Adansonia

An annotated checklist of the tree species of French Guiana, including vernacular nomenclature

We present a list of tree species of French Guiana, based on data collected from herbarium specimens and tree inventories, and verified against all available taxonomic literature to date. The list contains 1811 taxa representing 87 families and 421 genera, including 143 unnamed species which either may be species not previously recorded in French Guiana, or taxa new to Science. Original demographic data such as global abundance, local maximum frequency and geographic dispersion, are given for the 1293 species present in tree inventories. Our work has led to the recognition of certain taxonomic and nomenclatural novelties, including a new combination in Lecythis Loefl. (Lecythidaceae), several lectotypifications and new synonyms, as well as reinstatement of Sloanea acutiflora Uittien (Elaeocarpaceae), Eugenia sinemariensis Aubl. (Myrtaceae), and four species of Inga (Leguminosae). In addition, we provide the most comprehensive list available to date of corresponding vernacular names (4354 for 1157 species) in nine languages spoken in French Guiana: Palikur, Kali’na, Teko, Wayãpi, Wayana, Nengee tongo (Aluku/Ndjuka/Paramaka), Creole, French, and Brasilian Portuguese. The checklist is complemented by indexes of exsiccata, vernacular names and scientific names. The introductory part is available in French and English.