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Dryad

A taxonomic revision of the Argyrolobium robustum and A. transvaalense groups (Fabaceae) in southern Africa

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Sep 22, 2023 version files 11.41 KB

Abstract

Previous studies on the genus Argyrolobium (Genisteae, Fabaceae) in southern Africa recognized a group of species defined by a suffrutescent habit, monomorphic flowers and leaves, and the plants not turning black when dried as ‘section A. transvaalense’. A formal rank was never published for this group. Here a taxonomic study of this group is conducted, including comprehensive descriptions of and a key to the species, nomenclature, typifications, diagnostic characters, and geographical distribution. Based on an assessment of morphological characters, two groups can be recognised; 1) the A. robustum group that comprises four species with a herbaceous habit with up to 55-flowered inflorescences, flowers drying black or turning black when damaged, keel petals lacking pockets, and staminal sheaths fully open above, and 2) the A. transvaalense group comprising five species with a suffruticose habit with up to 24-flowered inflorescences, flowers becoming discoloured (darker coloured or brown) when dried, keel petals with pockets except in A. megarhizum, and staminal sheaths variously fused into a closed tube.