Coccinia samburuensis Holstein, Kew Bull. 65(3): 438. 2010 [published on 1 Jan 2011].

Holstein, Norbert, 2015, Monograph of Coccinia (Cucurbitaceae), PhytoKeys 54, pp. 1-166 : 108-109

20. Coccinia samburuensis Holstein, Kew Bull. 65(3): 438. 2010 [published on 1 Jan 2011].

Coccinia samburuensis Type: Kenya. [Rift Valley Province]: Samburu East District, on Wamba-Isiolo road, 0.7 km S of turnoff to Maralal, c. 1300 m, female, fl, fr, 4 Jul 1974, R.B. Faden & A.J. Faden 74/948 (Holotype: MO!, isotype: WAG! [WAG0234153]).

Coccinia samburuensis Type: Kenya. Rift Valley Province: Samburu District, Mt Nyiru, southern slopes, near a river, 2°03'N, 36°51'E, 1600 m, 1 Apr 1995, B. Bytebier et al. 355 (Paratypes: EA (2)!). Type: Kenya. Operoi, 1°12'N, 36°49'E, 1350 m, rocky outcrop in Acacia woodland, 23 Dec 2004, W.R.Q. Luke & P.A. Luke 10787 (Paratypes: EA!, K!).

Coccinia samburuensis Type: Kenya. Near Maralal, Lowaweregoi [Lowua Werekoi Mt] 4000 ft [c. 1220 m], rocks in bushland, 5 Dec 1958, J.G.B. Newbould 3233 (Paratype: K!).

Description.

Perennial climber. Stems up to 5 m, glabrous, except for minute few-cellular trichomes visible under 5-10 × magnification. Petioles glabrous, at base white speckles may occur. Leaves 6-14 cm × 10-17 cm wide, (5- or)7-lobate. Leaf lobes elliptical, margin serrate (to lobulate), teeth (lobule tips) with yellowish glands. Lobe apex subacute, apiculate. Upper leaf surface glabrous, more or less clear to white pustulate. Lower leaf surface glabrous, nerves white-speckled. Probracts up to 4 mm. Tendrils simple. Male flowers 1-2 solitary. Pedicel up to 5 cm long, glabrous. Perianth tube glabrous, calyx lobes 6.5 mm long, linear, erect. Corolla 3.7-4 cm long, brownish yellow, lobes 2.2-2.5 cm. Female flowers solitary. Pedicel 4-5 mm, glabrous. Hypanthium tube glabrous, calyx lobes and corolla like in males. Ovary narrowly cylindrical, glabrous. Fruits c. 14 × 1.5-2 cm, long cylindrical, unripe green with lighter spots, color of ripe fruit unknown but likely red. Seeds 6.5-7 × 3.5-4.5 × (≥ 1) mm (L/W/H), symmetrically obovate, face flatly lenticular.

Phenology.

Flowering time: Imperfectly known. Flowering in April, July, and December, but likely to flower as long water is available (rainy seasons).

Distribution.

Fig. 35. Only known from Samburu area in Kenya (hence the epithet). Only known from seepage line in rocky (granite) outcrops in Acacia - Commiphora deciduous bushland.