Coleus articulatus (I. M. Johnst.) A. J. Paton, Phytokeys 129: 21. 2019.

≡ Symphostemon articulatus I. M. Johnst., Contr. Gray Herb., n. s., 73: 38. 1924. Type: Angola, east of Cuanza [Coanza] R., 23 Sep 1923, A. G. Curtis 309 (holotype GH [GH 00002146]).

= Plectranthus hockii De Wild., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 11: 542. 1913. Type: DR. Congo, Plateau de Shinkwari (Manika), 1911, A. Hock s. n. (lectotype BR [BR 0000006263287], designated here).

Description.

Paton et al. (2009: 285), Paton et al. (2013: 233), as Plectranthus hockii De Wild.

Distribution.

SW Tanzania, DR. Congo, Malawi, Zambia, Angola.

Habitat and ecology.

Savannah and steppic savannah, often in highlands and in frequently burnt places, miombo woodlands, occasionally on copper rich soil, 1480–1810 m elev.

Additional specimens.

DR. Congo, Haut-Katanga, Kansenia, 13 Aug 1933, H. Lynes s. n. (BR); Upemba, entre Mabwe et Mukana, 1 Oct 1948, G. F. de Witte 4402 (BR); Upemba, env. Mukana, 1949, G. F. de Witte 7025 (BR); Env. Lubudi, 1937, D. Cabu 49 (BR, WAG); Upemba, entre Masombwe et Lusinga, 20 Sep 1948, W. Robyns 3638 (BR); Env. Fungurume, Kwatebala, 22 Oct 2006, E. Kisimba, L. Saad & F. Malaisse 50 (BR); Entre Nzilo et Kansenia, 6 Sep 1956, P. Duvigneaud & J. Timperman 2626 (BRLU).

Note.

Lectotypification of Plectranthus hockii De Wild. De Wildeman (1913 b) cited two syntypes, i. e. A. Hock s. n. (syntype BR [BR 0000008109453]; isosyntype K), DR. Congo, Haut-Katanga, bords de la Dilemba, 1911 & A. Hock s. n. (syntype BR [BR 0000006263287]), Plateau de Shinkwari (Manika), 1911. The specimen [BR 0000008109453] departs somewhat from the protologue in having the pedicel glabrous under the joint (protologue: “ breviter tomentoso ”), while [BR 0000006263287] is slightly puberulous below the joint; moreover, [BR 0000006263287] has a thick woody rootstock, quite typical of the species; it is selected as the lectotype.