Abstract
Summary Four new species of Barleria are described from southern Africa: B. klaseriensis I.Darbysh. & K.Balkwill from sect. Somalia , and B. schijffii I.Darbysh. & Froneman, B. krugerensis I.Darbysh. & Froneman, and B. locusmetallorum I.Darbysh. & Froneman from sect. Prionitis . Based on current knowledge, all these species are restricted to northeastern South Africa with the exception of B. schijffii which extends into southwestern Mozambique. The affinities of each species are discussed, their habitat requirements documented and their conservation status (extinction risk) is assessed. Barleria klaseriensis and B. locusmetallorum are considered to be Endangered, whilst B. schijffii and B. krugerensis are assessed as of Least Concern, although the lattermost species qualifies under the Rare category of South Africa’s national Red List. In addition, B. holubii C.B.Clarke subsp. ugandensis I.Darbysh. is elevated to species rank, and identification keys and tables of comparison are provided for the B. coriacea Oberm. and B. holubii complexes in Africa.