Synopsis of the species of Adesmia (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) of Argentina

Abstract

The South American tribe Adesmieae (Benth.) Hutch. comprises only the genus Adesmia DC. , with a total of 43 series and approximately 240 species of herbs and shrubs, mainly growing in montane and semi-desert zones. This genus includes two subgenera: Adesmia (unarmed) and Acanthadesmia Burkart
(armed). Adesmia in Argentina is represented by 31 series: the subgenus Adesmia with 25 series and the subgenus Acanthadesmia with 6 series. A total of 100 species and 14 varieties are considered for the country, of wich 45 are native and 53 are endemic. Keys, descriptions, literature, synonymy, habitat, specimens studied and remarks are given. Series 3. Bicolores, 4. Capitellatae, 6. Coronilloides, 10. Lanatae, 13. Longisetae, 16. Muricatae, 18. Pumilae, 24. Stenocaules, 26. Candidae, 27. Coluteoides, 28. Guttuliferae, 30. Microphyllae and 31. Subterraneae were emended since the Burkart’s Synopsis (1967a). Two news varieties: A. corymbosa var. sinepenna (serie Longisetae) and A. cordobensis var. appendiculata (serie Muricatae) are described.