A review of Rhynchosia section Cyanospermum (Phaseoleae, Fabaceae) in South Africa

We review Rhynchosia section Cyanospermum in South Africa. It is characterised by a robust habit, racemose inflorescence of numerous flowers with a large, tomentose calyx with broad lobes, and dark blue seeds. The section is represented in the Flora of southern Africa Region by two species, R. hirta and R. resinosa. However, the latter species lacks the diagnostic dark blue seeds of the section and has not been included here. Rhynchosia hirta appears to be allied to the Madagascan R. leandrii from which it can be distinguished by its larger flowers and seeds.

► First in a series of papers envisaged to emanate from studies in Rhynchosia (Fabaceae) ► South African species of Rhynchosia have not been comprehensively revised since 1923. ► These studies are part of a broader taxonomic study of several genera of Phaseoleae.