A New Species of Desmodium (Leguminosae) from China

Abstract

A new species, Desmodium luteolum H.Ohashi & T.Nemoto (Leguminosae-Papi-lionoideae: Desmodieae), is described from N.E. Yunnan in China. The holotype and isotype are in KUN. It is the second species of the subgenus Catenaria, and the 37th species as well as 7th endemic species of the genus in China. This species has an intrastaminal disk and a pair of openings at the base of vexillary stamen. Such structures appear to allow insect visitorsﾕ access to the nectar and seem to play an important role in pollination of this species.