Studies in Leguminosae: 1. A Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Derris Lour. in India

Abstract

The taxonomic revision of the genus Derris Lour. in India is a preliminary step towards the revision of the tribe Dalbergieae of the order Leguminosae. The tribe is represented in India by the following genera-Dalbergia, Pterocarpus, Pongamia, Derris and Euchresta.

Twenty five species of Derris are described in this paper which include 2 species (Derris pseudo-robusta, D. macrocarpa), 3 varieties (D. rohusta Benth. var. assamica, D. cuneifolia Benth. var. longipedicellata, D. elliptica Benth. var. chittagongensis) and 2 forms (D. elegans Benth. f. andamanensis, D. cuneifolia Benth. f. assamica) described for the first time.

Derris heyneana Benth. var. paniculata Baker is raised to the status of a species with a new name D. bakeri while D. eualata Bedd. and D. wallichii Prain are reduced to varieties of D. thyrsiflora Benth. (D. thyrsiflora Benth. var. eualata. D. thyrsiflora Benth. var. wallichii). The nomenclature of Derris laxiflora Haines is changed, the correct name being D. hainesiana. D. thyrsiflora Benth. is reported for the first time from the Andaman Islands.