Taxonomic Studies in Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. (Leguminosae)

Abstract

Seven items of taxonomic and nomenclatural problems in Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. are studied and the following conclusions are obtained. 1) D. toppinii is identical with D. heterocarpon var. heterocarpon. 2) D. heterocarpon subsp. angustifolium is a new subspecific name for D. reticulatum. 3) D. polycarpum var. rigidum is a synonym of D. heterocarpon subsp. angustifolium. 4) D. heterocarpon subsp. angustifolium f. pilosum is a distinct form. 5) D. heterocarpon var. heterocarpon f. albiflorum is a white flowered form. 6) D. heterocarpon subsp. ovalifolium is newly recognized at the subspecific rank. 7) A key to all the infraspecific taxa of D. heterocarpon is prepared.