Coleus esculentus G. Taylor

Coleus esculentus (N. E. Br.) G. Taylor, J. Bot. 69 (suppl. 2): 158. 1931. ≡ Plectranthus esculentus N. E. Br., Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1894: 12. 1894. Type: cultivated at K from material sent by J. Medley Wood from KwaZulu-Natal, 1893 (lectotype K [K 000975993], designated by Codd (1975); isolectotype BOL). Note. Our treatment of C. esculentus departs from recent floras, which recognised two species (C. esculentus and C. densus). Variation in DR. Congo is complex, comprising morphs difficult to accommodate into such a scheme. We recognise one species comprising four varieties, including a new one. Evidence from molecular markers is needed to test the validity of this treatment.