Abstract
The genus Clutia L. was previously placed in Euphorbiaceae but has recently been transferred to Peraceae. Clutia species are perennial herbs or shrubs with simple, alternate, thin and oval to round leaves that are covered with simple hairs or are sometimes glabrous. Clutia is closely related to Pera and the two are the largest genera in the family. Clutia occurs mainly in southern Africa but also extends to the east into the Democratic Republic of Congo and as far north as Arabia. In southern Africa, the genus was last revised a 100 years ago, making the identification of certain groups within the genus problematic. Although the genus is relatively large, a comprehensive revision for southern Africa is beyond the scope of this study. The aim of the study was firstly, to conduct detailed taxonomic revisions of selected problematic groups of species in the genus Clutia in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The selected groups are restricted to the Province, except for Clutia pulchella which is known to occur outside KZN. The correct names, diagnostic characters, correct typification, known distribution ranges are provided. The second aim of the study was to infer phylogenetic relationships among the southern African species using molecular data.
M.Sc. (Botany)