A taxonomic revision of Tibetia (Leguminosae; Papilionoideae; Galegeae)

Abstract

A taxonomic revision of Tibetia (Ali) Tsui is provided and one new combination Tibetia yunnanensis (Franch.) H. P. Tsui var. coelestis (Diels) X. Y. Zhu is proposed. So far the genus Tibetia comprises five species and one variety. Research on herbarium specimens has provided the data on which this revision of the genus is based. This genus is distinct from the closely related genus Gueldenstaedtia based on chromosome data, pollen and seed morphology and morphological characters. A key to all species and varieties is provided. A description and notes on distribution, ecology and phenology are provided for each taxon, as are illustrations and distribution maps. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London.