Author
Kirkbride, Joseph |
Submitted to: Taxon
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 11/29/2004 Publication Date: 7/28/2005 Citation: Kirkbride, J.H., Jr. 2005. Dupuya, a new genus of Malagasy legumes (Fabaceae) Novon 15(2):305-314. Interpretive Summary: Plants in the legume family are important as food and fodder as well as noxious weeds; yet their classification, especially for plants in tropical regions, is still changing. Based on unique seed and fruit characteristics, a new genus of legumes was discovered for two species known only from Madagascar. This new genus is described, illustrated and distinguished from closely related genera. Botanists, conservationists, land use managers among others will use this research to ensure that these rare and interesting plants are preserved for future investigation and potential economic use. Technical Abstract: The new endemic Malagasy genus Dupuya is proposed based on morphological characters. It has two species, D. haraka and D. madagascariensis. It is distinguished from related genera in having no petals, numerous stamens, a whorl of staminodes inside the stamens and a number of distinctive seed characters. It is hypothesized that Dupuya is a member of the aldinoid clade with the genera Aldina, Amburana, Cordyla, Dussia, Mildbraediodendron, and Myrospermum. |