Systematic studies in African Indigofereae (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae)
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Date
1991
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Abstract
A cladistic analysis of 51 generic and infrageneric taxa in the
tribe Indiqofereae (Papilionoideae) is presented, comprising q
570 species in Africa and Madagascar. Traditionally, 4 genera have
been recognized: Phylloxylon (q 5 species), Rhynchotropis (2
species), Cyamopsis (q 4 species) and Indigofera (510-520 species
in Africa). 3 genera have been reinstated, i.e. Vaughania (11
species), Indigastrum (11 species) and Microcharis (q 26
species). Vaughania was previously considered to be a monotypic
genus (later placed in synonomy under Indigofera); the others
have recently been treated as subgenera of Indigofera. A new
subgenus is described in Indigostrum. (subgenus Argyraeae Schrire)
as well as 17 new sections and one subsection in Indigofera. 18
infrageneric taxa in Indigofera are specified at a new rank.
Taxonomic affinities with neighbouring tribes are discussed. A
historical review is given of infrageneric subdivision. in
Indigofera along with a newly proposed classification of infrageneric
taxa in Africa. The cladogram is used to study character
evolution in the tribe; from a) an ecological perspective (by
identifying aptations) and b) a phylogenetic perspective (by
identifying constraining interactions between morphologies).
Aptations and critical morphologies are mapped on the cladogram
to interpret developmental constraints, and the order and direction
of character transformations. Key morphologies are a class
of developmental constraints defined here for the first time.
The cladogram and character analyses are used to interpret a
phylogenetic tree of the tribe in Africa. Major phase. in the
evolution of Indigofereae are hypothesized on the basis of developmental
constraints, phytogeography and ecology. A taxonomic
revision above the species level in Africa is presented,
including keys and descriptions of genera and infrageneric taxa
in Indigofera. Species of Indigofereae occurring in tropical
Africa are listed, while a synopsis is given of southern African
species with literature citations, synonymy and typification. 29
new combinations are made in Microcharis and Indigastrum.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1991.
Keywords
Leguminosae., Papilionaceae., Theses--Botany.