Revision of the genus Sphenostylis (Fabaceae: Phaseoleae) in South Africa and Swaziland

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Published: 2012-12-12
Keywords:
Fabaceae, Leguminosae, Nesphostylis Verdc, Phaseoleae, Phaseolinae, Southern Africa, Sphenostylis E Mey, Vigna Savi

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A.N. Moteetee
B.E. van Wyk

Abstract

A taxonomic revision of the genus Sphenostylis E.Mey. (tribe Phaseoleae) in southern Africa is presented. The genus is distinguishable by its characteristic wedge-shaped, dorsiventrally flattened style tip. Of the seven known species in the genus, only two, S. angustifolia and S. marginata, occur in South Africa and Swaziland; and the former is endemic to these countries. The two species differ in the size, shape, and venation of the leaflets; as well as the length of the petiole, peduncle, and pod. A key to the two species is provided and the correct nomenclature, typification, and known geographical distributions are given.

Article Details

Issue

Vol. 42 No. 1 (2012): Bothalia

Section

Original research, Reviews, Strategies, Case studies
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Moteetee, A. and van Wyk, B. (2012) “Revision of the genus Sphenostylis (Fabaceae: Phaseoleae) in South Africa and Swaziland”, African Biodiversity & Conservation, 42(1). Available at: https://mail.abcjournal.org/index.php/abc/article/view/254 (Accessed: 2 May 2026).

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