Note 14: A new record by Alistair Hull of Breonadia salicina from the Zambezi Valley by Mark Hyde

The discovery of Breonadia salicina by Alistair Hull from the Zambezi Valley is described. This is a significant extension of the range of this species.

Photo: Breonadia salicina by the Zambezi River, Zambia

Alistair Hull came to see me on 22 December 2009 and showed me these three photos of Breonadia salicina (Matumi).

This is a fairly frequent tree in Zimbabwe in the SE lowveld where it occurs by rivers.

The interesting thing is that the photos come from a bank of the Zambezi River, opposite the Mana Pools National Park. They are actually from the northern side and are therefore from Zambia (Flora Zambesiaca division S).

Based on the information we have, this species has not been recorded before from the Zambezi; certainly in Zimbabwe it is all SE Lowveld. In Zambia it is recorded from the Luangwa valley in division N but not from division S.

In Mozambique it is recorded from Tete and Zambezia provinces and therefore could possibly occur by the Zambezi at lower altitudes.

This is therefore a very interesting record and a considerable extension of its range.

As can be seen from the pictures the plant has spherical inflorescences. Its leaves are in whorls and in leaf it could be confused with the Quinine tree, Rauvolfia caffra. However, Rauvolfia has milky sap which Breonadia does not.

More details of the species may be found at this page.

Mark Hyde