Original Research
The Rhynchosia totta complex (Phaseoleae, Fabaceae) in Southern Africa, including the description of a new variety and new species
Bothalia | Vol 46, No 1 | a2041 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v46i1.2041
| © 2016 Annah N. Moteetee, M. Marianne Le Roux
| This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 25 November 2015 | Published: 28 September 2016
Submitted: 25 November 2015 | Published: 28 September 2016
About the author(s)
Annah N. Moteetee, Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, South AfricaM. Marianne Le Roux, Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg and South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), South Africa
Abstract
Background: The Rhynchosia totta complex is one of three taxonomically complicated African groups in the genus Rhynchosia. Numerous southern African species and infraspecific taxa (at least 19 names, 17 species and 2 varieties) have been described by various authors in the past, but were later reduced into synonymy with R. totta. Currently, only the typical variety is recognised in Southern Africa.
Objectives: To investigate and update the circumscription of the taxa within the R. totta complex in southern Africa and to update their synonymies and distribution ranges.
Methods: Specimens of R. totta at GRA, JRAU, K, NH and PRE were studied and compared, and measurements of characters recorded. Populations were also observed during field studies.
Results: The examination of numerous specimens, as well as field investigations, has prompted the recognition of four varieties (one described here as new: R. totta var. longicalyx) and a new species (R. pedunculata) in southern Africa.
Conclusions: A great variation in leaf structure and vestiture occurs within the R. totta complex, with the extreme forms easily recognisable. However, the total number of varieties are limited to four [R. totta vars. totta, longicalyx, rigidula and venulosa] and a new species described to accommodate specimens with a distinctly prostrate habit and upwardly directed leaves.
Objectives: To investigate and update the circumscription of the taxa within the R. totta complex in southern Africa and to update their synonymies and distribution ranges.
Methods: Specimens of R. totta at GRA, JRAU, K, NH and PRE were studied and compared, and measurements of characters recorded. Populations were also observed during field studies.
Results: The examination of numerous specimens, as well as field investigations, has prompted the recognition of four varieties (one described here as new: R. totta var. longicalyx) and a new species (R. pedunculata) in southern Africa.
Conclusions: A great variation in leaf structure and vestiture occurs within the R. totta complex, with the extreme forms easily recognisable. However, the total number of varieties are limited to four [R. totta vars. totta, longicalyx, rigidula and venulosa] and a new species described to accommodate specimens with a distinctly prostrate habit and upwardly directed leaves.
Keywords
Cajanineae; morphology; new species; Rhynchosia; taxonomic studies; typification
Metrics
Total abstract views: 3007Total article views: 111308
Crossref Citations
1. Medicinal Importance and Phytoconstituents of Underutilized Legumes from the Caesalpinioideae DC Subfamily
Queeneth A. Ogunniyi, Omonike O. Ogbole, Olufunke D. Akin-Ajani, Tolulope O. Ajala, Olorunsola Bamidele, Joerg Fettke, Oluwatoyin A. Odeku
Applied Sciences vol: 13 issue: 15 first page: 8972 year: 2023
doi: 10.3390/app13158972