Copper and cobalt in African species ofAeolanthus Mart. (Plectranthinae,Labiatae)

Summary Hyperaccumulators (here defined as species containing at least 500 μg/g dryweight of either copper or cobalt in leaves), are of interest for the fields of mineral exploration and phytochemistry. Reported hyperaccumulation of copper inAeolanthus biformifolius and the presence of two other species on copper/cobalt mineralization in Shaba (Za?re) led to a survey of these elements in 49 species of the African genusAeolanthus Mart.A. biformifolius appears to be also a hyperaccumulator of Co (2520 μg/g in leaves, 4300 μg/g in corms). Cobalt levels for most species ofAeolanthus were considerably above typical values for phanerogams and indicate the favorable potential of the genus for further study.