Eriosema crassicaule Grear

  • Authority

    Grear, John W. 1970. A revision of the American species of Eriosema (Leguminosae-Lotoldeae). Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 20: 1-98.

  • Family

    Fabaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Eriosema crassicaule Grear

  • Description

    Latin Diagnosis - Herba ad 60 cm alta; caules e basi lignosa erecti vel adscendentes, crassi, diffuso-ramosi, luteo-sericei. Stipulae pyramidales, extus sericeae, liberae, caducae, 2-9 mm longae, 4.0-4.5 mm latae. Petioli dense sericei, 2-5 mm longi. Foliola 3, oblongo-lanceolata, 3.0-6.5 cm longa, 1-2 cm lata, coriacea, apice acuta mucronataque, facie supra et subtus dense sericea, margine revoluta. Inflorescentiae pauciflorae, 1.5-2.0 cm longae, intra foliola ad apicem ramorum aggregatae, pedunculo 1-5 mm longo, pedicellis 1-2 mm longis. Bracteae pyramidales, caducae, extus sericeae, 4.5-5.0 mm longae, 3.5-4.0 mm latae. Calyx extus pilosus et glandulosus, 11.5-12.0 mm longus, tubo 1.5-2.0 mm longo, lobis plus minus aequilongis 8-9 mm longis. Corolla 14-16 mm longa. Vexillum obovatum, purpureo-striatum, 15-16 mm longum, 8-9 mm latum, auriculo 1 mm longo, ungui 1.5-2.0 mm longo. Alae anguste oblongae, 14.5-15.0 mm longae, 2.5-3.0 mm latae, unguibus 1.5-2.0 mm longis. Carina 14.5-15.0 mm longa, ad maximum 3.5-4.0 mm lata, unguibus 2.0-2.5 mm longis. Stamina ca 15 mm longa. Fructus ovati, ferrugineo-pilosi, 10-13 mm longi, 5-6 mm lati. Semina ovata, nigra, 3-4 mm longa, 2.0-2.5 mm lata.

    Species Description - Herb, to 60 cm tall, with thick diffuse-branched, erect or ascending stems from woody base, the stems luteo-sericeous. Stipules pyramidal, externally sericeous, 2-9 mm long, 4.0-4.5 mm wide, free, caducous. Petioles densely sericeous, 2-5 mm long. Leaflets 3, oblong-lanceolate, mucronate, apex and base acute,coriaceous, margins revolute, 3.0-6.5 cm long, 1-2 cm wide, densely sericeous on both surfaces. Inflorescences few-flowered, 1.5-2.0 cm long, crowded among leaflets at end of branches, peduncles 1-5 mm long, pedicels 1-2 mm long. Bracts pyramidal, caducous, 4.5-5.0 mm long, 3.5-4.0 mm wide. Calyx externally glandular, 11.5-12.0 mm long, tube 1.5-2.0 mm long, lobes 8-9 mm long. Corolla 14-16 mm long. Standard obovate, streaked purple, 15-16 mm long, 8-9 mm wide, auricles 1 mm long, claw 1.0-1.5 mm long. Wings narrowly oblong, 14.5-15.0 mm long, 2.5-3.0 mm wide, claw 1.5-2.0 mm long. Keel blades 14.5-15.0 mm long, 3.5-4.0 mm wide at maximum, claw 2.0-2.5 mm long. Stamens ca. 15 mm long. Fruit ferrugineous-pilose, ovate, 10-13 mm long, 5-6 mm wide. Seeds ovate, black, 3-4 mm long, 2.0-2.5 mm wide.

  • Discussion

    Holotype (K): Brazil, Goias, "Pontefeite." Pohl s n. W/o date. Isotypes (F, NY).

    As stated elewhere, Eriosema crassicaule more nearly resembles E. floribundum. The dense sericeous pubescence on all parts of E . crassicaule, however, distinguishes it from E. floribundum.

    It is known only from the type collection in Goias, but that collection appears to be sufficiently distinct to warrant specific recognition.

  • Distribution

    Distribution. Known only from the type locality in Goias, Brazil (Fig. 7).

    Brazil South America|