Flore d’Afrique centralenew series

AUTHOR INSTRUCTIONS

Spermatophyta and Pteridophyta series

Version 1.1(December 2014)

Any suggestions for improvement of these instructions should be sent to:

Marc S.M. SosefBotanic Garden MeiseNieuwelaan 381860 MeiseBelgiumEmail: marc.sosef@br.fgov.be

INTRODUCTION

Please take some time to carefully read these instructions!

The series Flore d’Afrique centrale started back in 1948 as a noble effort to create an overview of all vascular plant species occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. However, by 2013, only 60% of the estimated 10,000 species occurring in that region were treated, and it was decided to try and drastically speed up the production. The present aim is to finish this Flora in 15 years, so by the year 2028.

This new ambition means the aim lies more on providing an overview of the ‘state-of-the-art’ of our taxonomic knowledge on a certain plant group, rather than to produce a revisionary study solving all taxonomic problems in that group. Logically, it is accepted when an author states the taxonomy of a specific group is still uncertain and in great need of revision, and provides a practical treatment.

Along with the paper version, an e-Flora platform will be developed. Here, one will also be able to provide updated information on previously published treatments. At present, an annotated Checklist is under development at http://floreafriquecentrale.org/. Furthermore, older volumes as well as full specimen data is available through the BR website (http://www.br.fgov.be/RESEARCH/DATABASES/FOCA and http://www.br.fgov.be/RESEARCH/COLLECTIONS/HERBARIUM).

Important notice:The Botanic Garden Meise is in the process of digitizing its herbarium specimens.

Authors are kindly requested to send their specimen data (even if incomplete) to our institute, thus avoiding duplicating the work. Data should be sent to Henry Engledow: Henry.Engledow@br.fgov.be.

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PREPARING FAMILY TREATMENTS

Family delimitationEach family treatment is being published as a separate volume; occasionally, for larger

families, a treatment is split up in several parts. When there are different opinions on the exact delimitation of a family, the author, being the expert, is asked to decide upon which view to follow. He/she is asked though, to contact the Editor about such issues in an early stage of the work.

LanguageThe Flore d’Afrique centrale will be published in French. Each treatment will be

accompanied by a brief English summary. Authors can, however, provide a manuscript in English but are kindly asked to notify the Editor well in advance in order to make arrangements for the translation.

Taxa to be treatedBesides indigenous and adventitious species occurring in D.R.Congo, Rwanda and

Burundi, only those species introduced to the region covered by this Flora but escaped in the wild afterwards should be included. One may occasionally mention (preferably in the Key) the likely occurrence of species until now known only from neighbouring countries, if there is strong suspicion for its absence being caused by a lack of collecting.

Herbarium specimensSpecimens to be studied are at least those at BR. One should, however, be aware of the

fact that also BRLU, GENT, LG and various herbaria in the region itself (notably YBI et IUK in D.R.Congo, NHR in Rwanda and BJA in Burundi) hold additional material.

Taxonomic noveltiesIt is not recommended to publish taxonomic novelties (nor a lectotypification, etc.) in

the Flore d’Afrique centrale, but to do so in a separate publication. However, when this seriously delays the production of a specific manuscript, such novelties are accepted in the Flore d’Afrique centrale as well.

Technical detailsManuscripts should be provided in Word format and send to the Editor (see first page

for full address). Line drawings should be in .tiff format (.jpg will be accepted but is not preferred) with a resolution of at least 600 dpi (1200 dpi being preferred). Occasionally, colour photographs can be printed along with the treatment; please contact the Editor to discuss the details.

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Cover photoIn the new series of Flore d’Afrique central, we aim to produce a relevant colour photo

on the cover (either a noticeable species, or a vegetation characteristic for the family). The author is kindly requested to suggest such a photo.

Publication rightsBy sending in a manuscript to be published in the Flore d’Afrique central series, the

author specifically grants the Botanic Garden Meise permission to use its content also in an electronic form on the web. The Botanic Garden Meise guarantees that each site will provide full credits to the original author.

COMPOSITION AND LAY-OUT

GENERALITIES

Taxon descriptionsDescriptions of families and genera should, preferably, not exceed 150 words, those of

species should not exceed 200 words. Characters of particular diagnostic importance should be marked in bold. Only when describing the leaves, inflorescences, flowers, fruits and seeds, one should start a new sentence (use ; to separate elements within these), and the first word of each sentence (Leaf, Flower, etc.) should be in italics.

The description should relate to the taxon as it occurs within the larger Central African region (roughly between Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Uganda and Zambia). Peculiarities from beyond that region can, but need not, be mentioned. If one does, then preferably between brackets in the text (for example “Leaves opposite (occasionally alternate in Asia)”).

The description of elements should be along the following sequence: number, position, shape, dimensions, texture, colour, indumentum. For shapes, please use the standard terminology provided by the Systematic Association Committee for Descriptive Biological Terminology (1962, Taxon 11: 145–156).

SynonymsIn general, only those synonyms (of accepted family, genus, species, etc. names) that

have been in use within the broader Central African region after ± 1950 should be included. It is allowed to cite older synonyms, when these names are synonymized here for the first time (in that case, please add “syn. nov.” behind that name) or when the type specimen originates from the area covered by this Flora.

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Author abbreviationsAuthors behind taxon names are abbreviated according to the standards of Brummitt &

Powell (1994, Authors of plant names), also available through the IPNI website (see http://www.ipni.org).

ReferencesAll references to publications, be it in running text or referring to a protologue after a

taxon name, should be of the following format: Geerick (2009), Geerinck (2006, 2009), Webb & Rix (1972: 15), Kron & al. (2002).

Multiple references should be cited in alphabetical order.

KeysAll identification keys are dichotomous and should strictly follow the format as

provided in the sample paper. Please use a 0.75 and 1.25 cm left tab and a 16 cm right tab with a leader of dots.

Since the keys are the core of any Flora, we specifically ask authors to make sure they assist, as much as possible, the unexperienced user to arrive at the correct identification. This means there should be a strong preference for easily observed characters, when necessary accompanied by a brief explanatory note. Also, key ‘routes’ should be kept as short as possible by preferably using characters which split the remainder of taxa into two more or less equal groups. When material normally has either flowers or fruits, vegetative characters should be added wherever a floral or fruit character is asked, or the author should provide two keys, one to flowering and one to fruiting material. The more easily observed characters, or those that provide particular differences between the two leads in the key, should be given first.

Taxa are preferably numbered in the sequence in which they key out, and are later on treated in that sequence (unless that leads to a strikingly unnatural order of taxa).

IllustrationsAll black/white illustrations / line drawings should be of high quality. The various

elements should be indicated by A, B, C, etc. For technical details see above. Each genus should be accompanied by at least one line drawing (even when it contains

a single species). A genus containing 10-19 species should have a minimum of 2 line drawings, one containing 20-29 species at least 3, etc. However, authors are encouraged to add as many drawings as possible, since good illustrations provide a great help in correctly identifying plants.

When an author suggests using illustrations already published elsewhere, he/she should additionally provide a list containing taxon name, reference+page number, original figure number, artist name, copy right holder. The Editor will then make an effort to obtain the rights to re-use such illustrations.

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SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

AffiliationAuthors are asked to provide the full name and address of their institute, or institutes.

SummaryA brief summary (max. 150 words) in English, giving some general remarks on the

family and its specific importance, the number of genera and species treated, and a general description of the work (see sample paper), should be provided.

Family treatmentThe family name, along with its author and year of publication should be provided.

When the name is conserved (nom. cons.) this should be indicated behind the name.Synonymous (or alternative) family names should be provided, along with their author

name.The family characteristics should be described (preferably not more than 150 words).

The description should include all basic elements (plant habit, leaves, inflorescence, flowers, fruits, seeds).

The family description is followed by a short paragraph on its classification and affiliation with other families. Information on the subdivision of the family can be provided here as well.

Next, a paragraph on the distribution of the family as a whole should be provided, with details on its distribution within tropical Africa. Its worldwide number of genera and species should be given, as well as the figures related to the area covered by this Flora. Any other peculiarities on the family as a whole (uses/cultivation, pollination, seed dispersal, etc.) can briefly be mentioned here.

Finally, the bibliography paragraph should cite the most important / relevant literature used for the above, but also direct the user to additional information.

Key to taxa subdividing the familyWhen deemed appropriate, a key to taxa within a family (subfamilies, tribes) can be

added. Please do so ONLY if this is a clear aid to the identification process. If not, simply prepare a single key to all genera within the family. In the key, the taxa subdividing the family should be preceded by a capital roman figure. Keys to the genera should be provided below each of them.

Treatment of taxa subdividing the familyThe names are preceded by a capital roman figure (same as in the Key) and followed

by their author. The protologue is cited on the next line. Otherwise, the treatments have a format similar to that of a family treatment, but without the paragraph on classification. The description can often be limited to several lines, indicating only the diagnostic characters.

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Key to the generaSee the general remarks on keys above. Generic names that key out should be given in

bold and not include their author.

Genus treatmentThe names are centred on the page, in bold, capitalized, preceded by a figure (same as

in the Key) and followed by their author. The protologue is cited on the next line. Below that, synonyms, if any, should be mentioned, each directly followed by the reference to their protologue.

Genus descriptions should contain all basic elements (Plant habit, leaves, inflorescence, flowers, fruits, seeds) and diagnostic characters should be provided in bold. Please avoid duplication of characters already given in the family (or subfamily, tribe, …) description.

The description is followed by a paragraph that gives the global distribution of the genus, along with the total species number and the number of species within the Flora region. When deemed appropriate, any subgeneric classifications can be mentioned here as well.

Finally, the bibliography paragraph should cite the most important / relevant literature used for the above, but also directing the user to additional information.

Doubtful/Excluded taxa These are treated in a separate section („doubtful taxa“, „excluded taxa“) at the end of

a genus treatment. The reason for the uncertainty must be briefly discussed. (See also the sample paper.)

Key to subgeneric taxaWhen deemed appropriate, a key to subgeneric categories (subgenera, sections) can be

added. Please do so ONLY when the subgeneric taxa can easily be recognized. If not, simply prepare a single key to all species within the genus. In the subgeneric taxa key, such taxa should be preceded by a capital roman figure. Keys to the species should be provided below each subgeneric treatment.

Subgeneric treatmentThe names are centred on the page, preceded by a capital roman figure (same as in the

Key) and followed by their author. The protologue is cited on the next line. Otherwise, the treatments have a format similar to that of a genus treatment, while the description can often be diminished down to several lines indicating only the diagnostic characters.

Key to the speciesSee the general remarks on keys above. All subspecific taxa should be included in this

key. Species are numbered in the order in which they appear in the key; subspecific taxa are given an additional a, b, etc. Taxon names that key out should be given in bold and without their author.

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Species treatmentThe species number (from the key) is followed by the genus + epithet in bold and the

author name(s). When an illustration is available, please add that information on the right border of the same line (see sample paper). On the next line the reference to the protologue is provided, followed by the information concerning the type specimen(s) (in case of syntypes it is not necessary to select a lectotype). Please consult the sample paper for the correct format. Then, relevant synonyms (see above) are provided in italics, each on a separate line and followed by the reference to its protologue. For synonyms, no type information has to be provided, except when it concerns a new synonym (syn. nov.).

The description should contain all basic elements (Plant habit, leaves, inflorescence, flowers, fruits, seeds) and diagnostic characters should be provided in bold. Please avoid duplication of characters already mentioned in that of a higher taxonomic unit.

After the description the following paragraphs are added; uses, vernacular names and observations are optional, the others are obligatory.

DISTRIBUTION: Please provide a brief general description of the distribution within the region covered by this Flora. Please specifically mention the presence in any of the three countries involved. This is followed by its distribution within Africa (preferably mention all country names) and outside of Africa. Include information on endemism and/or rarity, and include the IUCN category of threat when available.

REPRESENTATIVE SPECIMENS: Specimens are cited by giving the collector name followed by the collection number. The author should cite a number of representative specimens from the region covered by the Flora, which he/she has seen, thus providing a basis for the understanding of his/her taxonomic concept. In order to also cover the regional distribution, it is advised to cite at least one but max. 3 specimens per phytogeographical region (see map below). For the exact format, see sample paper.

HABITAT: Give the vegetation types in which the species has been observed, and provide altitudinal range information, if possible both for the region covered by this Flora as for elsewhere.

USES: Provide any data on uses obtained from specimen label data. Additionally, give well known uses, but keep this paragraph brief and preferably refer to other publications (such as the PROTA series and website: www.prota.org) for more information.

VERNACULAR NAMES: Give all vernacular names obtained from specimen label data from the region covered by this Flora, supplemented with data from other, reliable, sources. First mention all French, English, German, Dutch, etc. names, then mention all regional names alphabetically, starting with a capital, followed by the dialect between brackets starting with a lower case letter (see sample paper). When the dialect is unknown, the locality should be given, starting with a capital letter.

OBSERVATIONS: When available, provide data on flowering and fruiting period, pollination, as well as any taxonomic remarks.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Cite the most important / relevant literature used for the above, but also directing the user to additional information.

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Subspecific taxaTreatment of subspecific taxa should follow the same format as that of a species.

When the typical subspecific taxon occurs within the Flora region, its name can directly follow the citation of the species name protologue. If not, the subspecific taxon name should immediately follow the species-level synonyms. In the latter case, the main description is thus supposed to refer to that subspecific taxon (Under Observations one can explain the differences with the typical taxon). Subsequent subspecific taxa are added further down; their descriptions can be limited to only those characters in which they differ from the previous/main description.

HybridsEstablished hybrids are treated (sorted, numbered, described, keyed-out ...) in a format

similar to that of species, using their hybrid name or hybrid formula. If a hybrid name is used, the hybrid formula must be given in parentheses after the hybrid name.

Single records on hybrids of certain species should be mentioned under “Observations“.

Cited literatureAt the end of the taxonomic treatment, a full reference to all publications cited should

be provided, in alphabetical order of the author/authors. Multiple publications by the same author/authors should be arranged in chronological sequence. Please strictly follow the format as used in the sample paper.

Index to scientific namesProvide a list of all scientific plant names mentioned in the text. Also include those not

actually treated in the work, but merely mentioned (for example: “The Ericaceae are related to Empetraceae”, “It occurs in vegetation dominated by Syzygium species”).

Accepted taxon names should be in normal font, synonym names in italics.

Index to vernacular namesProvide an alphabetical list of all vernacular names mentioned in the text.

Legends to the figuresProvide a clear legend to all drawings/photos, strictly following the format used in the

sample paper. Cite the herbarium material on which the drawing is based, as well as the artist. When the figure was taken from another publication, please add a sentence similar to “Taken from Smith (1990), with permission from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew”.

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Map showing the phytogeographical regions within the area covered by this Flora.

I. CôtierII. MayombeIII. Bas-CongoIV. KasaiV. Bas-KatangaVI. Forestier CentralVII. Ubangi-UeleVIII. Lac AlbertIX. Lacs Édouard et KivuX. Rwanda-BurundiXI. Haut-Katanga

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