) woodland; BFA, ETH, MLI, NGA, TGO, ZMB; KEN
[1-7]. (Mutangah)
Maytenus heterophylla (Eckl. & Zeyh.) N.Robson; Kumway-akhafu (Luhya); shrub or
tree 1.5-6 m; riverine forest or woodland, thickets, bushy grassland; Arabia (OMN)
and Africa (AGO, BDI, BEN, BWA, COD, ETH, MOZ, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB, ZWE; MDG); KEN [1-7]. Mabberley & Tweedie 1112
+Maytenus undata (Thunb.) Blakelock; evergreen shrub or tree 1.5-12(-18) m; forest,
evergreen bushland or wooded grassland; tropical Arabia and Africa (AGO, BWA,
CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GIN, LSO, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SOM, SWZ, TZA,
UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, MDG); KEN [1-7]. Kifcon
+Salacia cerasifera Welw. ex Oliv.; Obolangiso (Luo); liana <5 m; riverine forest or
thickets; AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GIN, NGA, SDN, SLE, TZA,
UGA; KEN [3, 5]. Rembold photo record
Simirestis brianii N.Hallé; woody climber <6 m; forest; COD, SDN, UGA; KEN [5,
restricted to Malava Forest]. Tweedie 3264
Clusiaceae
Garcinia buchananii Baker; Kumukhomeli (Luhya), Onjak (Luo); tree or shrub 1.5-
15(-25) m; moist forest, dense wooded grassland; BDI, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI,
RWA, SDN, TZA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [2, 5-7]. Faden 69/2
Colchicaceae
Gloriosa superba L.; scandent perennial herb 40 cm to several meters; (drier)
evergreen forest (margins), bushland; widespread in South-Asia and Africa (AGO,
BFA, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, MOZ,
MWI, NER, NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE, SOM, TGO, TZA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG);
KEN [1-7]. Althof s.n.
Combretaceae
+Combretum adenogonium Steud. ex A.Rich.; Keyo (Luo); tree 3-12 m; wooded or
bushed grassland; BFA, BEN, CIV, CMR, ETH, GHA, GIN, GNB, MLI, MWA,
NGA, SLE, SEN, TGO, TZA, ZMB; KEN [4, 5]. Rembold s.n., Rembold photo
record

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 173
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Combretum collinum Fresen. ssp. binderianum (Kotschy) Okafor; Sheraha (Luhya),
Keyo (Luo); shrub or tree 2.5-12 m; woody grassland (often dominant tree); AGO,
BFA, BEN, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, ETH, GHA, GMB, GIN, GNB, MLI, MOZ,
MWI, NAM, NER, NGA, RWA, SDN, SOM, SWZ, TCD, TGO, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-5]. Dale 3187
Combretum collinum Fresen. ssp. elgonense (Exell) Okafor; shrub or tree 2.5-12 m;
woody grassland (often dominant tree); COD, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN
[2, 3, 5]. Perdue & Kibuwa 9496
Combretum molle G.Don; Sheraha (Luhya), Dunga/Keyo (Luo); tree 2-8(12) m;
wooded grassland, woodland, rocky hillsides; Arabia (YEM) and Africa (AGO,
BFA, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, ETH, GHA, GIN, GNB, MLI, MOZ, MWI,
NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE, SOM, SWZ, TCD, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE);
KEN [1-7]. Perdue & Kibuwa s.n.
Combretum paniculatum Vent. ssp. paniculatum; Shikaalikanga (Luhya),
Mdiritsamboko (Luo); climber, sprawling shrub or liana 2-20 m; riverine forest,
wooded grassland, forest margins; AGO, BWA, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB,
GIN, GMB, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SEN, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB,
ZWE; KEN [3-5, 7]. Trapnell 2193
Terminalia mollis M.A.Lawson; Olokhongwe (Luhya), Opok (Luo); tree 2.5-12(-20)
m; wooded grassland, often co-dominant; AGO, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD,
GHA, SDN, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [3, 5]. Perdue & Kibuwa 9480
Commelinaceae
+Aneilema beniniense (P.Beauv.) Kunth; straggling perennial herb <90 cm; rainforest;
AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR,
NGA, SEN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [5; restricted to Malava Forest, Yala].
Mutangah
Aneilema spekei C.B.Clarke; annual or short-lived perennial herb; grassland, wooded
bushland, weed in cultivation; BDI, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5, 6]. Obholzer
50-104
Commelina africana L.; perennial herb <50 cm; grassland, disturbed areas; tropical
and southern Africa and Arabia; KEN [3-6]. Obholzer s.n.
Commelina albiflora Faden; decumbent perennial herb; shady streamsides in moist
forest; endemic to KEN [5; endemic to Kakamega Forest]. Faden & Faden 77/900
(K)
+Commelina benghalensis L.; creeping or scrambling ascending perennial herb <1 m;
bushland, disturbed habitats, cultivations; native range Old World tropics,
naturalizing pantropical; KEN [1-7]. Mutangah
Commelina capitata Benth.; straggling perennial herb <120 cm; shady forest; AGO,
BFA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GNQ, GNB, LBR, NGA, TZA, UGA,
ZMB; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest, Yala]. Malombe et al. 1325
Commelina diffusa Burm.f.; creeping or weakly ascending, annual or perennial herb;
open wet places, swamp margins, drainage ditches, river banks, occasionally wet
forests; pantropical; KEN [1-7]. Mabberley & Tweedie 1091
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. ssp. montana J.K.Morton; annual herb <40 cm; river
banks, edges of swamps, wet forests; BDI, CMR, GNQ; KEN [5]. Faden & Faden
77/850; Verdcourt 1650

174 E. Fischer et al.
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Commelina latifolia Hochst. ex A.Rich.; ascending herb <2 m; weed of cultivation and
disturbed habitats; tropical Arabia (YEM) and Africa (COD, ERI, ETH, RWA,
TZA, UGA, ZAF; MDG); KEN [3-6]. Faden, Evans & Bally 69/2020
Commelina schweinfurthii C.B.Clarke; herb <40 cm; BEN, CIV, CMR, ETH, GIN,
NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE, TGO; KEN [?]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6654
+Cyanotis cf. barbata D.Don; perennial herb 6-50 cm; grassland, shallow soil over
rocks; Asia (from YEM, IND to CHN) and Africa (BDI, BEN, CMR, COD, ERI,
ETH, GHA, GNQ, MWI, SDN, TZA, UGA); KEN [3-6?]. Rembold photo record
Cyanotis longifolia Benth. var. longifolia; perennial herb <1 m; (flooded) grassland;
AGO, BEN, BFA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNB, LBR,
MOZ, MWI, NAM, NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN
[3-6]. Dale in F.D. 3276
Floscopa glomerata (Willd. ex Schult. & Schult.f.) Hassk.; often straggling perennial
herb 20-150 cm; along water courses and standing water in forest or full sun; BFA,
BDI, BEN, BWA, CIV, CMR, ETH, GAB, LBR, MWI, NAM, NGA, SEN, SWZ,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; MDG; KEN [2-6]. Obholzer 58-113
Murdannia simplex (Vahl) Brenan; perennial herb <1.30 m; swamps, grassland and
rocky places; tropical Asia and Africa (AGO, BFA, BDI, BEN, CIV, CMR, COD,
ETH, GAB, GHA, MWI, MOZ, NAM, NGA, SEN, SOM, SWZ, TGO, TZA,
UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG); KEN [1-7].
Pollia condensata C.B.Clarke; perennial herb <1 m; forest shade; AGO, CAF, CIV,
CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GNQ, LBR, NGA, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [5;
restricted to Kakamega Forest]. Faden & Faden 77/844
Connaraceae
Agelaea pentagyna (Lam.) Baill.; Mubwasi/Otiyuom (Luo); liana or scandent shrub
<30m; moist or riverine forest; AGO, BDI, BEN, COD, CAF, CIV, CMR, GAB,
GHA, GIN, GNQ, GNB, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TGO,
TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; MDG, MUS; KEN [4, 5, 7]. Dale 893
Agelaea ugandensis G.Schellenb. = Agelaea pentagyna
+Connarus longistipitatus Gilg; liana <30 m; moist forest; COD, GAB, NGA, SDN,
TZA, UGA; KEN [4, 5 (new); new record for Kakamega Forest]. Rembold photo
record
Convolvulaceae
Dichondra repens J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. var. repens; creeping perennial herb <60 cm;
irrigated grasslands, lawns, roadsides, cultivated areas; pantropical weed; KEN [2-
6]. Verdcourt 1707
Ipomoea involucrata P.Beauv. var. involucrata; twining annual or perennial herb <8
m; grassland, forest, forest clearings and cultivated areas; AGO, BDI, CAF, CIV,
CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, MLI, MWI, NGA, RWA, SEN, TZA,
UGA, ZAF, ZMB; KEN [5, Kakamega Forest and by Lake Victoria]. Carrol C19
+Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy ssp. blepharosepala (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Verdc. ex
A.Meeuse; twining / climbing annual herb <2.5 m; seasonally flooded grassland,
roadsides, weed of disturbed ground; Arabia (YEM) and Africa (AGO, BWA, ERI,
ETH, NAM, SOM, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF); KEN [1-7]. Kokwaro
Ipomoea tenuirostris Choisy; twining/climbing or creeping perennial herb <3 m;
cleared upland woodland extending into dry bushland and thicket; CMR, COD,

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 175
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ERI, ETH, GIN, MOZ, MWI, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE); KEN [1-6]. Hohl
69
Merremia pterygocaulos (Steud. ex Choisy) Hallier f.; twining/climbing perennial
herb <2.5 m; grassland, glades, often by streams and near swamps; BEN, BWA,
CAF, CMR, ETH, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [3, 5]. Malombe et al. 1286
Cornaceae
Alangium chinense (Lour.) Harms; Mutobolo (Luhya); tree 9-27 m; wet
semideciduous upland forest, pioneer species; Asia (CHN, IND, IDN, JPN, MMR,
PHL, THL, VNM) and Africa (AGO, BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, GNQ, RWA, SDN,
TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE); KEN [4, 5]. Dale 3256
Costaceae
+Costus spectabilis (Fenzl) K.Schum.; perennial rosette herb; (wooded) rocky
grassland; AGO, BFA, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GHA, GIN,
MLI, MWI, MOZ, SEN, TCD, TGO, TZA; KEN [3, 5, in wooded grassland at
Kakamega]. Agnew & Agnew
Crassulaceae
Bryophyllum proliferum Bowie ex Hook. = Kalanchoe prolifera
Crassula alsinoides (Hook.f.) Engl.; creeping mat-forming or ascending perennial
herb <50 cm; moist ground by streams and swamps in upland forest and bushland,
cultivated land and roadsides; Arabia (YEM) and Africa (BDI, CMR, COD, ETH,
MOZ, MWI, RWA, SDN, SOM, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; MDG); KEN
[1, 3-5, 7; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Althof s.n.
+Kalanchoe crenata (Andrews) Haw.; perennial herb 0.3-2 m; forest, bushland,
grassland, moist damp places, often among rocks, by roadside in cultivated area;
Arabia (SAU, YEM) and Africa (AGO, BFA, BDI, BEN, CAF, CMR, COD, GAB,
GIN, GNQ, MWI, SLE, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE); KEN [3, 5, 7; new
record for Kakamega Forest]. Rembold photo record
+*Kalanchoe prolifera (Bowie ex Hook.) Raym.-Hamet; succulent perennial herb <4
m; native range MDG, introduced pantropical as ornamentals. Rembold photo
record
Cucurbitaceae
Coccinia adoensis (A.Rich) Cogn.; climber or trailer <3 m; (wooded) grassland; AGO,
BWA, CMR, COD, ETH, GHA, MOZ, MWI, NAM, NGA, SDN, SWZ, TZA,
UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [2-6]. Rembold s.n.
+Coccinia barteri (Hook.f.) Keay; climber or trailer <5 m; lowland rainforest
(margins); AGO, BEN, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GNQ, MLI, MOZ, NGA,
SDN, SEN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega
Forest]. Agnew & Agnew
+Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt; climber or trailer <20 m; deciduous bushland,
woodland, wooded grassland, dry evergreen (riverine) forest; tropical Asia (SAU to
MYS), AUS, FJI and Africa (CAF, CMR, ETH, GHA, GMB, GNB, MLI, NGA,

176 E. Fischer et al.
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SDN, SEN, SLE, SOM, TCD, TGO, TZA, UGA); cultivated pantropical; KEN [1-
7]. Kifcon
Cucumis aculeatus Cogn.; trailing or climbing perennial herb 2-3 m; grassland,
bushland; COD, ETH, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 4, 5 (new), 6; new record for
Kakamega Forest]. Rembold s.n.
Cucumis ficifolius A.Rich; trailing or climbing perennial herb <2 m; dry Acaia
vegetation; Arabia (YEM) and Africa (ETH, NGA, SDN, SEN, SOM, TCD, TZA,
UGA; KEN [1, 3-7]. Rembold s.n.
Cucumis figarei Naudin = Cucumis ficifolius
Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) C.Jeffrey; climber <6 m; swamp or groundwater forest
(margins), flood-plain, seasonal swamp grassland; tropical Asia (BTN, IND, LKA,
MYS, PHL, YEM), AUS and Africa (COD, ETH, MOZ, NAM, SDN, TCD, TZA,
UGA, ZAF); KEN [1, 4-7]. Taylor 8
Momordica cissoides Planch. ex Benth.; trailing or climbing herb 1-2 m; understorey
in rainforest and riverine forest; AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB,
GHA, GIN, GNB, GNQ, LBR, NGA, SDN, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5,
restricted to Malava Forest and Kaimosi]. Tweedie 3058
Momordica foetida Schumach.; trailing or climbing perennial herb <4.5 m; forest
margins and clearings, swamp and riverine forest, secondary thickets, weed of
disturbed ground and cultivations; BDI, CAF, CIV, CMR, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GNQ, LBR, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE;
KEN [1-6]. Lucas 106
+Oreosyce africana Hook.f.; climber or trailer <3 m; upland grassland, bamboo forest;
BDI, CMR, ETH, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; MDG; KEN [1-4, 5 (new), new
record for Kakamega Forest]. Rembold photo record
Peponium vogelii (Hook.f.) Engl.; climber or trailer <8 m; rain- or groundwater forest,
forest margins, bamboo thicket, rocky places, woodland, bushland especially near
open water; AGO, BDI, BEN, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GNQ, MOZ, MWI,
NGA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZWE; SYC; KEN [1, 3-7]. Verdcourt 1636
Raphidiocystis chrysocoma (Schumach.) C.Jeffrey; climber <6 m; lowland rainforest;
AGO, CIV, COD, GHA, GIN, LBR, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, Kakamega
Forest]. Kokwaro 3066
Zehneria minutiflora (Cogn.) C.Jeffrey; climber <4.5 m; damp places in grassland,
margins of swamps; BDI, BEN, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GNQ, TZA, UGA,ZMB;
KEN [3-5]. Obholzer 95-221
+Zehneria scabra (L.f.) Sond.; climbing or trailing perennial herb <6 m; rain- and
swamp or groundwater forest, forest margins, riverine forest, grass thickets, damp
places in bushland or woodland; tropical Arabia, Asia (IND, IDN, PHL) and Africa
(BDI, CIV, CMR, ETH, GNQ, LBR, LSO, MWI, RWA, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB, ZWE); KEN [1-7]. Mutangah
Cyperaceae
Abildgaardia cf. setifolia (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Lye; tufted perennial herb <30 cm;
montane to subalpine heath and grassland; BDI, COD, ETH, RWA, TZA; KEN [?].
Obholzer 43-94
Bulbostylis cf. atrosanguinea (Boeckeler) C.B.Clarke = Abildgaardia setifolia
Carex chlorosaccus C.B.Clarke; tufted perennial herb 60-100 cm; moist forest along
paths and roads; BDI, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [4, 5]. Lye & Katende 4961

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 177
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Cyperus denudatus L.f.; perennial herb <60 cm; marshy grassland; AGO, BWA,
COD, GAB, GHA, LSO, MWI, NAM, RWA, SWZ, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB; MDG; KEN [?]. Obholzer 7-22
Cyperus latifolius Poir.; perennial herb <120 cm; swamps; BDI, BWA, CMR, COD,
ETH, RWA, SWZ, TZA, ZAF; MDG; KEN [?]. Obholzer s.n.
Cyperus renschii Boeck. var renschii; perennial herb; riverine forest; BEN, CIV,
CMR, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, NGA, SLE, TZA, ZMB; MDG; KEN [?].
Mwachala et al. 446
Fimbristylis complanata (Retz.) Link; tufted perennial herb 25-180 cm; rocky places;
pantropical; KEN [?]. Obholzer 108-255
Fimbristylis dichotoma (L.) Vahl; tufted perennial or annual herb <1 m; damp
grassland, stream banks, swamps; pantropical; KEN [ ?]. Obholzer 1-1
Fuirena stricta Steud. var. chlorocarpa (Ridl.) Kük.; tufted perennial herb <40 cm;
damp ground near water; AGO, CMR, COD, NGA, TZA, ZAF; MDG; KEN [?].
Hooper & Townsend 1503
Kyllinga appendiculata K.Schum.; herb <30 cm; alpine grassland; CMR, ETH, GNQ,
RWA, TZA; KEN [?]. Obholzer 25-61
Kyllinga bulbosa P.Beauv.; perennial herb 10-30 cm; grassland and disturbed areas;
CMR, ETH, GHA, GIN, MLI, NGA, RWA, SLE; KEN [?]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6639
Kyllinga erecta Schumach.; perennial herb 12-50 cm; damp grassland; BEN, BFA,
BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, MLI, NGA, TCD, TGO, TZA, ZAF, ZMB;
COM, MDG; KEN [?]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6636
Kyllinga erecta Schumach. var. polyphylla (Willd. ex Kunth) S.S.Hooper; perennial
herb 12-50 cm; damp grassland; KEN [?]. Hooper & Townsend 1474
Kyllinga melanosperma Nees; perennial herb <45 cm; damp places; tropical Asia
(IND, MYS, LKA, THL, VNM) and tropical Africa (from NGA to ZAF; MDG);
KEN [?]. Mwachala et al. 452
Kyllinga polyphylla Willd. ex Kunth var. polyphylla = Kyllinga erecta Schumach. var.
polyphylla
Kyllinga pumila Michx.; herb <40 cm; moist places, along rivers, swamps; tropical
America and Africa; KEN [?]. Mwachala et al. 418 ; Hooper & Townsend 1484
Lipocarpha chinensis (Osbeck) Kern; perennial herb 25-70 cm; wet grassland, swamp,
weed; Asia (CHN to IDN, JPN, IND, MYS, PHL, PNG), AUS and Africa (AGO,
BFA, BDI, BEN, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GNB, GNQ,
LBR, MLI, MWI, NAM, NER, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SLE, SWZ, TGO, TZA,
UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG, MUS); KEN [?]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6703
Lipocarpha nana (A.Rich) Cherm.; annual herb <30 cm; wet grassland; AGO, CMR,
COD, ETH, GIN, MOZ, MWI, NGA, ZAF, ZMB; KEN [?]. Obholzer 1-2
+Pycreus flavescens (L.) Reichb.; annual herb <30 cm; wet places; pantropical; KEN
[?]. Rembold photo record
Rhynchospora gracillima Thwaites ssp subquadrata (Cherm.) J.Raynal; herb <80 cm;
marshy places, edges of streams and lakes; BFA, CAF, CIV, GHA, GIN, MLI,
SEN, TGO; MDG; KEN [?]. Mwachala et al. 451
Schoenoplectus corymbosus (Roth ex Roem. & Schult.) J.Raynal var. brachyceras
(Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Lye; perennial herb 0.5-3 m; swamps; ETH, BWA, MWI,
SOM, TZA, ZAF, ZWE; MDG; KEN [?]. Obholzer 58-115

178 E. Fischer et al.

Scleria distans Poir.; perennial herb 15-65(-75) cm; wet (seasonally flooded) upland
grassland; tropical America and Africa (BWA, CIV, ETH, GAB, NGA, TZA,
ZAF; MDG); KEN [?]. Mwachala et al. 448
Scleria lagoensis Boeck.; perennial herb <1.50 m; wet (seasonally flooded) grassland;
tropical South America and Africa (BFA, CIV, GHA, GIN, NGA, SDN, SEN,
SLE, TZA; COM, MDG); KEN [?]. Obholzer 1-6
Scleria melanomphala Kunth; perennial herb <2 m; swamps, wet sites in grassland
and forest; South America and Africa (CIV, CMR, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, NGA,
SDN, SLE, TZA; UGA, ZAF; MDG); KEN [?]. Mwachala et al. 449 ; Obholzer
59-128
Dilleniaceae
+Tetracera potatoria Afzel. ex G.Don; scandent shrub or liana <5(-30) m; fresh-water
swamp forest, remnant patches of rainforest and thicket; BEN, CAF, COD, GAB,
GIN, GMB, GNB, LBR, NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA; KEN
[5 (new); new record for Kenya]. Rembold photo record
Dioscoreaceae
+Dioscorea bulbifera L.; perennial herb or subshrub <12 m (tuber and twining stems
replaced annually); rainforest (margins and clearings), riverine forest, woodland,
(wooded) grassland, termite mounds; Old World tropics, in cultivations; KEN [?].
Rembold photo record
Dioscorea odoratissima Pax; perennial herb or subshrub <12 m (tuber and twining
stems replaced annually); rainforest (margins), riverine forest, termite mounds;
AGO, CAF, CMR, MWI, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [5, restricted to Malava
Forest]. Tweedie 2901, Tweedie 3086
Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth; perennial herb or subshrub <8 m (tuber
and twining stems replaced annually); rainforest (margins and clearings), riverine
forest, woodland, (wooded) grassland, termite mounds; BDI, CAF, CMR, ETH,
GAB, MOZ, MWI, NGA, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [2, 3, 5]. Paulo 529
Ebenaceae
Diospyros abyssinica (Hiern) F.White; Lusui (Luhya), Ochol (Luo); tree 9-30 m; dry
or riverine forest; COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, MLI, MOZ, NGA, TZA, UGA,
ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1, 3-7]. Wye 319
Eriocaulaceae
Eriocaulon transvaalicum N.E.Br. ssp. dembianense (Chiov.) S.M.Phillips; annual
herb 4-9 cm; swampy grassland; AGO, BDI, CAF, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI,
NAM, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; KEN [1, 3-5]. Mwachala et al. 450
Euphorbiaceae
+Acalypha bipartita Müll.Arg.; scrambling subshrub <3 m; rocky bushland; BDI,
COD, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [5]. Rembold photo record
Acalypha brachystachya Hornem.; annual herb <30 cm; deciduous woodland in shade,
roadsides, weed of waste places; tropical Asia (CHN, IDN, IND, LKA, THA,
TWN) and Africa (CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA); KEN [3-
6]. Drummond & Hemsley 4754

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 179

+Acalypha fruticosa Forssk.; aromatic shrub 1.3-5 m; riverine forest, woodland, dry
bushland on rocky soil; tropical Asia (IND, LKA, MMR, PHL), Arabia (SAU,
YEM) and Africa (BDI, ETH, GIN, MOZ, NAM, SDN, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZMB,
ZWE); KEN [1-7]. Mutangah
Acalypha neptunica Müll.Arg.; shrub or tree 1-4 m; (riverine) forest, limestone
outcrops (coast); CAF, CMR, COD, GHA, SDN, TZA, UGA; MDG; KEN [3-7].
Gilbert 6888
Acalypha ornata Hochst. ex A.Rich.; perennial herb or subshrub 1-5 m; moist forest or
riverine vegetation; AGO, BDI, BWA, CAF, CMR, ERI, ETH, MOZ, MWI, NAM,
NGA, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [2-7]. Althof 2002/5
Acalypha psilostachya Hochst. var. glandulosa Hutch.; perennial herb or shrub <3 m;
forest margins and understorey, swamp forest, submontane grassland; BDI, COD,
MOZ, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [2, 5]. Althof XI/2002
Acalypha racemosa Wall. ex Baill.; perennial herb or shrub 0.3-2.5 m; upland forest
(margins) or riverine vegetation; tropical Arabia, Asia (IND, LKA) and Africa
(AGO, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, ERI, MOZ, MWI, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZWE); KEN
[1, 3, 5-7]. Kamau et al. 279
Acalypha volkensii Pax; shrub <1 m; upland grassland; BDI, ETH, SDN, SOM, TZA,
UGA; KEN [1-7]. Mwangangi & Gliniars 62
Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll.Arg.; shrub or tree 4-8 m; moist
riverine forest; BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNB, GNQ,
LBR, MLI, NGA, SDN, SLE, SEN, TGO, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to lower
Yala River]. Birch 60/476
Alchornea laxiflora (Benth.) Pax & K.Hoffm.; Manamulira/Mutsutsu (Luhya); shrub
or tree 1-7(-10) m; forest, riverine vegetation, woodland; AGO, BDI, CMR, COD,
GAB, GIN, ETH, MOZ, NGA, SLE, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; KEN [5, 7].
Faden & Evans 69/2032
+Argomuellera macrophylla Pax; shrub or tree 2-4(-9) m; rainforest, riverine forest;
AGO, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, RWA, TZA,
UGA, ZWE; KEN [1, 4, 5 (new), 6, 7; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Rembold
photo record
Clutia abyssinica Jaub. & Spach; shrub 1-3(-6) m; forest (remnants), secondary
bushland, wooded grassland; AGO, BDI, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, SDN, SOM,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-7]. Althof s.n.
Croton alienus Pax; shrub or tree 1.2-4.5 m; dry upland evergreen forest, secondary
forest; endemic to KEN [4, 5]; EN. Adam 1005
Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile; Musutsu (Luhya), Ngong’Ngo’ (Luo); tree
3-25 m; upland forest (remnants, margins), riverine forest or woodland, wooded
grassland; tropical Arabia and Africa (AGO, CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GIN, MWI,
TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; MDG); KEN [1-6]. Paulo 538
Croton megalocarpus Hutch.; Musine (Luhya); tree 6-36 m; upland forest, (riverine or
near springs) woodland, wooded grassland; RWA, TZA; MDG; KEN [1, 3-6].
Gilbert et al. 6824
Croton sylvaticus Hochst.; Musudu/Munamaliru (Luhya); tree 3.5-24 m; moist
evergreen forest; AGO, CAF, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, MWI, SWZ,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; KEN [3-7]. Holyoak 2560
+Endospermum sp.; tree. Kifcon

180 E. Fischer et al.
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Erythrococca atrovirens (Pax) Prain; Shirietso (Luhya); shrub 1.5-3 m; riverine bush,
wooded grassland; BDI, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [5].
Davidoe 7119
Erythrococca bongensis Pax; Shiriedzo (Luhya); shrub or tree 1-4(-6) m; dry forest,
riverine bushland or woodland, shrubby grassland; BDI, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN
[1-7]. Gillet 16679
Erythrococca trichogyne (Müll.Arg.) Prain; shrub 1-3 m; moist forest (margins or
clearings), riverine forest; AGO, BWA, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, RWA, TZA,
UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [5]. Althof XI/2002
+*Euphorbia hirta L.; annual herb <50 cm; roadside; native range Central America,
naturalized pantropical-subtropical weed; KEN [1-7]. Rembold photo record
+Euphorbia inaequilatera Sond.; annual herb <50 cm; open patches in dry grassland,
pastures, waste ground, on seasonally wet gravelly, sandy or clay soils; Arabia and
Africa (AGO, BWA, ETH, DZA, LSO, MLI, MRT, MOZ, NAM, NER, RWA,
SOM, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; CPV); KEN [1-7]. Kokwaro
Macaranga capensis (Baill.) Sim var. kilimandscharica (Pax) Friis & M.G.Gilbert;
Mukaho/Mukuhakuha (Luhya); tree 6-24 m; moist upland forest (margins); BDI,
ETH, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [3-5, 7]. Schultka 7
Macaranga kilimandscharica Pax = Macaranga capensis var. kilimandscharica
Macaranga schweinfurthii Pax; Subuhu (Luhya); tree <25 m; riverine or swamp
forest; AGO, BDI, CAF, CMR, COD, GAB, NGA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN
[5]. Maher s.n.
Mallotus oppositifolius (Geiseler) Müll.Arg.; shrub or tree 1-8 m; forest (margins),
coastal bush; AGO, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, ETH, GAB, GHA, GMB,
LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SEN, TGO, TZA, ZMB; MDG; KEN [5, 7]. Faden et al.
70/36
Neoboutonia macrocalyx Pax; tree (2-)7-25 m; upland forest (margins and clearings),
pioneer in disturbed moist forest; BDI, CMR, COD, MWI, TZA, UGA; KEN [1-7].
Malombe et al. 1303
Neoboutonia melleri (Müll.Arg.) Prain; Opuh (Luo); shrub or tree 3.5-9 m; rainforest,
riverbanks; AGO, CMR, COD, COG, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN
[5]. Hooper & Townsend 1494
Ricinus communis L.; Mubonebone (Luhya); woody perennial herb 1-5 m; bushed
grassland to rainforest, often ruderal; native range tropical Africa, introduced in
tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of the world; KEN [1-7]. Bahl in EA
13324
Sapium ellipticum (Hochst.) Pax = Shirakiopsis elliptica
Shirakiopsis elliptica (Hochst.) Esser; Mugoso/Musasa (Luhya), Amoyo/Achaka
(Luo); tree 4-20 m; riverine forest; AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD,
ETH, GAB, GIN, MWI, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1, 3-6].
Perdue & Kibuwa 9467
Suregada procera (Prain) Croizat; Ochod-Oboke (Luo); tree (rarely shrub) 4.5-18 m;
dry evergreen forest, riverine forest; COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, SDN, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [4, 5]. Faden & Faden 77/859
Tragia brevipes Pax; climber <3 m; understory of riverine forest (margins) and
thickets; BDI, CMR, ETH, RWA, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [1-7].
Mwangangi 2566

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 181
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Fabaceae – Caesalpinioideae
+*Acrocarpus fraxinifolius Wight & Arn.; tree <60 m; plantation timber, native range
Asia (CHN, IDN, IND, THL, VNM), introduced and cultivated throughout the
tropics. Kifcon
Bauhinia thonningii Schumach. & Thonn. = Piliostigma thonningii
Bauhinia tomentosa L.; shrub or tree <8 m; riverine forest, wooded grassland; tropical
and southern Africa, grown for ornament in tropical Asia and America; KEN [1, 4
6, 7]. Obholzer s.n.
Caesalpinia volkensii Harms; climber or liana 1.8->4 m; evergreen or riverine forest
(margins); TZA, UGA; KEN [4-7]. Faden & Faden 77/851
Cassia didymobotrya Fresen. = Senna didymobotrya
Cassia kirkii Oliv. var. kirkii = Chamaecrista kirkii var. kirkii
Cassia petersiana Bolle = Senna petersiana
Chamaecrista kirkii (Oliv.) Standl. var. kirkii; annual herb 30-120(-240) cm;
grassland, marshy places, forest margins and clearings; BDI, CMR, COD, GAB,
LBR, MWI, NGA, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3-5]. Verdcourt 1659
Chamaecrista mimosoides (L.) Greene; annual or short-lived perennial herb 0.6-10
cm; Old World tropics; KEN [?]. Obholzer & Fischer s.n.
Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh.; Kumuyenjayenja (Luhya), Otangalo
(Luo); shrub or tree (2-)3-10 m; woodland, wooded grassland; Arabia (YEM) and
Africa (AGO, BDI, BEN, BFA, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GIN, GMB, GNB, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NAM, NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TCD, TGO,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE); KEN [2-7]. Althof 2003/2
+Pterolobium stellatum (Forssk.) Brenan; scrambling or scandent shrub 2-15 m; drier
forest margins and riverine forest; Arabia (YEM) and Africa (ERI, ETH, MOZ,
MWI, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE); KEN [1-6]. Kifcon
Senna didymobotrya (Fresen.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby; Luvino (Luhya), Ovino (Luo);
shrub or tree 1-7.5 m; lake shores, riverine, forest margins, upland grassland or
woodland, old cultivations, hedgeplant; native range Africa (AGO, BDI, COD,
ETH, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE); cultivated pantropical;
KEN [1, 3-(7?)]. Paulo 552
Senna petersiana (Bolle) Lock; shrub or tree (0.6-)2-6(-12) m; riverine forest, moist
forest margins, deciduous woodland, coastal evergreen bushland, wooded
grassland; CAF, CMR, ETH, MOZ, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZAF; MDG; KEN [3, 5].
Maas Geesteranus 6268
+*Senna spectabilis (DC.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby; shrub or tree <9 m; woodland,
disturbed secondary habitats; native range South America (from Carribean to
ARG), introduced pantropical; KEN [?]. Rembold photo record
Fabaceae – Mimosoideae
+Acacia abyssinica Hochst. ex Benth. ssp. calophylla Brenan; Munyenya (Luhya),
Ogongo (Luo); tree 6-15(-20) m; wooded grassland, forest margins; COD, ETH,
MOZ, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [3-5]. Rembold photo record
+Acacia brevispica Harms; Osiri (Luo); shrub or tree 1-7 m; dry bushland, woodland,
upland forest margins, rocky stony soil; AGO, BDI, CAF, COD, ETH, MOZ,
MWI, RWA, SDN, SOM, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF; KEN [1-7]. Mutangah

182 E. Fischer et al.

+Acacia lahai (Steud. & Hochst. ex Benth.; Kumunyenya/Mukunga (Luhya), Alaktar
(Luo); tree 3-15 m; cleared upland forest, woodland; ERI, ETH, TZA, UGA; KEN
[2-6]. Kifcon
Acacia monticola Brenan & Exell = Acacia montigena
Acacia montigena Brenan & Exell; Mughobari (Luhya); scandent shrub or climber
<30 m; forest; BDI, COD, ETH, MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [5,
restricted to Kakamega Forest]. Carroll 15
Albizia grandibracteata Taub.; Mukhonzuli/Kumusubiu (Luhya), Mgojore/Owak
(Luo); tree 6-30 m; rainforest (margins and remnants), riverine forest; BDI, COD,
ETH, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [1, 3, 5]. Hansen 932
Albizia gummifera (J.F.Gmel.) C.A.Sm.; tree 4.5-30 m; forest margins, riverine forest;
CMR, COD, ETH, MOZ, NGA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZWE; MDG; KEN [3-7].
Perdue & Kibuwa 9433
+Albizia zygia (DC.) Macbr.; Oturbam (Luo); tree (4.5-)9-30 m; riverine forest,
woodland; BFA, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNB,
GNQ, MLI, NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZWE; MDG; KEN [5].
Kifcon
Entada abyssinica Steud. ex A.Rich.; Mushembut (Luhya); tree 3-15 m; wooded
grassland, riverine forest, forest margins; AGO, BDI, BEN, BFA, CAF, CIV,
CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GHA, GIN, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE,
SOM, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [2, 3, 5, 7]. Perdue & Kibuwa
9463
Entada gigas (L.) Fawc. & Rendle; liana <25 m; river banks; tropical America (BLZ,
Caribbean, COL, HND, PAN, VEN) and Africa (AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD,
GAB, GHA, GNQ, LBR, SDN, SLE, TGO, UGA, ZMB; MDG); KEN [5,
restricted to Kakamega Forest]. Kokwaro 3128
+Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. & Thonn.) Taub.; tree 6-30 m; forest; BEN, CAF,
CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNB, GNQ, LBR, NGA, SDN, TGO, TZA,
UGA; KEN [5 (new), 7; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Rembold photo record
Fabaceae – Papilionoideae
Abrus sp.; woody climber. Althof X/2002
Aeschynomene schimperi Hochst. ex A.Rich., semi-woody shrub or perennial herb
0.6-3 m; swampy places, stream bank, lake-sides, flooded grassland or wooded
areas, marshes, dambos; BDI, CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GNB, NER, MWI, RWA,
SEN, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [1, 3, 4, 6, 7]. Obholzer 112-259
Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC. var. villosus Verdc.; erect or straggling perennial herb
10-60 cm, woody root-stock; uncommon in dry bushland and waste places; species
is palaeotropical, the variety only TZA and KEN [5 (new), 7 ; new record for
Kakamega Forest]. Obholzer 84-189
Calpurnia aurea Baker; Murut (Luo); shrub or tree 2-4.5(-10) m; moist forest margins
and riverine forest; AGO, CAF, COD, ERI, ETH, MOZ, SOM, SWZ, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3-5]. Maas Geesteranus 4976
Craibia brownii Dunn; Muhandi/Muhonde (Luhya); tree 3-24 m; riverine or moist
forest; COD, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [3-7]. Lucas 147
+Crotalaria agatiflora Schweinf.; woody perennial herb or shrub (0.5-)1-3(-10) m;
bushed grassland, roadsides, forest margins, waste places; native range Africa

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 183

(BDI, COD, ETH, RWA, TZA, UGA), cultivated and introduced in AUS, MEX,
South America; KEN [3-6]. Rembold photo record
Crotalaria cleomifolia Welw. ex Baker; shrubby perennial herb 1-4 m; river banks,
swamp margins, grassland, bushland, roadsides, cultivated areas; native range
Africa (AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CMR, COD, ETH, GIN, LBR, MLI, MOZ, MWI,
NGA, RWA, SLE, SOM, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; MDG), introduced in
Asia; KEN [3-5]. Paulo 506, Gilbert & Mesfin 6660
Crotalaria karagwensis Taub.; annual herb <1 m; montane grassland; BDI, CMR,
COD, ETH, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5]. Obholzer 65-142
Crotalaria ononoides Benth.; ascending annual herb <1 m; grassland, dambos, flood
plains, disturbed places; AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GHA,
GNB, MLI, NGA, RWA, SEN, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZMB; MDG; KEN [3, 5, 6].
Obholzer s.n.
Crotalaria pallida Aiton; annual or short-lived perennial 1-2(-3) m; river banks or
bushland near lakes extending into woodland and grassland, cultivated areas;
pantropical; KEN [3, 5]. Tweedie 1494
Crotalaria recta Steud. ex A.Rich.; perennial herb 1-2.7 m; grassland, bushland,
margins of swamps and forests, cultivated areas; AGO, BDI, CAF, CMR, COD,
ERI, ETH, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SOM, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE;
KEN [3-6]. Paulo 545
Dalbergia lactea Vatke; tree or shrub 1.5-3(-9) m or liana <25 m; margins and
clearings of swamp- and rainforest; riverine forest, bushland, upland grassland;
BDI, CMR, ETH, GAB, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE, TZA, UGA,
ZMB, ZWE; KEN [2-5]. Graham 9
*Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC.; annual or perennial herb <1 m; shaded forest
clearings or margins, old cultivated fields, grassland of stream banks; probably
native range Central America, introduced in tropical Africa, Asia and the Pacific
region; KEN [5, 7]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6677
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth.; perennial herb 0.1-1 m; wooded grassland; tropical
America and Africa; KEN [3, 5-7]. Obholzer 82-186
Desmodium repandum (Vahl) DC.; perennial herb 0.5-1 m; shaded places in dry
evergreen or rainforest (margins), grassland, cultivated areas, especially by streams
and along pathsides; tropical Asia (from YEM to IND, CHN, IDN, THL, PHL,
MYS) and Africa ( AGO, BDI, CMR, ETH, GIN, GNQ, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZAF;
COM, MDG, MUS, REU); KEN [1-7]. Gilbert & Mesfin 6606
Desmodium setigerum (E.Mey.) Benth. ex Harv.; perennial herb <1 m; wet (riverine)
grassland, swamp forest; AGO, BDI, BEN, BFA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB,
GHA, GIN, GNB, GNQ, LBR, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SEN, SLE, SWZ,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [5]. Obholzer 5-19
Desmodium spec.A. sensu Agnew & Agnew (1994); perennial herb <2 m; roadsides,
forest edges; KEN [3-5?]. Althof VII/2003
Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC.; annual or perennial herb <20 cm; stony grassland;
pantropical; KEN [5, 7]. Obholzer 16-36
Dumasia villosa DC.; climbing perennial herb 1.5-3 m; evergreen forest, thicket;
tropical Asia (from PAK to CHN, IDN, TWN, MYS, PHL, PNG) and Africa
(COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG); KEN [3-
6]. Paulo 557

184 E. Fischer et al.

Eriosema flemingioides Baker; herb or subshrub 0.6-3 m; swamps, dambos, disturbed
grassland; CIV, NGA, SDN, UGA; KEN [5]. Obholzer 20-48
Eriosema montanum Baker f. var. montanum; perennial herb 0.2-1.5 m; wooded
grassland, shrub, bushland, forest margins; AGO, BDI, CAF, CMR, COD, ETH,
GNQ, MLI, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3-5].
Verdcourt 1647
Eriosema psoraleoides (Lam.) G.Don; perennial herb or subshrub 0.75-2.4 (3.6) m; on
sandy soils usually in marshy or damp places, lake shores, river banks, disturbed
rocky Acacia bushland and grassland, on termite mounds, as a weed in cultivations;
Asia (IND) and Africa (AGO, BDI, BEN, BFA, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD,
COG, ETH, GAB, GHA, GNB, GNQ, KEN, MDG, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN,
SEN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG); KEN [3-6]. Obholzer 36-
179
Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. ssp. abyssinica; Kumurembe/Umtembe (Luhya),
Murembe/Orembe (Luo); tree 2-15 m; wooded grassland, forest margins, rocky
bushland, relic of burnt wooded grassland in cultivated ground; AGO, BDI, BWA,
COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-7].
Mwangangi & Gliniars 54
Glycine wightii (Graham ex Wight & Arn.) Verdc. ssp. pseudojavanica (Taub.) Verdc.
= Neonotonia wightii ssp. pseudojavanica
Indigofera arrecta Hochst. ex A.Rich.; Lukeyu (Luhya), Olando (Luo); shrub or
woody perennial herb 0.3-3.5 m; wooded grassland, forest margins, deciduous and
upland evergreen bushland, near cultivation; native range Arabia (SAU, YEM) and
Africa (AGO, BDI, BEN, CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GMB, GNB,
MLI, MOZ, MWI, NER, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SOM, SWZ, TGO, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG), introduced to Asia; KEN [1-7]. Paulo 517
Indigofera conjugata Baker; perennial herb <50 cm; short grassland, wooded
grassland, roadsides, cultivation; AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH,
GAB, GIN, MLI, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5]. Carroll H4
Indigofera mimosoides Baker var. mimosoides; annual or perennial herb <1 m;
grassland, bushland, forest margins; AGO, CMR, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, TZA,
UGA, ZMB; KEN [2, 3, 5]. Obholzer 20-47
Indigofera spicata Forssk.; prostrate or ascending perennial herb; grassland, weed of
disturbed ground; native range Old World tropics, introduced in America; KEN [1-
7]. Obholzer 41-89
+Indigofera volkensii Taub.; perennial herb <40 cm; wooded grassland, cultivation;
BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, ETH, GAB, MLI, SDN, SOM, TZA, UGA; KEN [1-
7]. Kokwaro
Kotschya africana Endl. var. bequaertii (De Wild.) Verdc.; shrub or tree 1-4(-6) m;
riverine or swamps, fringing forest, thickets, scrub, grassland, cultivations; BDI,
COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZMB; MDG; KEN [3, 5]. Kokwaro 3113
+Mucuna poggei Taub. var. poggei; liana 10-30 m; riverine forest; AGO, COD, TZA,
UGA, ZMB; KEN [3, 5 (new); new record for Kakamega Forest (Kisere)]. Fischer
photo record
Neonotonia wightii (Graham ex Wight & Arn.) J.A.Lackey ssp. pseudojavanica
(Taub.) J.A.Lackey; twining or climbing perennial herb 0.6-4.5 m; forest margins,
grassland thicket, cultivations; AGO, CMR, COD, ETH, GHA, LBR, MWI, NGA,
RWA, SDN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF; KEN [3, 5]. Maas Geesteranus 6255

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 185

Pseudarthria hookeri Wight & Arn. var. hookeri; woody herb or subshrub 0.3-3(-4)
m; open woodland, grassland, old cultivations, sometimes gregarious, in damp
sites, along rivers in rocky places or swampy sites; AGO, BDI, BEN, BFA, CAF,
CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE,
SWZ, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG, MUS; KEN [3-7]. Obholzer &
Fischer s.n.
Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Harms; climbing or creeping perennial
herb 1-3 m; (wooded) grassland, woodland, sometimes marshy disturbed places;
AGO, BDI, CAF, CIV, COD, ETH, GHA, GIN, MLI, MWI, NER, NGA, TCD,
TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5?]. Whyte s.n.
Trifolium baccarinii Chiov.; creeping annual herb; heavily grazed grassland; BDI,
CMR, COD, ETH, NGA, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5]. Drummond & Hemsley
4749
+Vigna membranacea A.Rich.; climbing or trailing annual or perennial herb 0.2-1.8
m; grassland, bushland, dry evergreen forest; tropical Arabia and Africa (BDI,
COD, ETH, RWA, SDN, SOM, TZA, UGA); KEN [1, 3-6]. Mutangah
Vigna parkeri Baker ssp. maranguensis; climbing or creeping herb 0.1-2 m; (wooded)
grassland, thicket, forest margins, weed in cultivation; AGO, BDI, CMR, COD,
ETH, GNQ, RWA, TZA, UGA; MDG; KEN [3-7]. Hohl 66
Vigna triphylla (R.Wilczek) Verdc.; creeping annual herb 0.6-1.8 m; grassland; AGO,
CAF, COD, ETH, NGA, TZA, ZMB; KEN [3, 5, restricted to the area between
Nandi and Kakamega Forest]. Whyte s.n.
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.; climbing or trailling annual or perennial herb 1-3 m;
cultivated worldwide, wild forms native in Africa; KEN [?]. Preston-Mafham
1979-01-01 photo record; Herbarium Illustration and Slide Coollections, Kew
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich.; climbing or trailling perennial herb 0.3-6 m; (wooded)
grassland, bushland, forest margins; pantropical-subtropical; KEN [1-7]. Verdcourt
1658
Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh.; perennial herb <35 cm; grassland, rock outcrops; AGO,
BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN
[3, 5-7]. MD Graham 28
Gentianaceae
+Anthocleista grandiflora Gilg; tree 5-35 m; open swampy places, along rivers in
forest areas; MWI, NAM, RWA, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; COM; KEN [3-
7]. Rembold photo record
Anthocleista vogelii Planch.; Mulemwe (Luhya); tree 6-20 m, twigs with spines; moist
places, swamps, along rivers or on river banks, rainforests; AGO, BEN, CIV,
CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GNQ, LBR, NGA, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [5,
restricted to Kakamega Forest]. Feltham 10290
Anthocleista zambesiaca Bak. = Anthocleista grandiflora
+Sebaea grandis (E.Mey.) Steud.; annual or short-lived rhizomatous perennial herb 8-
50 cm; wooded grassland on shallow soils; AGO, BWA, CMR, COD, ETH, MWI,
NAM, NGA, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3-6]. Kokwaro
Sebaea pumila (Baker) Schinz; annual herb 2-8 cm; BEN, CIV, COD, MOZ, NGA,
SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [5 (new), 7; new record for Kakamega Forest].
Fischer s.n.

186 E. Fischer et al.

Sebaea sensu Fischer; annual or short-lived perennial herb. Fischer s.n.
Hamamelidaceae
Trichocladus ellipticus Eckl. & Zeyh.; evergreen shrub or tree (1.5-)5-10(-18) m;
riverine forest, understorey; AGO, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB; KEN [1-6]. Althof 2002/2
Hernandiaceae
+Illigera pentaphylla Welw.; climber or liana 3-15 m; evergreen forest; AGO, CAF,
CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GNQ, LBR, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to
Kakamega Forest, Yala River]. Beentje
Hymenocardiaceae
Hymenocardia acida Tul.; Olulando (Luhya); shrub or tree 3-6 m; wooded grassland;
AGO, BEN, BDI, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNB, LBR,
MLI, MOZ, MWI, SEN, TGO, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [5]. Mathenge s.n. (NAI)
Hypericaceae
Harungana madagascariensis Lam. ex Poir.; Musila/Lumasai (Luhya); tree 3-18 m;
rainforest (margins or remnants); AGO, BDI, CIV, CMR, COD, GHA, GIN, GMB,
GNQ, LBR, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB, ZWE; MDG, MUS, REU; KEN [4, 5, 7]. Moon 571
+Hypericum lalandii Choisy; perennial herb 8-70 cm; marshes wet (seasonally
flooded) places in upland grassland; AGO, BDI, BWA, LSO, NAM, NGA, SDN,
SWZ, TZA, ZAF; MDG; KEN [3, 5]. Rembold photo record
Hypoxidaceae
Hypoxis angustifolia Lam.; slender perennial herb <45 cm; (flood plain) grassland,
open woodland, rocky outcrops, often on termite mounds; tropical Arabia and
Africa (BDI, CAF, CAM, ETH, GAB, LBR, LSO, MWI, SEN, SOM, SWZ, TZA,
UGA, ZAF; MDG, MUS); KEN [1-7]. Althof s.n.
Icacinaceae
Apodytes dimidiata E.Mey. ex Arn.; Masaba/Wanda (Luhya), Lemo/Luochuoga
(Luo); shrub or tree 3.5-25 m; upland dry forest (margins or remnants); Asia (from
CHN to IND, MMR, THL, VNM, IDN, MYS, PHL) and Africa (AGO, BDI, COD,
ETH, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, MDG,
MUS, REU; KEN [3-5]. A.Wye 1756
+Pyrenacantha cf. vogeliana Baill.; climber; forest; BEN, CIV, CMR, GAB, GHA,
LBR, COD, TZA; KEN [7]. Rembold photo record
Iridaceae
Aristea abyssinica Pax; rhizomatous perennial herb, inflorescence 12-25(-50) cm;
submontane grassland, especially on thin rocky soils; CMR, COD, ETH, LSO,
MWI, NGA, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-3, 5]. Gilbert &
Mesfin Tadessa 6683; Obholzer 50-103

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 187

Aristea alata Baker; rhizomatous perennial herb, inflorescence <45(-55) cm; grass
glades, forest margins, bamboo shade; CMR, ETH, TZA, UGA, ZAF; KEN [1, 3-
6; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Althof X/2002
+Aristea angolensis Baker; perennial herb 25-90 cm; wet grassland; AGO, CMR,
COD, ETH, MWI, NGA, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 4, 5 ].
Obholzer photo record
Aristea cognata N.E.Br. ex Weim. = Aristea abyssinica Pax
Dietes iridioides (L.) Sweet ex Klatt; perennial herb (15-)30-60 cm; riverine forest
(margins); COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN
[3, 4, 5 (new), 6 ; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Obholzer 63-140
Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel ssp. andongensis (Baker) Goldblatt; tuberous perennial
herbs (50-)70-120(-200) cm; grassland; Arabia (SAU, YEM) and Africa (AGO,
BDI, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GHA, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA,
SDN, SEN, SLE, TCD, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3-5, 7]. Friis &
Hansen 2597
Lamiaceae
Achyrospermum parviflorum S.Moore; perennial herb or scandent shrub <2 m;
rainforest (margins); COD, ETH, SDN, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega
Forest]. Tweedie 3211
+Achyrospermum schimperi (Hochst. ex Briq.) Perkins ex Mildbr.; BDI; KEN [?, 5].
Rembold photo record
Aeollanthus heliotropioides Oliv. = Aeollanthus suaveolens
+Aeollanthus suaveolens Mart. ex Spreng.; herb <50 (-80) cm; on shallow soils
overlaying rocks and as weed; BDI, BEN, CMR, COD, GHA, KEN, NGA, SDN,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; [3, 5]. Obholzer & Fischer photo record
Ajuga integrifolia Buch.-Ham.; herb; ETH, KEN [5]. Bridson 38
Becium obovatum (E.Mey. ex Benth.) N.E.Br. = Ocimum obovatum E.Mey. ex Benth.
var. obovatum
Clerodendrum buchholzii Gürke = Clerodendrum silvanum var. buchholzii
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. & Thonn.; (scandent) shrub 1-6 m;
(riverine) forest, moist woodland, evergreen bushland; AGO, BEN, CIV, CMR,
COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GNQ, LBR, MLI, NGA, SEN, SLE, TCD, TGO, TZA,
UGA, ZMB; KEN [3, 5]. Chapya 79/40
Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke = Rotheca myricoides
Clerodendrum formicarum Gürke; scandent shrub 1.5-6 m; forest; AGO, CIV, CMR,
COD, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, NGA, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to
Kakamega Forest and SW Mau]. Carroll C17
Clerodendrum johnstonii Oliv.; Lisala (Luhya); shrub or liana 1.5-20 m; montane
forest, thicket, disturbed shrubland; BDI, COD, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA,
ZMB; KEN [1-7]. Paulo 539
Clerodendrum melanocrater Gürke; scandent shrub <3 m; forest (margins); CMR,
COD, GAB, GNQ, NGA, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest].
Malombe et al. 1304
Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) R.Br. ex Vatke = Rotheca myricoides

188 E. Fischer et al.

Clerodendrum silvanum Henriq. var. buchholzii (Gürke) Verdc.; scandent shrub or
liana <30 m; forest; AGO, CAF, CMR, COD, GHA, GIN, GNQ, NGA, TZA,
UGA, ZMB; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest]. Althof s.n.
Coleus djalonensis A.Chev. = Plectranthus djalonensis
Englerastrum djalonense A.Chev. = Plectranthus djalonensis
Englerastrum schweinfurthii Briq. = Plectranthus djalonensis
Geniosporum rotundifolium Briq. = Platostoma rotundifolium
Homalocheilos ramosissimus (Hook.f.) J.K.Morton = Isodon ramosissimus
Hoslundia opposita Vahl; Shikuma (Luhya), Ofwong’o (Luo); erect or scrambling
shrub 0.5-3(-4) m; (secondary) bushland or disturbed wooded grassland; BDI,
BEN, BFA, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, ETH, GHA, GIN, GNB, GNQ,
MLI, MOZ, MWI, NAM, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SLE, SOM, SWZ, TZA, UGA,
ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [1-7]. Obholzer 98-229
Isodon ramosissimus (Hook.f.) Codd straggling to erect perennial herb <1.7(-3.6) m;
grassland; BDI, CMR, ETH, GNQ, NGA, SLE, TZA, ZWE; KEN [3, 5]. Verdcourt
1664
Leonotis mollissima Gürke = Leonotis ocymifolia var. raineriana
Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br. var. africana (P.Beauv.) J.K.Morton; (woody) annual
herb 0.6-1.5 m; forest margins, ruderal, cultivated; CMR, COD, GHA, LBR, MLI,
NER, SEN, TGO; KEN [1-6]. Althof s.n.
+Leonotis ocymifolia (Burm.f.) Iwarsson; woody perennial herb or shrub 1-3m;
disturbed places in montane foerst zone; AGO, BDI, COD, ETH, MWI, RWA,
SDN, TZA, ZAF; KEN [2-6]. Rembold photo record
Leonotis ocymifolia (Burm.f.) Iwarsson var. raineriana (Vis.) Iwarsson; woody
perennial herb or shrub 1-3 m; forest margins, roadsides, disturbed grassland; BDI,
MWI, TZA, UGA; KEN [1-6]. Obholzer 62-134
Leucas calostachys Oliv. var. calostachys; Lumitsani (Luhya), Bware (Luo); woody
perennial herb or shrub <2.5 m; disturbed secondary bushland; BDI, COD, ETH,
RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5, 6]. Paulo 515 ; Bridson 22 ; Drummond &
Hemsley 4786
Leucas deflexa Hook.f. var. deflexa; (short lived) perennial herb or subshrub <2 m;
ruderal weed; AGO, BDI, CMR, ETH, GHA, GNQ, MWI, TZA, UGA; KEN [3-4].
Gilbert & Mesfin 6622
+Leucas martinicensis (Jacq.) R.Br.; annual herb <60 cm; open ground, disturbed
places especially in farmland; BEN, CIV, CMR, ETH, GHA, GIN, GMB, GNQ,
MLI, NEG, NGA, SEN, TZA, ZWE; COM, MDG; tropical weed; KEN [1-6].
Kokwaro/Mutangah
Leucas micrantha non Gürke sensu Agnew U.K.W.F. ed. 1: (1974) = Leucas deflexa
Leucas oligocephala Hook.f. var. ugandensis Sebald; perennial herb 0.25-1.3 m;
forest margins, wooded grassland; varieties in CMR, GIN, NGA, UGA, TZA; KEN
[3-6]. Drummond & Hemsley 4771
Ocimum gratissimum L.; perennial herb or subshrub 0.4-2.5 m; disturbed bushland
and forest; Old World tropics, probably originally introduced from Asia,
naturalized in tropical America; KEN [3-6]. Obholzer 98-225

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 189

Ocimum kilimandscharicum Baker ex Gürke; Bwar (Luo); perennial herb or subshrub
0.2-2m; rocky secondary shrubland; Asia (IND) and Africa (SDN, TZA); KEN [3-
6]. Obholzer 67-144
+Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex Benth.; perennial herb or shrub <2.1 m; forest
margins, disturbed areas; CMR, ETH, GAB, TZA, UGA; KEN [1-6]. Kokwaro
Ocimum obovatum E.Mey. ex Benth. var. obovatum; perennial herb <60 cm, swollen
rootstock; woodland, (burnt) grassland, often on black cotton soils; AGO, BDI,
BEN, CIV, CMR, ETH, GHA, GIN, MWI, NGA, TZA, ZAF, ZMB; MDG; KEN
[3-7]. Bridson 18
Orthosiphon rubicundus (D.Don) Benth.; perennial herb <60 cm; wooded grassland;
Asia (CHN, IND, NPL, THL) and Africa (BDI, BEN, BFA, CIV, COD, GHA,
MLI, NGA, TZA, ZAF, ZWE); KEN [2-5]. Carroll H18
Orthosiphon schimperi Benth.; perennial herb; ETH, GHA, MOZ, MWI, SOM, TZA;
KEN [?]. Corrall U.18
Platostoma africanum P.Beauv.; annual or short-lived perennial herb <60 cm; damp
places in grassland, roadside, by streams, forest edges; Asia (IND) and Africa
(AGO, BDI, BEN, BFA, CIV, CMR, ETH, GHA, GIN, GNB, GNQ, LBR, MLI,
NGA, SEN, TZA, UGA, ZMB); KEN [3-6]. Obholzer 113-261
Platostoma rotundifolium (Briq.) A.J.Paton; perennial herb <1.3 m; swampy
grassland, wet forest, rocky bushland; AGO, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GIN, NGA,
SLE, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [3-5]. Drummond & Hemsley 4777
Plectranthus assurgens (Baker) J.K.Morton; perennial herb or subshrub ; shady
montane forest; CMR, COD, ETH, GNQ, NGA, TZA; KEN [3-6]. Obholzer 36-
180
*Plectranthus barbatus Andrews var. grandis (L.H.Cramer) Lukhoba & A.J.Paton:
woody herb or subshrub 0.4-1.2 m; several varieties, probably native range Asia
(CHN, IND, LKA, NPL, OMN, SAU, THL) and introduced to eastern Africa (BDI,
ERI, ETH, MOZ, SOM, TZA, UGA, ZAF); KEN [?]. Perdue & Kibuwa 9432
Plectranthus bojeri (Benth.) Hedge; herb; ETH, TZA, ZAF; MDG; KEN [?].
Drummond & Hemsley 4779
Plectranthus djalonensis (A.Chev.) A.J.Paton; trailing annual herb; marshy grassland;
BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, MLI, NAM, NGA,
SDN, SEN, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5]. Fischer, Malombe et al.
s.n., Fischer photo record
Plectranthus glandulosus Hook.f. = Solenostemon autrani
Plectranthus luteus Gürke = Plectranthus melleri
+Plectranthus melleri Baker; woody perennial herb or shrub <3 m; forest margins or
clearings; BDI, COD, GAB, RWA, TZA, ZMB; MDG; KEN [4, 5, 7]. Mutangah
Plectranthus cf. pubescens Baker; annual or perennial herb <90 cm; wooded grassland
on rocky soils; MOZ, MWI, TZA; KEN [3-6 ?]. Obholzer 90-210
Plectranthus sylvestris Gürke; herb or shrub <3 m; disturbed places of montane forest
especially where bamboo has died, plantation of exotics; ETH, MWI, TZA; MDG;
KEN [1-6]. Gardner in FD 2254
+Premna angolensis Gürke; Kisangula/Mungalikoro (Luhya); tree or scandent shrub
13 m; forest margins, clearings; AGO, BEN, CAF, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GIN,

190 E. Fischer et al.

GNQ, NGA, SEN, SDN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega
Forest and near Molo]. Beentje
+Pycnostachys coerulea Hook.; annual or short-lived perennial herb <1 m; swampy
places; BWA, COD, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; MDG; KEN [3, 5]. Rembold photo
record
+Pycnostachys meyeri Gürke; woody herb or shrub <2.5 m; wet montane forest,
especially along streamsides, wide variety of habitats; BDI, CMR, COD, ETH,
GIN, GNQ, NGA, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [3-7]. Mutangah
Rotheca myricoides (Hochst.) Steane & Mabb.; shrub 1-3.5 m; dry forest, grazed
bushland, grassland; tropical Arabia and Africa (AGO, BWA, COD, ETH, MOZ,
MWI, NAM, RWA, SDN, SOM, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB); KEN [1-7].
Maitai CKM7
Scutellaria paucifolia Baker = Scutellaria schweinfurthii. ssp. paucifolia
Scutellaria schweinfurthii Briq. ssp. paucifolia (Baker) A.J.Paton; tuberous perennial
herb <40 cm; short grassland; GHA, GIN, MWI, NGA, SLE, TZA, ZMB; KEN
[2, 3, 5, 7]. Hansen 911
Solenostemon autrani (Briq.) J.K.Morton; perennial herb <3 m; AGO, CMR, GNQ,
GIN; KEN [?]. Dale in F.D. 3196
Tinnea aethiopica Kotschy ex Hook.f. ssp. aethiopica; Olando-marachar (Luo); shrub
<3 m; woodland margins; BFA, BEN, CMR, ETH, MLI, MOZ, MWA, NGA,
TZA, UGA; KEN [1-7]. Mabberley & Tweedie 1085
Vitex doniana Sweet; Muholu/Omuhutu (Luhya), Jwelu/Kalemba (Luo); tree 10-20(-
25) m; grassland, forest margins, riverine thickets in dry regions; AGO, BEN,
BFA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNB, GNQ, MLI, MOZ,
MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TCD, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB; COM; KEN
[2-7]. Dale 3115
Vitex fischeri Gürke; Mufutumwe/Muhutu (Luhya), Jwelo (Luo); tree 3-15 m;
grassland, forest margins; AGO, COD, MOZ, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN
[3, 5, 6]. Lucas 131
+Vitex keniensis Turrill; tree 12-35 m; moist forest; cultivated in TZA, UGA; KEN
[4, 5?, 7?], VU. Mutangah
Lauraceae
Beilschmiedia sp.; tree or shrub. Faden 69/2030
Ocotea argylei Robyns = Ocotea kenyensis
Ocotea kenyensis (Chiov.) Robyns & R.Wilczek; tree 10-21(-30) m; moist forest;
COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; KEN [1, 3-5, 7];
VU. Althof s.n.
*Persea americana Mill.; tree 3-20 m; native range Central America, cultivated
pantropical. Kokwaro 3774
Lentibulariaceae
+Utricularia arenaria A.DC.; affixed annual herb, inflorescence 2-16 cm, terrestrial;
boggy grassland, damp open sandy ground, rock pavements; Asia (IND) and Africa
(AGO, BDI, BWA, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, LSO, MLI, MOZ, MWI,

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 191

NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE, SWZ, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG); KEN
[3-5, 7]. Obholzer & Fischer photo record
Liliaceae
*Lilium regale E.H.Wilson; perennial herb; native range CHN, introduced worldwide
as ornamental. Obholzer 72-162
Linderniaceae
Crepidorhopalon rupestris (Engl.) Eb.Fisch.; annual herb; ephemeral pools; BDI,
COD, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5; new record for Kakamega
Forest]. Fischer s.n.
Crepidorhopalon whytei (Skan) Eb.Fisch.; ascending annual herb <60 cm;
streamsides, wet places, disturbed marshes; AGO, COD, ETH, MOZ, RWA, SDN,
TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [3, 7]. Fischer, Malombe et al. s.n.
Lindernia diffusa (L.) Wettst.; creeping-ascending annual or perennial herb <15 cm;
damp places, marshes, roadsides; tropical America and Africa (BFA, BEN, CAF,
CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, LBR, MLI, NGA, SLE, TZA, UGA,
ZMB); KEN [3, 5]. Althof s.n.
Lindernia insularis Skan = Crepidorhopalon rupestris
Lindernia nummularifolia (D.Don) Wettst.; annual herb 3-14 cm; marshes, riversides,
crevices on granite outcrops; Asia (CHN, IND, LKA, THL) and Africa (AGO,
CMR, ETH, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, SDN, SLE, ZMB, ZWE); KEN [3, 5 (new); new
record for Kakamega Forest]. Althof s.n.
Lindernia whytei Skan = Crepidorhopalon whytei
Torenia thouarsii (Cham. & Schltdl.) Kuntze; procumbent annual herb <40 cm;
marshy grassland, moist places; South America, tropical Asia (IND, MMR) and
Africa (AGO, BDI, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GIN, LBR, MLI,
MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE;
MDG, MUS); KEN [3, 5, 7]. Fischer s.n.
Loganiaceae
+Strychnos mitis S.Moore; tree (6-)10-18(-35) m; dry or riverine forest; MWI, SDN,
SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; COM, MDG; KEN [1, 3-7]. Kifcon
+Strychnos usambarensis Gilg; Shekoye (Luhya); shrub or tree 1.5-6(-12) m
(sometimes liana <20m); dry (riverine) forest, evergreen thicket; BDI, BEN, CIV,
COD, GHA, GIN, LBR, MOZ, NGA, RWA, SLE, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB,
ZWE; MDG; KEN [4, 5 (new), 7; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Rembold
photo record
Loranthaceae
Agelanthus brunneus (Engl.) Balle & Hallé; hemiparasite, pendent shrub 1-2 m; forest,
woodland, wooded grassland, bushland; AGO, CAF, CIV, COD, GAB, GIN, GNB,
GNQ, LBR, MRT, NAM, SEN, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega
Forest and Mau Forest]. Cunningham van Someren 131
Globimetula braunii (Engl.) Danser; hemiparasite, pendent shrub <4 m; forest,
bushland; AGO, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, NGA,
SDN, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest and Malava
Forest]. Kokwaro 3780
Loranthus rufescens DC. = Phragmanthera usuiensis

192 E. Fischer et al.

Phragmanthera dschallensis (Engl.) M.G.Gilbert; Shikulakuli (Luhya); hemiparasite,
pendent shrub 0.7-2.5 m; woodland, wooded grassland; host tree usually Acacia,
occasionally Commiphora, Ziziphus; SOM, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [2-6]. Gilbert
6879
Phragmanthera usuiensis (Oliv.) M.G.Gilbert ssp. usuiensis; hemiparasite, pendent
shrub 1-2 m; montane forest and adjacent communities, extending as a pest to
gardens and orchards; AGO, BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, MOZ, MWI, SDN,
TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [2-6]. R.&D. Polhill 4859
Malpighiaceae
Flabellaria paniculata Cav.; climber <15 m; rainforest (margins), forest-thickets,
secondary growth; AGO, BDI, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GNQ, LBR,
NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega
Forest]. Verdcourt 11554
Malvaceae
Abutilon longicuspe Hochst. ex A.Rich.; perennial herb or shrub <5 m; forest margins,
scrub; Arabia (YEM) and Africa (ETH, MOZ, MWI, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB,
ZWE); KEN [1-7]. Rembold s.n.
Abutilon mauritianum (Jacq.) Medik.; semi-woody shrub or shrubby perennial herb <2
m; semi-ruderal at forest edges, roadsides, disturbed ground or riverine forest;
AGO, BDI, BEN, CIV, CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, MOZ, MWI,
NGA, SOM, SWZ, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MUS; KEN [3-6].
Obholzer 83-188
Dombeya burgessiae Gerrard ex Harv.; Mukusa (Luhya), Owich (Luo); shrub or tree
1-6m; riverine forest, wooded grassland; AGO, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SDN, SWZ,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-6]. Graham 2547
Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch.; shrub or tree 3-9 m; wooded grassland, often
on termite mounds; AGO, BWA, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, NAM, RWA, TZA,
UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-7]. Althof s.n.
Grewia similis K.Schum.; Pop-Aroya (Luo); shrub or tree <4.5(-7.5) m; forest,
(riverine) thickets, bushed grassland; BDI, COD, ETH, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN
[1-7]. Althof XI/2002
Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav.; shrub or perennial herb <3 m; rainforest, riverine forest,
thickets, grassland; tropical Arabia and Africa (BWA, COD, ETH, NAM, RWA,
SDN, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; MDG, REU); KEN [1-7]. Drummond &
Hemsley 4795
Hibiscus cannabinus L.; annual or biennial herb <2(-3.5) m; AGO, BDI, BWA, CAF,
CMR, COD, ETH, GHA, MLI, NAM; NGA, RWA, SDN, SOM, SWZ, TCD,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; cultivated and naturalized in tropical and
subtropical regions; KEN [1-7]. Althof X/2001
Hibiscus fuscus Garcke; shrub <3 m; grassland; BDI, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, RWA,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3-6]. Obholzer 63-138
+Kosteletzkya adoensis (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Mast.; perennial herb or shrub <2 m;
forest margins or clearings, bush, grassland; tropical Arabia and Africa (AGO,
BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, MWI, NGA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; MDG);
KEN [2-6]. Kokwaro

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 193

+Pavonia cf. grewioides Hochst. ex Boiss.; perennial herb or subshrub <45 cm;
bushland or Combretum woodland; Asia? (PAK?) and Africa (ETH, GIN, SOM);
KEN [1, 4, 5(new), 6, 7]. Rembold photo record
Pavonia propinqua Garcke = Pavonia grewioides
Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich.; perennial herb or subshrub <1.2 m; AGO,
CMR, ETH, MOZ, TZA, UGA; KEN [ ?]. Verdcourt 1638
Pavonia urens Cav. var. urens; shrub <3 m; forest margins, (riverine) woodland,
secondary bushland; BDI, CMR, ETH, GNQ, MWI, MOZ, RWA, TZA, UGA,
ZMB, ZWE; MDG, REU; KEN [1-7]. Burney et al. K1
Sida alba L.; annual or perennial herb 30-75 cm; disturbed places in (wooded)
grassland; tropical America and Africa (AGO, BEN, BDI, BFA, DJI, ETH, GIN,
GNQ, MOZ, MWI, NAM, NER, NGA, SEN, SOM, TZA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; CPV,
MDG, MUS); KEN [3-6]. Obholzer 20-49
+Sida cordifolia L. ssp. maculata (Cav.) Marais; perennial (or perhaps sometimes
annual) woody herb 0.5-1 m; waste sandy places, weed of cultivation; pantropical-
subtropical; KEN [2-7]. Mutangah
Sida rhombifolia L.; annual or perennial herb or shrublet <1.5 m; disturbed open
places, usually near settlements; pantropical; KEN [1-7]. Faden & Faden 77/867
Sida tenuicarpa Vollesen; small shrub <50 cm; open disturbed areas; TZA, UGA;
KEN [3-6]. Kokwaro 3112
+Triumfetta brachyceras K.Schum.; shrub (1-)2-4 m; forest margins, along roadsides;
BDI, COD, ETH, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [1, 3-6]. Rembold photo record
Triumfetta macrophylla K.Schum. = Triumfetta brachyceras
Triumfetta pentandra A.Rich.; annual herb 5-150 cm; dry disturbed areas; pantropical;
KEN [1, 2, 4, 5]. Althof s.n.
Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq.; annual herb or perennial subshrub 15-200 cm; ruderal,
weed of cultivation; pantropical; KEN [1-7]. Bridson 29
Triumfetta ruwenzoriensis Sprague = Triumfetta brachyceras
Triumfetta tomentosa Bojer; Shintanda-Ngo (Luhya), Ang’orno (Luo); shrub (0.5-)1-3
m; forest clearings, old fields, often secondary vegetation; pantropical; KEN [1, 3-
7]. Williams 278
Urena lobata L. var. lobata; woody herb or shrub <3 m; disturbed ground, cultivation;
pantropical; KEN [4-7]. Paulo 526
Melastomataceae
Antherotoma naudinii Hook.f.; annual (rarely biennial) herb (2.5-)4-35 cm; short
grassland, forest margins, shallow soils, rock crevices, pavements, often by lakes,
rivers, ditches; AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CMR, ETH, GIN, MOZ, MWI, SWZ,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, MDG; KEN [2?, 3, 5]. Drummond &
Hemsley 4758
Antherotoma senegambiensis (Guill. & Perr.) Jacq.-Fél. var. alpestris (Taub.);
disturbed grasslands, pathsides; BEN, BFA, CAF, GNB, MWI, NER, RWA, SDN,
SEN, TZA, UGA; KEN [2-6]. Obholzer 22-54
Dissotis alpestris Taub. = Antherotoma senegambiensis var. alpestris
Dissotis brazzae Cogn.; perennial herb 0.6-1.5 m; forest margins, valley grassland,
deciduous bushland; AGO, BDI, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GIN, LBR, RWA,
SDN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [3, 5; restricted to Kakamega Forest
and Kaimosi]. Drummond & Hemsley 4780

194 E. Fischer et al.

Dissotis canescens (E.Mey. ex Graham) Hook.f.; woody herb 0.5-1.2(-1.8) m; burnt or
swampy grassland, margins of swamp forest; AGO, CAF, CMR, COD, ETH,
MOZ, MWI, NGA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5]. Fischer s.n.
Dissotis cryptantha Baker f.; shrub <2 m; grassland; MOZ, MWI, TZA, ZMB; KEN
[5 (new); new record for Kenya]. Obholzer 78-178
Dissotis senegambiensis (Guill. & Perr.) Triana = Antherotoma senegambiensis
Dissotis speciosa Taub.; woody herb 0.5-2.5 m; valley grassland, swampy places;
COD, MWI, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [2, 3, 5, 6]. Hooper & Townsend 1491
Tristemma mauritianum J.F.Gmel.; shrubby herb <2 m; marshy clearings in rainforest,
swampy riverine forest; AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR, ETH, GAB, GHA, GNQ, MOZ,
MWI, SEN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; COM, MDG, MUS, REU; KEN [5, 7]. Althof s.n.,
M.D.Graham in A.D.62
Meliaceae
+Ekebergia capensis Sparrm.; Tido (Luo); tree 7.5-30 m; (riverine) moist forest
(margins); AGO, BDI, BEN, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GHA,
GIN,GMB, GNB, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NAM, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SWZ, TGO,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-7]. Rembold photo record
Entandrophragma angolense (Welw. ex C.DC.) C.DC.; tree <60 m, bole broadly
buttressed; forest; AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, GAB, GHA, GIN, LBR,
NGA, SDN, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest, extinct in
the wild, only one specimen at Rondo area]; VU. Faden 70/45
+Khaya anthotheca (Welw.) C.DC.; tree <55 m; forest; AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR,
COD, COG, GHA, GNB, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE;
KEN [timber plantations; Malava]. Rembold photo record
Lepidotrichilia volkensii (Gürke) J.-F.Leroy; Mundara/Muthigitha (Kikuyu), Luburiko
/Lusarari (Luhya); tree (or shrub) 3-20m; forest margins; BDI, COD, ETH, MWI,
SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [1, 3-7]. Hansen, 898
Trichilia dregeana Sond.; Musiema (Luhya); tree 15-20(-40) m, bole slightly
buttressed; moist or riverine forest; AGO, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GIN, MOZ,
MWI, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [4, 5]. Perdue & Kibuwa 9452
Trichilia emetica Vahl; Munyama/Musinzi/Irojo (Luhya), Ochond-Athuth/ Ochond-
Rateng’ (Luo); tree 6-20(-25) m; riverine forest and woodland, lake-shore thicket;
tropical Arabia (YEM) and Africa (AGO, BDI, BEN, BFA, BWA, CAF, CIV,
CMR, COD, ETH, GHA, GIN, GNB, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NAM, NGA, RWA,
SDN, SEN, SOM, SWZ, TCD, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE); KEN [1-7].
Kamau et al. 239
Trichilia strigulosa Welw. ex C.DC. = Trichilia dregeana
Turraea abyssinica Hochst. ex A.Rich.; shrub or tree 2-12 m; riverine, dry forest;
ETH, TZA; KEN [1-4, 5 (new), 6; new record for Kakamega Forest]. Althof 3.
XI/2002
+Turraea floribunda Hochst.; shrub or tree 3-6 m; moist forest; COD, MOZ, MWI,
SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZWE; KEN [7]. Kifcon
Turraea holstii Gürke; Lumenzani/Shirietso (Luhya); shrub or tree 2.5-12(-15) m;
(montane) forest; tropical Arabia and Africa (COD, ETH, MWI, SDN, SOM, TZA,
UGA); KEN [2-7]. Verdcourt 1670

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 195

+Turraea robusta Gürke; shrub or tree (1-)2-8(-16) m; wooded grassland, riverine
(secondary) forest (margins), thickets, on termite mounds; COD, MWI, TZA,
UGA, ZMB; KEN [4-7]. Rembold photo record
+Turraea vogelioides Bagshawe & Baker f.; shrub <3 m; forest margins; RWA, TZA,
UGA; KEN [5 (new); new record for Kenya]. Rembold photo record
Melianthaceae
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. ssp. paullinioides (Planch.) Verdc.; Shirikamabinga/
Shiviambinga-Mekundi (Luhya); tree <15 m; (montane) forest; tropical West
Africa (CIV, CMR, GIN, LBR, NGA); KEN [2, 3, 5]. Perdue & Kibuwa 9495
Menispermaceae
+Cissampelos mucronata A.Rich.; perennial climber with annual twining lianes <4-5
m; swamps; AGO, BEN, BDI, BFA, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB,
GHA, GIN, GMB, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NAM, NER, NGA, RWA, SEN, SWZ,
TCD, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5, 6]. Obholzer photo record
Stephania abyssinica (Quart.-Dill. & A.Rich.) Walp.; liana 2-3 m, woody at base;
forest margins, riverine forest, bamboo and Hagenia zone; tropical Arabia and
Africa (AGO, BDI, BEN, BWA, CMR, COD, ETH, GIN, GNQ, MWI, NGA,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB); KEN [1-6]. Hollis B2812
+Stephania cyanantha Welw. ex Hiern; succulent climber or liana <15 m; forest or
secondary bushland; AGO, CMR, COD, ETH, GNQ, TZA; KEN [3, 5, 6].
Rembold photo record
Tiliacora funifera (Miers) Oliv.; Liwongo (Luhya); liana <20 m; rainforest, riverine
forest, moist shady places in woodland; AGO, BEN, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH,
GAB, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN
[1, 4-7]. Drummond & Hemsley 4774
Tiliacora kenyensis Troupin; liana <20 m; upland rainforest; endemic to KEN [5,
endemic to Kakamega Forest]. Drummond & Hemsley 4783
+Tinospora caffra (Miers) Troupin; herbaceous climber or woody liana; woodland,
bushland, on rocky sites; AGO, BWA, CAF, COD, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB; KEN [1, 3-5, 7]. Rembold photo record
Moraceae
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch.; Mulundu (Luhya), Olua/Madhako (Luo); tree <45 m, bole
buttressed; moist forest; tropical Asia (CHN, IND, IDN, LKA, MYS, PHL, THL,
VNM) and Africa (AGO, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GMB, MLI,
NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB; MDG); KEN [5, 7]. Hansen 895
Bosqueia phoberos Baill. = Trilepisium madagascariense
Dorstenia brownii Rendle; ascending perennial herb; forest floor; COD, ETH, SDN,
TZA, UGA; KEN [3-5, 7]. Gilbert 6853
+Dorstenia hildebrandtii Engl.; perennial herb <70 cm, epiphytic or lithophytic;
shaded riverine forest; BDI, COD, MOZ, RWA, TZA, UGA; KEN [3-6]. Rembold
photo record
Ficus amadiensis De Wild.; Bonyo (Luo); tree 4-15 m; wooded or clumped bush
grassland; CMR, COD, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA; KEN [3, 5, 6]. Bally 2692

196 E. Fischer et al.

Ficus asperifolia Miq.; Luseno (Luhya); shrub 1.5-6 m; forest margins and thickets;
BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, GAB, GHA, GNQ, LBR, MLI, NGA, SEN,
SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5]. Kokwaro 3117
Ficus bubu Warb.; tree <20 m; forest or riverine forest; CMR, COD, GAB, MWI,
TGO, TZA; KEN [5, 7]. Faden et al. 70/41
Ficus capensis Thunb. = Ficus sur
Ficus cyathistipula Warb.; tree 12-15 m, occasionally epiphytic; (riverine) forest
(margins); AGO, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GNQ, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB;
KEN [3-5]. Perdue & Kibuwa 9453
Ficus exasperata Vahl; Museno (Luhya); tree 4-27 m; wet forest (margins) or
limestone outcrops; tropical Arabia and Africa (AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV,
CMR, COD, COG, DJI, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, SEN,
TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE); KEN [4, 5, 7]. Lucas 146
Ficus kitubalu Hutch. = Ficus amadiensis
Ficus lutea Vahl; tree <16(36?) m, evergreen, occasionally epiphytic, aerial roots,
bark grey-brown; riverine forest or woodland, occasionally on rocks; AGO, BEN,
CAF, CIV, CMR, ETH, GAB, GHA, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, SEN, SLE, SWZ,
TGO, TZA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, CPV, MDG, SYC; KEN [4-7]. Gathii 153
Ficus mallotocarpa Warb. = Ficus sur
Ficus natalensis Hochst.; tree 5-30 m, evergreen, often epiphytic; riverine and
groundwater forest; AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SEN, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN
[1, 3-7 ]. Althof s.n.
Ficus ovata Vahl; Omododo (Luhya), Bongu (Luo); tree 3.5-15 m, occasionally
epiphytic; escarpment Acacia-Terminalia wooded grassland, swamp forest
margins, dambos (swamps), lake shores; AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR,
COD, GAB, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN, SLE, TGO, UGA, ZMB; KEN
[3, 5, 6]. Perdue & Kibuwa 9488
+Ficus sansibarica Warb. ssp. macrosperma Mildbr. & Burret C.C. Berg; tree 9-20 m,
sometimes epiphytic; riverine forest; AGO, UGA, ZMB; KEN [5, 7]. Rembold
photo record
Ficus saussureana DC.; tree <20 m, occasionally epiphytic; forest; CMR, COD, COG,
GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, SDN, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to
Kakamega Forest]. Gilbert 6863
Ficus storthophylla Warb. = Ficus asperifolia
Ficus sur Forssk.; Musingu (Luhya), Ngowo matundo (Luo); tree 4.5-25 m,
occasionally epiphytic, buttressed; riverine forest and bush, groundwater forest;
tropical Arabia and Africa (AGO, BFA, BEN, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD,
ETH, GAB, GHA, GNB, GNQ, LBR, NGA, SEN, SWZ, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB; CPV); KEN [1, 3-7]. Dale 3405
Ficus thonningii Blume; Pocho (Luo); tree 6-21 m, occasionally epiphytic; riverine
forest, on rocky sites, bushland or grassland, often left after clearing (forest relict?);
AGO, BEN, BDI, BFA, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ERI, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GIN, GNB, GNQ, LBR, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NAM, NER, NGA, SEN, SLE, SWZ,
TGO, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, CPV; KEN [1-7]. Althof s.n.
Ficus urceolaris Welw. ex Hiern = Ficus asperifolia
Ficus vallis-choudae Delile; Msingo (Luhya), Ng’ou (Luo); tree 6-20 m, occasionally
buttresses; riverine forest; BFA, BEN, CIV, CMR, ETH, GHA, GIN, MLI, MOZ,

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 197

MWI, NGA, SDN, SEN, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-7]. Perdue &
Kibuwa 9470
+Ficus verruculosa Warb.; Mukavakava (Luhya); shrub or tree <5(-12) m; riverine
vegetation, grassland near water, swamp forest margins; AGO, BDI, BEN, BWA,
CMR, COD, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NAM, NGA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; KEN [3,
5 (new); new record for Kakamega Forest]. Rembold photo record
+Ficus wakefieldii Hutch.; tree <25 m; riverine forest, lake shores, on termite mounds
in rocky places; COD, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [1-7]. Kifcon
+Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C.Berg; Murumba (Luhya), Olua (Luo); tree <30(50) m;
moist forest, wooded grassland; AGO, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH,
GAB, GHA, GNB, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZWE; KEN
[4, 5, 7]; LR/nt. Kifcon / Kokwaro/Mutangah
Morus lactea (Sim) Mildbr. = Morus mesozygia
Morus mesozygia Stapf; Munuku (Luhya); tree <24 m; moist forest; AGO, CAF, CIV,
CMR, ETH, GHA, MOZ, SEN, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; KEN [5, 7?]. Cole 90
Trilepisium madagascariense Thouars ex DC.; Mballakaya (Luhya); tree 10-25
(-35) m; moist forest; AGO, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GIN, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF; MDG, SYC; KEN [3-
5, 7]. Friis & Hansen 2592
Musaceae
Ensete edule Horan. = Ensete ventricosum
+Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman; giant perennial herb <4 m, pseudostem of
old leafbases; moist forests; AGO, BDI, CMR, ETH, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SDN,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [1, 3-7]. Althof photo record
Myrsinaceae
Anagallis pumila Sw.; annual herb 2-10(-25) cm; in shallow (waterlogged) grassland,
seasonal swamp; pantropical; KEN [3-6]. Malombe et al. 1292
Ardisiandra sibthorpioides Hook.f.; creeping perennial herb; dry forest, bushland
clearings; CMR, COD, ETH, GNQ, MWI, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [3-5]. Faden
69/2090
Ardisiandra wettsteinii R.Wagner; creeping perennial herb; deep shade on humus–rich
substrates, in evergreen forest to subalpine bushland; BDI, COD, MWI, MOZ,
RWA, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3-5, 7]. Bally 13691
Embelia schimperi Vatke; scandent shrub or climber <12 m; upland evergreen forest
(margins); AGO, BDI, CMR, COD, ETH, MWI, NAM, NGA, RWA, SDN, SLE,
TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3-6]. Carroll 16
Lysimachia ruhmeriana Vatke; perennial herb <1 m; wet upland grassland; tropical
Arabia and Africa (BDI, CMR, ERI, ETH, TZA, UGA, ZAF; MDG); KEN [3-6].
Obholzer 58-124
Maesa lanceolata Forssk.; Lisebesebe/Mushebeshebe (Luhya), Kalatera/Sangla-Rau
(Luo); tree or shrub 1.2-24 m; secondary and riverine forest, thickets, forest
margins, bushland, termite mounds; Arabia (YEM) and Africa (AGO, BDI, CIV,
CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GIN, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN, SWZ, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG); KEN [1-7]. Kokwaro 4279
Rapanea melanophloeos (L.) Mez; evergreen tree or shrub 1.8-4.5(-20) m; upland
forest, riverine or swamp forest, open woodland, grassland, thickets near streams;

198 E. Fischer et al.

AGO, BDI, CMR, ETH, MWI, NGA, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF; COM, MDG; KEN
[2-7]. Althof s.n.
Myrtaceae
*Eucalyptus saligna Sm.; tree <55 m; common plantation timber; native range AUS,
introduced to Old and New World tropics. Althof s.n.
*Psidium guajava L.; tree <12 m; plantations, secondary forest; native range tropical
America, cultivated throughout the tropics. Althof s.n.
+*Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels; tree 6-25 m; riverine or wooded grassland; native
range Asia (CHN, IND, LKA, MYS), cultivated throughout tropics, introduced for
edible fruits; KEN [4, 7]. Kifcon
Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. ssp. guineense; Kumusemwa/Lemaiwet (Luhya);
tree, shrub or pyrophytic subshrub 0.2-30m; riverine or wooded grassland; tropical
Arabia and Africa (BEN, BFA, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GHA,
GIN, GNB, GNQ, LBR, MLI, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SOM, TGO,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE); KEN [1-7]. Perdue & Kibuwa s.n.
Nyctaginaceae
*Pisonia aculeata L.; liana <30 m; probably introduced from tropical America;
widespread in Old and New World tropics; KEN [4, 5, 7]. Faden et al. 70/19
Ochnaceae
Gomphia densiflora (De Wild. & T.Durand) Verdc.; shrub or tree (1-)2-5(-12) m;
forest; CAF, CMR, COD, GAB, GNQ, NGA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [5,
restricted to Kakamega Forest]. Carroll H62/44
Gomphia likimiensis (De Wild.) Verdc.; shrub or tree 1.2-4.5(-12) m; in swamp
forests; COD, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest near Yala
River]. Dale in FD 3244
+Ochna holstii Engl.; tree 4.5-24 m; dry forest (remnants), mist forest; BDI, COD,
ETH, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1-7]. Kifcon
Ochna insculpta Sleumer; shrub or tree 1-9 m; dry forest, less common in wet or
riverine forest; ETH, TZA, UGA; KEN [1-7]. Kokwaro 3106
Ouratea densiflora De Wild. & T.Durand = Gomphia densiflora
Ouratea hiernii sensu Beentje K.T.S.L.: 124 (1994), non (Tiegh.) Exell = Gomphia
likimiensis
Olacaceae
Strombosia scheffleri Engl.; tree <30 m; sometimes dominant in moist forest; AGO,
BDI, CMR, COD, GAB, GNQ, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN
[1, 4, 5, 7]. Perdue & Kibuwa 9447
Oleaceae
Chionanthus mildbraedii (Gilg & Schellenb.) Stearn; scandent evergreen shrub or tree
2.5-12 m; wet upland forest; CMR, ETH, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, Kakamega
Forest and SW Mau]. Faden et al. 70/27
Jasminum abyssinicum Hochst. ex DC.; climber 1.8-7.5 m; upland dry or wet
evergreen forest margins, bushland or riverine forest; BDI, CMR, COD, ETH,
MOZ, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [1, 3-6]. Carroll 2

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 199

Jasminum eminii Gilg = Jasminum schimperi
+Jasminum fluminense Vell.; Seke (Luo); climber or scrambling shrub <6 m;
evergreen or deciduous bushland, thickets, forest margins, secondary vegetation;
Arabia (YEM, SAU) and Africa (AGO, BWA, EGY, ERI, ETH, MOZ, MWI,
NAM, NGA, SDN, SLE, SOM, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MUS,
SYC); KEN [1-7]. Rembold photo record
+Jasminum pauciflorum Benth.; climber 4.5-6 m; primary or swamp forest, thickets;
AGO, BFA, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GHA, GNB, LBR, NGA,
SDN, SLE, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [5, restricted to Kakamega Forest].
Kifcon
Jasminum schimperi Vatke; Oseke (Luo); climber 1-3 m; rainforest, wooded
grassland, rocky ground, roadside, thickets; BDI, ETH, SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN
[1, 4-7]. Mwangangi & Gliniars 1
Olea capensis L.; Mutukuyu/Omutukuyu (Luhya); tree 3-24(-40) m; evergreen mixed
forest; AGO, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3-5].
Verdcourt 1714
Olea mildbraedii (Gilg & Schellenb) Knobl. = Chionanthus mildbraedii
Olea welwitschii (Knobl.) Gilg & Schellenb. = Olea capensis
Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw.; Ochol (Luo); tree or shrub 4-24 m; bushland, forest;
AGO, BDI, COD, ETH, MOZ, MWI, RWA, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE;
KEN [1, 3-7]. Althof s.n.
Schrebera arborea Chev.; tree 18-35 m; forest; BEN, CIV, COD, GIN, GNB, NGA,
SDN, SEN, UGA; KEN [5]. Gathua 1
Onagraceae
Jussiaea abyssinica (A.Rich.) Dandy & Brenan = Ludwigia abyssinica
Ludwigia abyssinica A.Rich.; perennial herb or shrub <3 m; swampy ground by
ditches, rivers, lakes; AGO, BDI, BEN, BWA, CAF,CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GIN,
LBR, MOZ, MWI, NAM, NGA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE;
MDG; KEN [3-5]. Bridson 1
Orchidaceae
All orchid species are protected by CITES and listed on Appendix II.
+Aerangis kotschyana (Rchb.f.) Schltr.; perennial herb, epiphytic, short stem with a
fan of 3-20 leaves 6-20 cm long; light shade in canopy, on branches or trunks;
humid savannas, forests; CAF, GAB, GIN, MOZ, MWI, NGA, RWA, SLE, TZA,
UGA, ZMB; KEN [5, 7]; Kokwaro
Aerangis luteo-alba (Kraenzl.) Schltr. var. rhodosticta (Kraenzl.) J.L.Stewart;
perennial herb, epiphytic, almost stemless with a fan of 2-8(-12) leaves <15 cm
long; usually attached to shrubs rarely on tree trunks, near water, moist shady
localities; from GNQ to CMR, COD, ETH, AGO, TZA; KEN [4-6]. Lucas 112
Aerangis rhodosticta (Kraenzl.) Schltr. = Aerangis luteo-alba var. rhodosticta
Aerangis ugandensis Summerh.; perennial herb, epiphytic, woody stem <20 cm,
leaves 4-12, 5-15 cm long; dense shade near water on trunks; COD, UGA; KEN [3-
5]. Carroll in Moreau 660
Angraecopsis amaniensis Summerh.; dwarf perennial herb, epiphytic, almost stemless,
roots numerous, leaves 1-3(-4), 1-3 cm long; shady moisture forests on trunks;
MOZ, MWI, TZA, ZWE, ZMB; KEN [3-5]. Tweedie 603; Piers 113 (K)

200 E. Fischer et al.

Angraecopsis gracillima (Rolfe) Summerh.; perennial herb, epiphytic, short stem,
leaves 2-10, 6-15 cm long; canopy and trunks; CMR, COD, UGA, ZMB; KEN
[2, 3, 5]. Tweedie 590 (K)
Angraecum firthii Summerh.; perennial herb, epiphytic, stem 10-30 cm, leaves 8-12
cm long; CMR, GNQ; KEN [5]. Firth s.n.
Angraecum humile Summerh.; dwarf perennial herb, epiphytic, stem 1-4, leaves 5-7
(-11) mm long; on mossy twigs near streams; ETH, RWA, TZA, ZWE; KEN [3-
5, 7]. Carroll in Moreau 413
+Angraecum infundibulare Lindl.; perennial herb, epiphytic, stem <100 cm, leaves in
2 rows 10-20 cm long; CAF, CMR, COD, NGA, RWA, UGA; KEN [5; restricted
along Yala River]. Althof photo record
Angraecum sacciferum Lindl.; dwarf perennial herb, epiphytic or lithophytic, stem <5
cm or absent, leaves 1-6cm long; shady forests; CMR, COD, MOZ, MWI, TZA,
UGA, ZAF, ZWE; KEN [3-7]. Carroll 132
Ansellia africana Lindl.; perennial herb 50-120 cm, epiphytic, rarely terrestrial or
lithophytic, 8-10 leaves 15-40cm long; light shade or sunny; AGO, BEN, BWA,
CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, GAB, GHA, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NAM,
NGA, RWA, SLE, SWZ, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [2-7]. Board in
Verdcourt 1685
Ansellia gigantea Rchb.f. var. nilotica (Baker) Summerh. = Ansellia africana
Bolusiella imbricata (Rolfe) Schltr. = Bolusiella maudiae
Bolusiella iridifolia (Rolfe) Schltr.; dwarf perennial herb, epiphytic, almost stemless,
slender roots, a fan of 4-6 V-shaped leaves 2-5 cm long; on twigs and small moss-
or lichen-covered branches in cooler position; AGO, CAF, CMR, COD, ETH,
GAB, GHA, GNQ, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; COM; KEN [3-7]. Bytebier
689
Bolusiella maudiae (Bolus) Schltr.; dwarf perennial herb, epiphytic, almost stemless,
slender roots, a fan of 4-8 leaves 1-3.5 cm long; on twigs and small branches in
warm and humid forests; CIV, GHA, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; KEN
[3, 5, 6]. Maas Geesteranus 6263
Brachycorythis buchananii (Schltr.) Rolfe; perennial herb, terrestrial 20-50 cm, leaves
<4 cm long; grasslands and swamps; AGO, CAF, CMR, COD, ETH, GIN, MWI,
NGA, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5; restricted to near Kakamega]. Tweedie
99 (614)
Brachycorythis kalbreyeri Rchb.f.; perennial herb, epiphytic or rarely terrestrial, 15-40
cm, leaves <15 cm long; on mossy tree-trunks and decomposing logs in riverine
forests; CMR, GIN, LBR, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5]. O’Bell s.n.
Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. ssp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh.; perennial herb,
terrestrial 40-100 cm long, leaves <8cm; grasslands; AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR,
COD, ETH, MWI, NGA, SDN, SEN, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [2, 3, 5].
Tweedie 608 (K)
Brachycorythis tenuior Rchb.f.; perennial herb, terrestrial <55 cm, leaves <5.5 cm
long; grassy swamps and cleared woodland; AGO, CAF, CMR, COD, GAB, GIN,
MWI, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [4, 5; recorded from Kakamega
and Machakos]. Tweedie 100
Bulbophyllum bequaertii De Wild.; perennial herb, epiphytic, pseudobulbs 4.5-11 cm,
linear leaves 12-20cm long; shady forests; CMR, COD, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5].
Verdcourt 1705

Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Kakamega Forest 201

Bulbophyllum cochleatum Lindl.; perennial herb, epiphytic, pseudobulbs 2.5-3.5 cm,
leaves 8-12cm long; shady forests; AGO, CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GIN, GNQ,
LBR, MWI, NGA, RWA, SLE, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [3, 5]. Carroll in
Moreau 663
+Bulbophyllum distans Lindl.; perennial herb, epiphytic, pseudobulbs 3.5-6 cm, leaves
9-12cm long; CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, LBR, NGA, UGA; KEN [5; restricted to
Kakamega Forest]. Althof photo record
Bulbophyllum encephalodes Summerh.; perennial herb, epiphytic, pseudobulbs 2-2.8
cm, leaves 7-12 cm long; BDI, CMR, COD, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN
[3, 5; restricted near Kakamega, Kericho, Kaimosi]. Verdcourt 1711
+Bulbophyllum falcatum (Lindl.) Rchb.f.; perennial herb, epiphytic, pseudobulbs 2-5
cm, leaves 6-12cm long; CIV, CMR, COD, GAB, GIN, GNQ, LBR, NGA, SLE,
UGA; KEN [3, 5, 7, near Yala River]. Althof photo record
Bulbophyllum intertextum Lindl.; dwarf perennial herb, epiphytic, pseudobulbs 3-
10mm, leaves 1-5 cm long; AGO, CIV, CMR, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ,
LBR, NGA, SLE, TZA, ZMB, ZWE; SYC; KEN [3, 5, 7]. Carroll in Moreau 675
+Bulbophyllum josephi (Kuntze) Summerh.; perennial herb, epiphytic, pseudobulbs
1.5-3 cm, leaves 8-16 cm long; CMR, GIN, ETH, SLE, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [5, 7].
(Kokwaro)
Bulbophyllum mahonii Rolfe = Bulbophyllum josephi
Bulbophyllum schlechteri De Wild. = Bulbophyllum josephi
Calanthe sylvatica (Thouars) Lindl.; robust perennial herb <65 cm, terrestrial,
pseudobulbs 2-5 cm, leaves 15-45 cm long; forest floor, usually near rivers; Asia
(CHN, IND, LKA, IDN, MYS) and Africa (COD, CMR, GAB, GIN, GNQ, MWI,
RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; COM, MDG, REU; KEN [2-6]. Mutangah
et al. K 32
Chamaeangis odoratissima (Rchb.f.) Schltr.; perennial herb, pendent epiphytic, stem
20-45 cm, leaves 10-24 cm long; on large trees; AGO, CAF, CIV, CMR, GAB,
LBR, MWI, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [3, 5]. Carroll in Tweedie 16
Cribbia brachyceras (Summerh.) Senghas; perennial herb, epiphytic, rarely
lithophytic, stem upright <20 cm, leaves 8-13 cm long; near rivers on mossy trunks
or rocks; CMR, COD, GIN, SLE, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [5]. Carroll in Moreau
792
Cyrtorchis arcuata (Lindl.) Schltr.; perennial herb, epiphytic or lithophytic, stems <30
cm, leaves 12-22 cm long; on trees or rocks in open forest and bush; BDI, BEN,
CAF, CIV, CMR, ETH, GAB, GHA, GIN, GNQ, LBR, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SEN,
SWZ, TZA, ZAF; KEN [1-7]. Bridson 19 ; Williams & Piers 609
Cyrtorchis brownii (Rolfe) Schltr.; perennial herb, epiphytic stem upright <20 cm,
leaves 6-12 cm long; CAF, CIV, COD, GAB, GNQ, SLE, TZA, UGA; KEN [5, 7,
riverside forests of Teita Hills and Kakamega district]. Archer 383
Diaphananthe fragrantissima (Rchb.f.) Schltr.; perennial herb, epiphytic, stems 5-50
cm, leaves 15-40 cm long; forests or undisturbed bushland; AGO, BDI, CAF,
CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GNQ, MOZ, SDN, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; KEN
[3, 5, 7]. Glover 12162
+Diaphananthe lorifolia Summerh.; perennial herb, epiphytic, pendent stem 8-40cm,
leaves 14-25cm long; on trees at forest margins, or near rivers and swamps; ETH,
SDN, TZA, UGA; KEN [2, 3, 5, 6]. Kokwaro
Diaphananthe rutila (Rchb.f.) Summerh. = Rhipidoglossum rutilum

202 E. Fischer et al.

Diaphananthe xanthopollinia (Rchb.f.) Summerh.; perennial herb epiphytic, pendent
stem 6-45 cm, leaves 3-15cm long; riverine forest; AGO, COD, MWI, TZA, UGA,
ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5, 7]. Carroll in Tweedie 619
Disa hircicornis Rchb. f.; perennial herb 30-60(-85) cm, terrestrial; wet grassland,
swamps; AGO, CMR, COD, MOZ, MWI, NER, NGA, RWA, TZA, UGA, ZAF,
ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3, 5]. Obholzer & Fischer s.n.
+Disperis anthoceros Rchb.f.; perennial herb 8-30 cm, terrestrial; on ground litter in
evergreen and bamboo forests; BDI, COD, ETH, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SWZ,
TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB, ZWE; MDG; KEN [3, 5; new record for Kakamega
Forest]. Althof photo record
Disperis aphylla Kraenzl.; perennial herb 8-16 cm, terrestrial; on ground litter in
evergreen forest; AGO, CMR, COD, COG, TZA, UGA, ZMB; KEN [5, 7,
restricted to Kakamega Forest and Shimba Hills]; CITES App. II. Mainwaring in
Tweedie 631
Disperis reichenbachiana Rchb.f.; perennial herb 8-25 cm, terrestrial; on ground litter
and in rock crevices in grassland and bush; AGO, BDI, CAF, COD, MWI, RWA,
TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE; KEN [3-5]. Tweedie 2147
Eulophia angolensis (Rchb.f.) Summerh.; perennial herb 60-200 cm, terrestrial; in
marshes, swamps, seasonally flooded grasslands; AGO, BFA, BEN, BWA, CAF,
CIV, CMR, COD, ETH, GAB, GIN, GMB, MOZ, MWI, NGA, SDN, SLE, SWZ,
TGO, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; KEN [3-7]. Barney 3
+Eulophia calantha Schltr.; perennial herb 20-75 cm, terrestrial; in marshes, swamps,
seasonally flooded grasslands; AGO, CAF, GIN, MOZ, MWI, TZA, UGA, ZMB;
KEN [3, 5]. Kokwaro
Eulophia chlorotica Kraenzl. = Eulophia tanganyikensis
+Eulophia cucullata (Afzel. ex Sw.) Steud.; perennial herb 40-130 cm, terrestrial; in
(wooded) grassland, bushland; AGO, BFA, BDI, BEN, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD,
DJI, ETH, GAB, GHA, GNB, GMB, MLI, MOZ, NER, NGA, RWA, SEN, SLE,
TCD, TZA, UGA, ZAF, ZMB; COM, MDG; KEN [1-3, 5-7]. Kokwaro
Eulophia galeoloides Kraenzl.; perennial herb 6-100 cm, terrestrial, lacking
chlorophyll; in shade on forest floor; CMR, COD, GHA, NGA, SDN, TZA; KEN
[5, restricted to Kakamega Forest]. Tweedie 446
Eulophia grantii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. = Eulophia streptopetala
+Eulophia guineensis Lindl.; perennial herb <65 cm, terrestrial or occasionally
lithophytic; riverine forest, among shaded rocks; Arabia (OMN, YEM) and Africa
(AGO, BEN, BFA, BWA, CAF, CIV, CMR, COD, COG, CPV, ETH, GAB, GHA,
MLI, MWI, NGA, RWA, SDN, SEN, SLE, TCD, TGO, TZA, UGA, ZMB, ZWE);
KEN [3, 5; 1650-2330m]. Obholzer photo record
Eulophia horsfallii