Taxonomic revision of the cultivated species of Mimusops (Sapotaceae) in Egypt, with new records

Authors

  • Rim Hamdy Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt Author
  • Azza El-Hadidy Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt Author
  • Gehad Abd El-Mohsen Phytochemistry Lab, Applied Research Center for Medicinal Plant (NODCAR), Giza 12561, Egypt. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24154/jhs.v17i2.1176

Keywords:

Cultivated - species, new records, Mimusops, Sapotoideae, Sapoteae, Taxonomy

Abstract

During the process of updating horticultural records of this genus in Egypt, five problems were identified: lack of publications, lack of clarity between species, numerous errors of identifications, loss of earlier documented records of identity, as well as, the introduction and cultivation of new plants during the 19th Century added to the complexity of the problem. In this study, the taxonomic aspects of genus Mimusops, were thoroughly studied to identify the most reliable characters for taxon delimitation. Our assessment was based on morphological characters representing habit, leaves, petioles, flowering pedicels, buds, floral parts, fruit and seed. Fieldwork have revealed the presence of four species, of which Mimusops kummel and M. zeyheri are new records. The latter species is represented in Egypt by M. zeyheri var. laurifolia. This variety has been neglected by many authors. Additionally, Mimusops elengi L. was believed to be cultivated in Egypt, but no materials have been encountered that could confirm it. The specimens earlier identified as M. elengi actually belong either to M. kummel or to M. laurifolia. A detailed description of the genus and species with photographs, an identification key, and synonymy for each taxon are provided.

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Published

31-12-2022

Issue

Section

Original Research Papers

How to Cite

Hamdy, R., Azza El-Hadidy, & Gehad Abd El-Mohsen. (2022). Taxonomic revision of the cultivated species of Mimusops (Sapotaceae) in Egypt, with new records. Journal of Horticultural Sciences, 17(2), 505-519. https://doi.org/10.24154/jhs.v17i2.1176

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