Taxonomic studies in tribe Loteae (Fabaceae) in Egypt. I: Subtribe Anthyllidinae (Anthyllis, Hymenocarpos and Tripodion)

Abstract

T HE PLANT morphology, anatomical characters of stem and leaves, SEM of seed coat surfaces were used to reassess the conflicted taxonomic relationships between the genera Anthyllis, Hymenocarpos and Tripodion. Previous studies treated the genera Hymenocarpos and Tripodion as synonyms to Anthyllis. The present study clearly indicated considerably differences between the three genera. The most important characters used to distinguish the studied genera are habit, inflorescence type, bract shape, calyx, pod shape and seed coat pattern. On the bases of morphology, anatomy and seed characters, three distinct genera, Anthyllis, Hymenocarpos and Tripodion are represented in the Egyptian flora, each with only one species.