Earlier works recognised two South African species Memecylon bachmannii and M. natalense within M. sect. Buxifolia, but recent molecular analyses have revealed that M. natalense as previously circumscribed is not monophyletic and includes several geographically outlying populations warranting treatment as distinct taxa. In this revision we recognise five endemic South African species of which M. bachmannii and M. natalense are both maintained but with narrower circumscriptions, and M. kosiense, M. soutpansbergense and M. australissimum are newly described. Memecylon kosiense is localised in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal (Maputaland) and is closely related to M. incisilobum of southern Mozambique. Memecylon soutpansbergense, from Limpopo Province, was previously confused with M. natalense but is clearly distinguished on vegetative characters. Memecylon australissimum occurs in the Eastern Cape (Hluleka and Dwesa-Cwebe nature reserves) and has relatively small leaves like those of M. natalense, but the floral bracteoles are persistent and the fruit is ovoid as in M. bachmannii. We further designate a lectotype for M. natalense, provide an updated key to the South African species of Memecylon, and provisionally assess the status of each species in accordance with International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria.

A new species of Ceropegia (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae-Stapeliinae) is described from Ngome in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This new species shares a subset of vegetative and floral characters with the long-lost C. rudatisii, but is clearly separated by its sophisticated floral morphology. Ceropegia heidukiae occurs in Northern Zululand Mistbelt Grassland, an endangered vegetation type. A comprehensive species description is provided together with information on habitat and distribution; photographs of plants in habitat are also provided. A preliminary assessment of conservation status according to IUCN criteria suggests that C. heidukiae is Critically Endangered (CR).

A new Turraea species, Turraea tugelensis is described from along the margins of woodland in the lower Tugela River valley in eastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This vicariant species is in Turraea sect. Nurmonia, and allied to the herbaceous suffruticose species T. pulchella and T. streyi, from which it is separable on both vegetative and sexual characteristics.

REDISCOVERY IN SOUTH AFRICA OF THE NEGLECTED AFRICAN VEGETABLE PLECTRANTHUS ESCULENTUS

A new South African endemic species, Stellarioides littoralis is described and illustrated, with data provided on morphology, ecology and distribution. The species appears to be closely related to S. longibracteata and whilst it shares in common an epigeal habit of the bulb with the latter species, several reproductive and vegetative morphological features clearly distinguish it. The affinities and divergences with other close allies are also discussed.