The genus Indigofera (Leguminosae) in New Caledonia: Two new species and a key for the species

Abstract

Indigofera monieriana M. Pignal & L.P. Queiroz, sp. nov. and Indigofera dumbeana M. Pignal & L.P. Queiroz, sp. nov., two new species from New Caledonia, are described and illustrated. Both new species have been collected for a long time, but most herbarium specimens were named as the Australian species Indigofera australis, even though they clearly stand apart from this species and the other New Caledonian species of the genus. Indigofera monieriana can be diagnosed by the tall virgate shrubby habit, leaves with an articulate rachis and 7-11 widely obovate to orbiculate leaflets with greyish undersurface and almost invisible venation. Indigofera dumbeana can be recognized by the arborescent habit, leaves with 15-19 elliptical leaflets, small, c. 6 mm long flowers, and ellipsoid seeds. Preliminary IUCN assessments are provided for both species. A key is provided for all species of Indigofera recorded from New Caledonia.