A revision of Peltiera, a new, poorly known and probably extinct genus of Leguminosae (Papilionoideae-Aeschynomeneae) from Madagascar

7 Pages·1997·1.9 MB·English

by  David J Du Puy

A révision of Peltiera, a new, poorly known and
probably extinct genus of Leguminosae
(Papilionoideae-Aeschynomeneae)
from Madagascar
Jean-Noël LABAT
Laboratoire de Phanérogamie, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle,
16 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France.
[email protected]
David J. DU PUY
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB, England.
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
KEYWORDS Peltiera, a new, poorly known and probably extinct genus of the tribe
Leguminosae, Aeschynomeneae (Lcguminosae-Papilionoideae) is described. It includes two
Papuionoideae,
new species, both endemic to Madagascar (P. alaotrensis Du Puy & Labat
Peltiera,
Madagascar. and P. nitida Du Puy & Labat).
RÉSUMÉ
MOTS CLÉS Peltiera, un nouveau genre, peu connu et probablement éteint, de la tribu des
Leguminosae, Aeschynomeneae (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) est décrit. Endémique de
Papilionoideae,
Madagascar, il est constitué de deux nouvelles espèces (P. alaotrensis Du Puy
Peltiera,
Madagascar. & Labat et P. nitida Du Puy & Labat).
ADANSONIA, sér. 3 • 1997 • 19(1) 85
Labat J.-N. & Du Puy D.J.
Prior to the cornpletion of an account of the Similarly, the Moramanga région is easily acces¬
subfamily Papilionoideae in Madagascar, three sible and well collected by botanists. In both of
collections wcre located in thc Paris herbarium these sites the two species were collected only
(P) which appear to represent two new taxa in once prior to 1944, but hâve not been recorded
the tribe Aeschynomeneae (Benth.) Hutch. since. The Tampoketsa of Ankazobe is almost
Rudd (1981) rêcognised 25 généra in this tribe, entircly deforested, and it is possible that a rare
but LANVTN (1986, 1987) later transferred the species like P, nitida could hâve disappeared
genus Diphysa jacq. from the Robineae to the since the single collection was made in 1924. For
Aeschynomeneae: along with thc new genus des- these reasons we suggest that this genus is in cri-
cribed here, this brings thc total number of géné¬ tical danger, and may even be already extinct in
ra in this tribe to 27, thc subtribe Ormocarpinae Madagascar. This could be the first example of a
Rudd containing nine of these généra. The tribe modem genus which is described after it has
is represented by nine généra in Madagascar, of become extinct.
which one, Arachis L., is only known in cultiva¬
tion, and two oi them, Ormocdrpopsis R. Vig. Peltiera is allied to the généra Orrnocarpum and
and the new genus here named Peinera, are endé¬ Omwcarpopsis. The flowrers of ail three généra
mie to the island. Of the 37 species in this tribe closely resemble each other, although the brac-
recorded iront Madagascar, 15 are endemic and a teoles are situated lower down thc pedicel in
further species is only known elsewhere from the Peltiera. These généra, in common with many of
Comoro Islands. the Aeschynomeneae, ail hâve, rheit stamens
The three specimens are very incomplète, but fused info two flanges of five. The leaves of
through the combination of ail the characters Omwcarpopsis and Peltiera hâve a charactetistic
observable it hax become évident that these rwo discolouration of the undersurface of the leaflet
closely related taxa are allied to two other généra or the midve'm of the leaflet (which may only
of the Aeschynomeneae, Orrnocarpum P. Reauv. become apparent on drying); this is absent in
and Ornuscarpopsis R. Vig. (with 2 and 6 species Orrnocarpum. Ffowever, dre pod structure is cha-
respectively in Madagascar, LABAT &c Du PUY racteristic for each of chese généra. Orrnocarpum
1996). The characters directly observable in has lomenraceous pods with several, 1-seeded
these three herbarium collections preclude the segments, jointed between the segments, the seg¬
incorporation of these two taxa in the généra ments fiat or strongly compressed and indéhis¬
already known from Madagascar, and similarly in cent; Omwcarpopsis pods are netcher segmented
any of the other 24 généra of the tribe (Rudd nor compressed, contain 1-4 seeds and are indé¬
1981). The characteristics of these taxa make the hiscent; Peinera has segmented pods as in
description of a new genus necessary, here named Orrnocarpum,, but only one segment develops (as
Peltiera, although it is srill incompletely known. indicated by the presence of aborted segments in
Field investigations in Madagascar hâve been mature fruits), and this segment is swollen,
unsuccessful in locating more recent and complé¬ resembling Qrmocaipopsis. The description of the
té material of these evidently rare species in their pod given by PF.KKJLR DL- la BàÏHIE, on the label
recorded localities. These disjunct areas, east of of the type specimen of P. nitida, includes the
Lac Alaotra and the Moramanga area towards the phrase “Le fruit est... plus ou moins charnu et, à
eastern escarpment of the Central Plateaux, and la fin, déhiscent pour libérer la graine, qui est
in the northern end of the Tampoketsa entourée d'un albumen ? assez épais blanc”. The
d’Ankazobe berween the Ikopa and the Betsiboka dried fruit do appear to split readily into 2
Rivers in the western slopes of the Central valves, but the fleshy white structure described as
Plateaux, are both very disrurbed with only a few enclosing the seed (possibly a fleshy endocarp or
remnant forest patches still surviving. The Lac aril) is not discernible in the dried material avai-
Alaotra région was well collected by ntany bota- lable. This description, if précisé, is entircly diffe¬
nists and agronomists stationed at the rent from either Orrnocarpum or Ormocarpopsis.
Agricultural Experimental Station of Lac Alaotra. The surface texture of the pods is similar in
86 ADANSONIA. sér. 3 • 1997 • 19(1)
Peltiera, a new genus from Madagascar
Ormocarpopsis and Peltiera, lacking strong longi- Aeschynomeneae, in common with the other
tudinal nerves, an unusual character in the sub- généra in the subtribe Ormocarpineae (RUDD
tribe Ormocarpinae (RUDD 1981). 1981), and this new discovery could be irnpor-
This genus appears to be primitive in the tribe tant in studics of the phylogeny of the tribe. If
Fig. 1.—Peltiera alaotrensis. A, leaflet upper surface; B, leaflet lower surface; C, fruiting shoot; D, young fruit with calyx remnants;
E, fruit; F, open segment of fruit. From Cours 1812.
ADANSONIA, sér. 3 • 1997 • 19(1) 87
Labat J.-N. & Du Puy D.J.
future phylogenetic studies confirm the First about as long as the others, with a short hypan-
results of CHAPI’tLl (1995), the Ormocarpinae thium. Standard petal exect with two basal pro-
represent a separate phylum from the other truberances; wings with crescent-shaped folds
Aeschynomeneae, which is basal for the between the veins towards the baser keel without
Psoraleeae, Dalbergieae, Amorpheae and another spurs. Stamens fiised into 2 groups ol 5; anthers
12 tribes or parts of tribes, Following this hypo- medifixed, déhiscent through longitudinal slits.
thesis, the di.scovery ol the genus Peinera could Ovary stipitate, lineat, glabrous or with glandular
also provide important information for the phy- hairs along the matgins, with several ovules; style
logeny of the entire Papilionoideae. Madagascar long, slender, curved. glabrous; stigma minutely
has been shown to be a primary centre of diversi¬ capitale. Pod stipitate, segmented, but only a
fication in other primitive papilionoid tribes, single segment developing, the ahorted segments
such as has been demonstrated in the rribe olten persisring at the base or apex; segment ver-
Indigofeteae with the presence of the basal géné¬ tically compressed, leathery or woody, splitting
ra Phylloxylon and Vaughania (see ScHRlRE 1995 into 2 boat shaped valves, 1 -seeded (the seed
and Du PüY et al. 1994, 1995). Thcre appears to reported to be enclosed in a white, fleshy structu¬
hâve been an ancient presence of this phylum in re). Seed ellipsoidal, vertically compressed, with a
Madagascar, since perhaps as far back as the small, central hilum.
Cretaccous period, and the island is now a
modem refugium for some ancient groups A genus of two species endentic to Madagascar,
(Labat 1996). occurring in central Madagascar and the higher
altitude easrem escarpment forests.
PELTIERA Du Puy &C Labat, gen. nov.
This genus is dedicated to Maurice P El XI ER, in
récognition of his outstanding contributions to
Frutex; rami a brachybUstis instructi. Stipulât striatae.
the knowledge of the Papilionoideae of
Folia impari-pinnata, alternifoliata, faliolorum costa
subtus ns b ni. Flores solitarii vel in raeemis brevibus Madagascar.
congestif Bracteolae pedicellonon infra medium insertae.
Calyx subaequ'dluer 5-denta tus, basi ab hypanthio bre-
viter terni hiatus. Vexillum erectum; alae inter venus ad Key to the species of Peltiera
basin plicatar; curina realairata, Stamhut in grtges duos
adnata. Ovar 'ium stipitatum, line,ire, gUbrtim vd a pi/h
gUindulosh instruction, multiovulanon. Stilus elongatus, Leaves with 7 or 8 leaflets; leaflets up to 22 X
tenais, curvatus, glaber. Lcgumen stipitatum, articubi- 1 1 mm, not glossy, glaucous beneath; ovary
tum, articula uno solum semimfero, aliis abortivis basi glabrous .P. alaotrensis
vel apice perstantibus. Articulation verticaliter comprcs-
Leaves with (l-)2-4 leaflets; leaflets large, 33-55 X
sum, in valvis duabus païens, uniseminatum. Semai
20-30 mm, glossy; ovary with swollen-based glan¬
ellipsoidale, verticaliter compression, hiln media, exiguo.
dular hairs along the margins.P. nitida
TYPUS.—P. nitida Du Puy & Labat.
Shrubs. Twigs with brachyblasts (short, Peltiera alaotrensis Du Puy & Labat, sp. nov.
contracted latéral shoots densely covered in over-
lapping stipules). Stipules triangular, striate, with Frutex. Folium foliolis 7-8 ellipticis-obovatis circa 18-
several, paraltel veins. Leaves pinnate with alter- 22 mm longts et 7-11 mm latis, glabris. Legumen gla-
nate leaflets. I.eaflets with a reddish midvein brum cglandulosum.
beneath which becornes hlack to near the apex
TYPUS.—Cours 1812, E central Madagascar, Rivière
on drying. Flowers solitary or in short racemes, Menaloha, 1450 m, 11 Dec. 1944, fr. (holo-, P; iso-,
produced on the brachyblasts and in the axils of K, P, TAN).
leaves on young shoots, yellow. Pcdicels with a
pair of bracteoles in the lower half. Calyx 5-too- A shrub ca. 4 m tait; twigs glabrous; flowering
thed, not distinctly 2-lipped, the lower tooth from brachyblasts covered in persistent stipules.
88 ADANSONIA, sér. 3 • 1997 • 19(1)

Labat J.-N. & Du Puy D.J.
Stipules narrowly triangular, tapering, ca. 4 mm narrowly triangular, 6-9 mm long, with a long,
long, striate. Lcaves with 7 or 8 altetnate leaflets; tapering tip, striate. Leaves with (l-)2-4 alternate
rachis glabrous, somewhat zigzag, with a few leaflets; rachis glabrous or with a few miuute
minute tuberclcs. Leaflets elliptic to obovate, ca. tubercles, terete, zigzag. Leaflets relativcly large,
18-22 x 7-11 mm, base cuncate, apex obtuse elliptic to obovate, 33-55 X 20-30 mm. the base
and mucronulate, glabrous, glâucous beneath, rounded, the apex acute to acuminate ot cuspi-
not glossy, the central vein reddish beneath and date, mucronate, glabrous, glossy above and
drying black. [Flowers not known]. Pedicel (in beneath, with the central vein prominent, thick
fruit) 12-15 mm long, glabrous; bracteoles situa- and reddish beneath and drying black to neat the
ted on the lower half of the pedicel, ovate, ca. apex. Flowers solitary or in short racemes up to
1.5 mm long. Calyx remnants ca. 5 mm long, 20 mm long, with up to 6 bracts but these main-
glabrous; teeth obtuse, the lower tooth about as ly stérile; bracts narrowly triangular, ca. 4 mm
long as the others. Pod solitary, stipitate, segmen- long. Flowers ca. 12 mm long, yellow; pedicels
ted but only a single segment developing, the 10-14 mm long, glabrous; bracteoles situated on
aborted segments persisting at the base or apex, the lower half of the pedicel (5-S mm below the
glabrous and eglandular; fertile segment ellipsoi¬ calyx), ovate. 1.5-2 mm long, with scarious mar¬
dal, verrically compressed, 15-21 X 8-9 X gins, ciliate apically. Calyx ca. 6 mm long, gla¬
14-18 mm, splitting into 2 boat-shaped valves, brous except for a few marginal hairs, the
containing a single large seed; seed ca. 12 X hypanthium ca. 1.5 mm long; teeth subacuce. the
9 mm.—Fig. 1. lower tooth about as long as the others. Standard
subcircular, the limb ca. 10 X 10 mm, ernargi-
Distribution and habitat.—E central nate apically, with 2 callous protubérances at the
Madagascar, only known from the type specimen hase, the claw ca. 2 mm long. Wings asymmetri-
collected east of Lakc Alaotra, in somewhat sea- cally obovate, the limb ca. 9 X 5 mm, rounded
sonal evergreen forest, at 1450 m altitude. apically, oblique but not auriculate hasally. the
lower margin rounded, the surface with small,
FlowerinC, TIME.—Not known (fruit présent erescent shaped folds between the veins towards
in December). the base, with a claw ca. 2 mm long. Keel limb
semicireular, ca. 9x4 mm, with a claw ca.
The habit and pods of this species are similar to 2 mm long. Qvary with a ca. 1.5 mm long stipe,
P. nitida, but the leaves hâve more numerous lea¬ linear, fiat, ca. 4 mm long, with swollen-based
flets, the leaflets are smaller, thinner in texture glandular hairs along the margins, with 3 or
and not glossy, and there are no glands on the 4 ovules; style slender, ca. 6 mm long; stigma
margins of the aborted segments of the pod. minutely capitare. Pod stipitate. segmented when
very young but only a single segment developing,
the aborted segments persisting ai the base or
Peltiera nitida Du Puy & Labat, sp. nov. apex; fertile segment ellipsoidal, verrically com¬
pressed, 16-20 X 7-9 X 14-17 mm, splitting
A P. alaotrensi Du Puy & Labat, foltolispaucioribus into 2 boat-shaped valves, containing a single large
majoribus niicniibusque diffère, seed; seed ca. 12 X 8 mm (enclosed in a fleshy,
white cndocarp or aril?).—Fig. 2.
Typus.—Perrier de Li B/ithie 15898, W Madagascar,
env. de Mahitsinjo, confins nord du Tampoketsa
entre l'îkopa et la Betsiboka, ca. 900 m, Jan. 1924, fr. Distribution and habitat.—Central
(holo-, P; iso-, K, P). Madagascar, only known from two specimens,
the type specimen from NW of Antananarivo,
A shrub 1-5 m tall, flowering along with matu¬ the other one front near Moramanga, in deci-
re leaves; twigs glabrous; flowers produced from duous woodland remnants (W central) and mar¬
brachyblasts covered in persistent stipules and gins of somewhat seasonal evergreen forest
from the axils of leaves on young shoots. Stipules (E central), at ca. 900-1000 m altitude.
90 ADANSONIA, sér. 3 • 1997 • 19(1)
Peltiera, a new genus from Madagascar
PARATYPE.—Decary 7233, E central Madagascar, logeneric hypothesis: 1 -9, in Crise M.D. & Doyle
Moramanga, 21 Feb. 1930, fl. (K, MO, P). J.J. (eds.), Advances in Legume Systematics, part 7,
Phylogeny. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Du Puy D.J., Labat J.-N. & Schrire B.D. 1994.—
FlOWERING TIME.—February (but mature
Révision du genre Vaughania S. Moore
fruits also collected in January).
(Leguminosae-Papilionoideae-Lndigofcreae). Bull.
Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat., B. Adansonia 16: 75-102.
This species can be distinguished from ail other Du Puy D.J., Labat J.-N. & Schrire B.D. 1995.—A
species of Peltiera, Ormocarpopsis and révision of Phylloxylon (Leguminosae: Papilionoi-
deae: Indigofereae). Kew Bull. 50: 477-494.
Ormocarpum in Madagascar by its leaves with
Labat J.-N. 1996.—Biogéographie, endémisme et
few, large, glossy leaflets. origine des Legurniitosae-Papilionoideae de
Madagascar: 95-108, in Lûurenço W.R. (ed.),
Biogéograpbie de Madagascar. ORSTOM, Paris.
Acknowledgments Labat J,-N. & Du Puy D.J. 1996.—Two new species
We thank J. LEMEUX for the illustrations, and of Ormocarpopsis R. Viguier and a new combina¬
tion in Ormocarpum P. Beauvois (Leguminosae-
J.-J- FLORET for assistance with the Latin diagnoses.
Papilionoideae) Iront Madagascar. Novon 6: 54-58.
D.J. Du PUY would like to thank the Royal Society
for the opportunity to undertake collaborative resear- Lanvin M. 1986.—The occurrence of cavanine in
seeds of the tribc Robinieae. Biochem. Syst. Ecol. 14:
ch in the Laboratoire de Phanérogamie, Paris, and the
Weston Foundation for the support of his research in 71-73.
LANVIN M. 1987.—A cladistic analysis of the tribe
Madagascar and Kew. We would also like to thank
Robinieae (Papilionoideae, Leguminosae): 31-64,
the Directors and staff of the Laboratoire de
in STIRTON C.LL (ed.), Acfvances in Legume
Phanérogamie, Paris, the Royal Botanic Gardens,
Systematics, part 3. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Kew, the Parc de Tzimbazaza, Antananarivo, and the
Centre National de la Recherche sur l’Environ¬ Ru DD V.E. 1981.—Âeschynomeneae (Benth.)
Hutch.: 347-354, in Polhjll R.M. & Raven P.l 1.
nement, Antananarivo.
(eds.), Advances in Legume Systematics, part 1. Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Schrire B.D. 1995.— Evolution of the Tribe
REFERENCES Indigofereae (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae): 161-
244, in Crisp M.D. & Doyte J.J. (eds.), Advances
CHAPPILL J.A. 1995.—Cladistic analysis of the in Legume Systematics, part 7, Phylogeny. Royal
Leguminosae: the development of an explicit phy- Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Manuscript received 3 October 1996;
revised version accepted 13 January 1997-
ADANSONIA, sér. 3 • 1997 • 19(1) 91