Re-circumscription of the mimosoid genus Entada including new combinations for all species of the phylogenetically nested Elephantorrhiza (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae, mimosoid clade)

Recent phylogenomic analyses of 997 nuclear genes support the long-held view that the genus Entada is congeneric with Elephantorrhiza. Entada is resolved as monophyletic only if the genus Elephantorrhiza is subsumed within it. The two genera were distinguished solely by relatively minor differences in the mode of dehiscence of the fruits (a craspedium separating into one-seeded endocarp segments in Entada versus a craspedium with the whole fruit valve breaking away from the persistent replum in Elephantorrhiza) and the craspedial fruit type itself provides a shared synapomorphy for the re-circumscribed Entada. Here, we provide a synopsis of Entada, including 11 new combinations in total, for the eight species, one subspecies and one variety previously placed in Elephantorrhiza, as well as a new combination for a subspecies of Entada rheedei Spreng. not previously dealt with when Entada pursaetha DC. was placed in synonymy. These new combinations are: Entada burkei (Benth.) S.A. O'Donnell & G.P. Lewis, comb. nov.; Entada elephantina (Burch.) S.A. O'Donnell & G.P. Lewis, comb. nov.; Entada goetzei (Harms) S.A. O'Donnell & G.P. Lewis, comb. nov.; Entada goetzei subsp. lata (Brenan & Brummitt) S.A. O'Donnell & G.P. Lewis, comb. nov.; Entada obliqua (Burtt Davy) S.A. O'Donnell & G.P. Lewis, comb. nov.; Entada praetermissa (J.H. Ross) S.A. O'Donnell & G.P. Lewis, comb. nov.; Entada rangei (Harms) S.A. O'Donnell & G.P. Lewis, comb. nov.; Entada rheedei subsp. sinohimalensis (Grierson & D.G. Long) S.A. O'Donnell & G.P. Lewis, comb. nov.; Entada schinziana (Dinter) S.A. O'Donnell & G.P. Lewis, comb. nov.; Entada woodii (E. Phillips) S.A. O'Donnell & G.P. Lewis, comb. nov.; and Entada woodii var. pubescens (E. Phillips) S.A. O'Donnell & G.P. Lewis, comb. nov. We provide a revised circumscription of the genus Entada which now comprises 40 species distributed pantropically, with the greatest diversity of species in tropical Africa. We present a complete taxonomic synopsis, including a map showing the global distribution of the genus and photographs showing variation amongst species in habit, foliage, flowers and fruits. A short discussion about extrafloral nectaries, mainly observed in the Madagascan species, is presented.

Automated summary

Recent phylogenomic analyses support the consolidation of genus Entada and Elephantorrhiza, and suggest that the minor differences in fruit dehiscence mode distinguish the two genera. This study provides a detailed synopsis of genus Entada, including revised combinations for previously placed species and subspecies, and presents a map showing the global distribution of the genus.