Distinction between Vicia americana and V. bungei (Leguminosae)

Abstract

An East Asian Vicia bungei Ohwi and a North American V. americana Willd. are phenotypically and ecologically similar to each other. Therefore, V. bungei has been treated as V. americana var. sinensis Gunn. However, the former species has root tubers but the latter has not. Vicia bungei should be treated as a distinct species.