Epistemma neuerburgii (Apocynaceae, Periplocoideae): A new epiphytic species from Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, Africa

A new species, Epistemma neuerburgii is described. This species was discovered in the Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, Tropical Africa during a field investigation of epiphytes in montane rainforest. It was, however, also found in Uganda, in similar environment. E. neuerburgii is the fourth species described for Epistemma, but the other three species are found about 2000 km to the west in Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria. E. neuerburgii is an epiphytic climber distinguished by fairly large lanceolate leaves and conspicuous reddish-purple flowers with corolline white, densely hairy corona lobes.

Research Highlights
► Epistemma neuerburgii is a rare new epiphytic species from Tropical Africa.
► It inhabits impenetrable montane forest.
► Four species are known for Epistemma.
► Their disjunct distribution supports the montane rainforest refuges hypothesis.