Afzelia corallina (Fabaceae), a new micro-endemic tree from Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Afzelia corallina A. Bianchi, S. Orsenigo & Baldesi (Fabaceae: Detarioideae) is described from the coral rag forests of the Tondooni Peninsula in the Ngezi – Vumawimbi Forest Reserve on Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Morphologically distinct from all known members of the genus, this large, emergent tree shows the closest affinities to Afzelia quanzensis but differs in several vegetative and floral characters, including its falcate leaflets, highly branched terminal inflorescences, petal colour, the colour of stamens, and the number of extra staminodes.

The species is currently known only from a restricted coastal limestone habitat, indicating a micro-endemic distribution. An updated diagnostic key to East African Afzelia species is provided. This discovery highlights the botanical uniqueness and conservation importance of Pemba’s remaining forest ecosystems.