Disentangling the taxonomy of the Cleome africana species complex (Cleomaceae) in North Africa

We propose to revisit the taxonomy of Cleome africana Botsch. ( Cleomaceae ) in North Africa. The taxonomic circumscription of this species has been problematic over time leading to numerous confusions and misidentifications in most floras from this region. In North Africa, we propose to accept a single species, i.e., C. amblyocarpa Barratte &Murb. with two subspecies. Cleome africana Botsch., described as a replacement name for Siliquaria glandulosa Forssk., is accepted at subspecific rank under C. amblyocarpa as C. amblyocarpa var. glandulosa (Forssk.) Botsch. We consider that C. arabica L. only occurs in the Middle East. An identification key is provided for the C. africana complex.