Orbexilum pedunculatum var. gracile (Torr. & A.Gray) J.W.Grimes

Authority

Grimes, J. E. 1990. A revision of the New World species of Psoraleeae (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae). Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 61: 1-114.

Family

Fabaceae

Scientific Name

Orbexilum pedunculatum var. gracile (Torr. & A.Gray) J.W.Grimes

Description

Species Description - Characters as in key; also, leaflets 2.3-6.0 x 0.6-1.9 cm; peduncle 5.0-15.0 cm; rachis 2.7- 17.0 cm, sparingly strigose with appressed-ascending hairs on calyx 0.3-0.5 mm; upper calyx teeth 0.75-1 mm , lateral teeth 1.25-1.5 cm; lower calyx tooth 1.75-2.0 mm .

Distribution and Ecology - Atlantic coastal plain from Virginia south to northern Florida.

Discussion

Holotypus N Y ! isotypi G O E T ! (probable) K! Psoralea psoralioides (Walter) Cory, Rhodora 38: 404. 1936. Psoralea psoralioides YdiX. gracilis (Torr. & A. Gray) Freeman, Rhodora 39: 427. 1937. Under the rule ofthe Code whereby the publication of a varietal epithet creates an autonym, it would seem the legitimate name of this taxon should be Orbexilum pedunculatum var. psoralioides Freeman. However, Freeman specifically cites Trifolium psoralioides Walter, a name which is rejected as ambiguous (see below), and Hedysarum pedunculatum Mill., which (see above) must apply to the foregoing, eglandular variety. As the description creating the epithet var. psoralioides does not agree with the type cited, the epithet must be reject.