Systematic Studies in the Genus Rhynchosia with Emphasis on the South American Species

Rhynchosia is the largest and most diverse genus of the legume subtribe Cajaninae and comprises approximately 230 species. It has a pantropical distribution with two main centers of diversity: one in Africa, the other in the Americas. Several species of Rhynchosia are used for livestock forage, while other species, commonly called rosary bean, have brightly colored seeds used for making jewelry and other handcrafts. Luísa Maria de Paula Alves Bezerra will discuss her doctoral research on the systematics of Rhynchosia in South America, which harbors 27 recognized species of the genus. Phylogenetic analyses of subtribe Cajaninae based on molecular data show that Rhynchosia is non-monophyletic, suggesting that a new circumscription of the genus and a new classification of the subtribe are needed. Other research is being undertaken to examine and refine the taxonomy of the American species of the genus.

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