An insight of vascular plants endemism of Cameroon

Description

We present an annotated format and checklist of an insight of vascular endemic flora from all ten administrative regions and five habitat types of Cameroon. The data were compiled from a review of flora literature from our previous studies, other published monographs, theses and databases: over 50 articles were reviewed for the study. For each paper reviewed, exclusive endemic species of Cameroon were identified for building into a database. The database of endemic flora of Cameroon was ranked into dicotyledonous, monocotyledonous and pteridophytes. The final checklist was grouped according to family, species, International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List status and species occurrence in the different administrative regions of Cameroon. A total of 691 species, 285 genera and 92 families, considered as exclusive flora endemics within the political boundaries of Cameroon, were identified and are featured herein. Rubiaceae, Fabaceae and Orchidaceae were the most important families. Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable species form the greatest portion of the dataset. The Atlantic biafran and submontane forest, which is represented in the Southwest, Littoral and South are rich in endemics. This high species diversity and endemism highlights Cameroon as home to many biodiversity hotspots.