Flemingia sootepensis Craib (1911: 43)

Gavade, Sandip K., Maesen, L. J. G. Van Der & Lekhak, Manoj M., 2017, Flemingia sootepensis (Leguminosae): its occurrence in India, notes on identity and typification, Phytotaxa 328 (3), pp. 283-290 : 283-289

Flemingia sootepensis Craib (1911: 43) Figs. 1 , 2

Lectotype: ―(first-step designated by Thuan 1979: 150), three sheets; second-step lectotype, designated here: Thailand (formerly Siam), Chiang Mai, Doi Sootep mountain range, 600–900 m, 16 January 1910, Kerr 934 ( K000980302 !); isolectotypes: Kerr 934 ( BM000958671 !, BM000958672 !, C10021947 !, E00157794 !, K000980303 !, K! (not barcoded), P00709078 ! and TCD0016124 !); syntypes: 01 January 1905, Hosseus 309 ( M0168856 ! and P00709079 !) Fig. 3 .

Erect shrubs, 1.5–2.0 m tall, with branched stem; stem 5–8 mm in diam., mature branches terete, young branches triangular, hairy; hairs silky, antrorse. Leaves digitately trifoliolate, 15–29 cm long, stipulate, petiolate; stipules fused at young stage, splitting at maturity, 18–20 × 2–4 mm, caducous, lanceolate, acuminate with equal tips, basifixed, many nerved, hairy; hairs silky, antrorse; petiole 3.5–7.0 cm long, distinctly winged, gland-dotted beneath, hairy; hairs silky, antrorse; leaflets 3, 11–22 × 2.5–6.5 cm, narrow, linear to lanceolate, the central cuneate at base, laterals oblique at base, margin ciliate, apex mucronate, sparsely hairy on ventral surface, dorsally glabrous, except on veins, gland-dotted; glands orange-red; petiolules 3–6 mm long, hairy, glandular. Inflorescence an axillary raceme; racemes 3–6 in a cluster, longer than petioles. Flowers 9–10 mm long, pedicellate, bracteate; pedicel 1.0– 1.5 mm long, hairy; bracts 4.0–4.5 × 2.0– 2.5 mm, ovate, acute at apex, many nerved, hairy. Calyx 7–8 mm long, hairy, gland-dotted on outer surface; calyx tube ca. 1.0– 1.5 mm long, campanulate, hairy; calyx teeth 5, 6.0–6.5 × 1.0– 1.5 mm, lanceolate, subequal, connate for 1/4 of their length, hairy, many nerved, gland-dotted. Corolla pale green with pink striations; standard 7.0–8.0 × 5.5–6.0 mm, elliptic, apex slightly pointed, glabrous; claw 1.5 mm long, auricled; auricles 2; wings 7 × 2 mm, oblong; claw 2 mm long, auricled; keel 8.0 × 3.5 mm, falcate, fused at apex; claw 2.0– 2.5 mm long, auricled. Stamens 10, diadelphous (9+1); staminal tube 4–5 × 1 mm, anthers uniform, less than 1 mm long, basifixed, filaments of united stamens 1.0– 2.5 mm long, that of free stamen 6.0– 6.5 mm long. Ovary 2 × 1 mm, gland-dotted, hairy; ovules 2; styles 4–5 mm long, glabrous, swollen at middle; stigma globose, hairy. Fruit a pod, 16 × 6 mm, beaked, turgid, slightly septate between seeds or not, tomentose, densely gland-dotted; beak less than 1 mm long; glands orange-red, withering post maturity. Seeds 2, 3 × 3 × 2 mm brown, mottled, rounded; hilum granular, 1.0– 1.5 mm long, position ± central.

Lectotypification:— Craib (1911) described Flemingia sootepensis based on two gatherings: Kerr 934, and Hosseus 309, which were collected from Chiengmai, in evergreen jungle on Doi Sootep, Siam (now Thailand). However, Craib did not specify which of the two specimens should be regarded as the type. Therefore, the specimens Kerr 934 and Hosseus 309 constitute syntypes.

Thuan (1979) in his treatment of Flemingia in Flore du Cambodge, Laos, Vietnam mentioned Kerr 934 as holotype housed at K and an isotype at P. According to Art. 9.9 of the ICBN ( McNeill et al. 2012) this is an error to be corrected, and this should be regarded as the selection of a lectotype. Similarly, the duplicate at P should be designated as an isolectotype. While looking for the type of F. sootepensis we could trace eight duplicates of Kerr 934 (BM000958671, BM000958672, C 10021947, E00157794, K000980302, K000980303, P00709078 and TCD0016124) at BM, C, E, K, P and TCD. We also studied specimens on loan from C, E and K. Thuan’s mention of Kerr 934 as holotype should be considered as a first-step typification according to Art. 9.17 Ex.12. of the ICN ( McNeill et al. 2012).

Niyomdham (1992) synonymized Flemingia sootepensis under F. macrophylla var. sootepensis (Craib) Niyomdham. He mentioned Kerr 934 housed at K and C as types and was apparently unaware of the lectotypification by Thuan. This step by Niyomdham is akin to what Thuan did, i.e. first-step lectotypification. Consequently, the designation is here narrowed by selecting the specimen (K000980302) referred by Thuan as “ holotype ” as second-step lectotype as per Art. 9.17 of ICN ( McNeill et al. 2012). The specimens of Hosseus 309 at M (M0168856) and P (P00709079) remain syntypes.

Identity and affinities: ― Flemingia sootepensis resembles F. macrophylla in its habit, inflorescence type, stipules and pod shape. However, it differs from the latter in petiole structure, leaflet shape and size, raceme length, stipule persistence, shape of the standard and density of glands on pod ( Table 1).

Niyomdham (1992) treated F. sootepensis as a variety of F. macrophylla , i.e. F. macrophylla var. sootepensis .

A survey of herbarium specimens (Rajani 178, Beena 3905, Sebastian 1507, Mohanan 7940, 9742) at CALI revealed that F. sootepensis was also collected by earlier Indian workers. However, the species was misidentified as F. congesta Roxb. the much-used synonym of F. macrophylla .

Ecology: ―The species grows along the road sides and hill slopes in northern and southern Western Ghats. It is also found in semi-evergreen forests. The common associates are Abutilon persicum (Burm.f. 1768: 148) Merr. (1921: 364) , Ageratum conyzoides L. (1753: 839), Bambusa bambos (L. 1753: 81) Voss (1895: 1189), Caryota urens L. (1753: 1189), Eupatorium odoratum L. (1759: 1205), Helicteres isora L. (1753: 963), Hemidesmus indicus (L. 1753: 211) R.Br. (1811: 75) ex Schult. (1820: 126), Holigarna grahamii Kurz (1872: 305) , Ischaemum sp. , Lantana camara L. (1753: 627), Rungia elegans Dalzell & Gibson (1861: 196) , Selaginella sp. , Sida sp. , Strobilanthes callosa Nees (1832: 85) , Thespesia lampas (Cav. 1787: 154) Dalzell & Gibson (1861: 19) and Triumfetta sp.

Distribution: ―This species was reported previously from Thailand and Indo-China ( Laos) ( Niyomdham 1992). The present investigations reveal that it is also found in the Western Ghats of Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra ( Fig. 4 ).

Phenology: ―Flowering and fruiting from January to March.

Additional specimens examined:― Flemingia sootepensis : INDIA. Goa: North Goa district, Mopa Village, 12 July 2015, S. K. Gavade & M. M. Lekhak 75 ( SUK!). Karnataka: Uttara Kannada district , Ulvi forest , 05 November 2015, S. K. Gavade 112, ( SUK!). Kerala: Malappuram district , Calicut University campus, 12 February 1982, A. Rajini 178 ( CALI!) ; Nilambur , 14 January 1989, N. B. Shreedevi 903 ( CALI!) ; Thiruvananthapuram district, Attayar , 22 December 1987, N. Mohanan 9142 ( CALI!) ; Bonacaud , 22 December 1988, N. Mohanan 7940 ( CALI!) ; Neyyar , 16 November 1988, M. Beena 3905 ( CALI!) ; 16 November 1988, M. Sebastian 1507 ( CALI!). Maharashtra: Kolhapur district, Tilari Ghat , 14 December 2014, S. K. Gavade & M. M. Lekhak 7 ( SUK!, L!) ; 14 January 2015, S. K. Gavade & M. M. Lekhak 14 ( SUK!) ; 20 January 2015, S. K. Gavade 16 ( SUK!) ; 15 February 2015, S. K. Gavade 25 ( SUK!) ; 15 March 2015, S. K. Gavade 36 ( SUK!) . LAOS. Xieng Khouang: 27 October 1920, E. Poilane 2191 ( L!) ; Louangphabang: Muong Soui- Muong You , 9 February 1932, E. Poilane 20089 ( L!) ; Khammouan: Sam Ma Dai , 27 October 2005, M. F. Newman, P. I. Thomas, K. E. Armstrong, K. Sengdala & V. Lamxay 586 ( L!) ; Nakai-Nam Theun NBCA, 27 June 2006, A. Kool, H. J. de Boer, s.n. ( L!) ; V. Lamxay & O. Insisiengmay 608 ( L!) . THAILAND. Chaiyaphum: 15 December 1971, C. F. van Beusekom 4313 ( L!) ; Chiang Mai: Ban Lawm , 12 January 1991, J. F. Maxwell 62 ( L!) ; Ban Mae Yang Ha , 21 December 1990, J. F. Maxwell et al. 84 ( L!) ; Doi Chiang Dao , 25 December 1921, N. Put 4539 ( L!) ; 28 December 1962, K. Bunchuai 1275 ( L!) ; 10 January 1975, R. Geesink , P. H. Hiepko & C. Phengklai 8207 ( L!) ; 6 January 1989, J. F. Maxwell 25 ( L!) ; Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park , 25 February 1958, T. SØrensen1631 ( L!) ; Doi Suthep-Pui National Park , 8 February 1957, T. Smitinand 3772 ( L!) ; 28 October 1958, T. SØrensen 5951 ( L!) ; 21 November 1987, J. F. Maxwell 1469 ( L!) ; 23 January 1988, J. F. Maxwell 86 ( L!) ; 5 March 1990, J. F. Maxwell 279 ( L!) ; 22 December 1992, J. F. Maxwell 847 ( L!) ; 10 January 1994, N. Fukuoka & H. Koyama 62123 ( L!) ; Fang , 11 January 1975, R. Geesink 8221 ( L!) ; Mae Sao , 11 February 1983, H. Koyama et al. 33376 ( L!) ; 4 January 1991, J. F. Maxwell 35 ( L!) ; Payap , 16 December 1965, E. Hennipman 3373 ( L!) ; Chiang Rai: Doi Huay Nam Rin , 23 December 1994, J. F. Maxwell 1302 ( L!) ; Kuhn Jae National Park , 18 November 1997, J. F. Maxwell 1374 ( L!) ; Kanchanaburi: 15 November 1971, C. F. van Beusekom 3785 ( L!) ; Lampang: Doi Kuhn Dahn National Park , 24 December 1993, J. F. Maxwell 1531 ( L!) ; 28 December 1993, J. F. Maxwell 1568 ( L!) ; Jae Sawn National Park , 2 December 1995, J. F. Maxwell 1236 ( L!) ; 14 February 1996, J. F. Maxwell 205 ( L!) ; Phayao: Doi Luang National Park , 22 December 1997, O. Petrmitr 179 ( L!) ; 26 December 1997, O. Petrmitr 205 ( L!) ; 23 January 1998, O. Petrmitr 259 ( L!) ; 8 March 1998, J. F. Maxwell 234 ( L!) ; 13 February 2001, J. F. Maxwell 67 ( L!) ; 14 November 2001, W. Sankamethawee 342 ( L!) ; 5 April 2003, K. Kansuntisukmongkol 223 ( L!) ; 20 February 2004, J. F. Maxwell 94 ( L!) ; 22 April 2004, R. Pooma , K, Phattarahirankanok, S. Sirimongkol & M. Phupath 4553 ( L!) ; 01 February 2006, J. F. Maxwell 88 ( L!) ; 1 February 2006, P. Suvarnakoses 991 ( L!) ;

Flemingia macrophylla : BANGLADESH. Chittagong: s.d., H. Bruce s.n., Wallich Catalogue Number 5746d ( K001121992 !) ; Sylhet, s.d., F. De Silva & H. Bruce s.n., Wallich Catalogue Number 5747e ( K001121993 !) . INDIA. Assam, Goalpara , 10 November 1806, Buchanan & Hamilton s.n., Wallich Catalogue Number 5747a ( K001121989 !) ; 5747b ( K001121990 !) ; 5747c ( K001121991 !) ; Karnataka: Belgaum district, Hemmadaga , s.d., N. V. Malpure 3906 ( SUK!) ; Maharashtra: Bombay , s.d., N. A. Dalzell s.n. ( CAL!) ; Malabar & Konkan region , s.d., Stocks & Law ( CAL!) ; A. Gibson 7 (CAL!); Tamil Nadu: Salem District, Yercaud, Vallaikadai and Cauvery Peak, 18 March 1976, K. M. Matthew & V. Alphonse 1798 ( RHT016752 !) . MALAYSIA. Penang: N. Wallich s.n., Wallich Catalogue Number 5747f ( K001121993 !) ; MYANMAR. Mon: Thaton district, Martaban , 26 January 1827, N. Wallich s.n., Wallich Catalogue Number 5747g ( K001121993 !) .

Figures

FIGURE 1. Flemingia sootepensis. A. Habit. B: Inflorescence. C. Flower. D. Stipules. E. Bract. F. Calyx, dorsal view. G. Standard. H. Wing petals. I. Keel petals. J. Androecium with fused stamens. K. Free stamen. L. Gynoecium. M. Fruit (Pod). N. Seed, dorsal view. O. Seed, lateral view. (All drawn from voucher specimen: S.K. Gavade & M.M. Lekhak 7) Illustrated by S. K. Gavade.

FIGURE 2. Flemingia sootepensis. A & B. Habit. C. Leaf (adaxial view). D. Leaf (abaxial view). E. Winged petiole. F. Stipules. G. Inflorescence. H. Infructescence. I. Fruit (Pod). Photos by M. M. Lekhak.

FIGURE 3. Lectotype of Flemingia sootepensis (K000980302). [Reproduced with the kind permission of the Board of Trustees, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.]

FIGURE 4. Known distribution map of Flemingia macrophylla (green triangles) and F. sootepensis (red circles).