Seed and seedling morphology of Entada,a study of Zambian species

Abstract

A study of the seeds of Entada Adans. revealed three distinct species and one species group. In contrast, the seedlings of the genus could be identified to species by first leaf morphology. The two sections of Entada growing in Zambia were shown to have distinct patterns of germination: sect. Entada has epigeal germination while sect. Neoentada Brenan has hypogeal germination. Means of identification of these species are described and the taxonomic implications discussed