Dussia sanguinea Urb. & Ekman
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Authority
Rudd, Velva E. 1963. The genus
(Leguminosae). Contr. U. S. Natl. Herb. 32(4): 247-277. -
Family
Fabaceae
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Scientific Name
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Type
Type locality: "Massif de la Hotte in parte occidentali prope Les Roseaux ad Nan-Patates in sylvis cr. 1000 m. alt." Type collected by E. L. Ekman (No. H. 10709), cited below.
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Description
Description - Tree, to about 50 m. tall; young stems fulvo- to ferrugino-puberulent; leaves 11-17-foliolate, the axis about 10-20 cm. long, the petiole 6-10 cm. long, the "pairs" of leaflets 1-3.5 cm. apart, the petiolules 4-5 mm. long, 1-2 mm. thick, the blades coriaceous, 2-8 cm. long, 1.5-3 cm. broad, ovate to oblong, the terminal leaflet usually obovate, the apex acute to breviacuminate, the base obtuse, the upper surface glabrous, the lower minutely and densely crisp-pubescent and also papillose-farinose, the secondary veins about 15 pairs forming angles of 60°-65° with the midvein; inflorescence, flowers, and fruit not known.
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Discussion
According to Ekman, this species is "non rara," yet it is known only from his three sterile collections. Superficially, the leaves, with numerous, acuminate leaflets suggest Dussia cuscatlanica. The pubescence on the lower surface of the leaflets is crispate, resembling that of D. martinicensis. Collection of flowers and fruit is necessary before the correct position of D. sanguinea can be established.