Notes on Albizia (Leguminosae—Caesalpinioideae—mimosoid clade) in China

Abstract

This study clarifies taxonomic issues related to some frequently confused Albizia species in China which were referred as A. calcarea, A. duclouxii, A. garrettii, A. kalkora and A. lebbeck in Flora of China, but which were later reduced to A. garrettii, A. kalkora and A. lebbeck in the Catalogue of Life China. Based on a literature review, herbarium specimen examinations and field observations, six species are now recognised for this group. It is confirmed that the name A. kalkora had long been misapplied to the most widely distributed Albizia species in China. The correct name for this species is A. macrophylla, which was previously treated as a synonym of A. lebbeck. The identity of A. kalkora, which was based on material from Bihar Province, northern India, remains unknown, but a brief summary of its taxonomic history is provided. Albizia henryi and A. duclouxii are resurrected from the synonymy of A. kalkora. Albizia simeonis, which was formerly a synonym of A. kalkora, is here treated a synonym of A. henryi. Albizia calcarea is resurrected from the synonymy of A. garrettii and is newly reported from Guangdong, Guizhou and Hunan Provinces of China, and from northern Vietnam. The close relationship between A. calcarea, A. duclouxii and A. henryi is discussed. Further study of A. duclouxii is needed to better-assess its rank and its relationship to its two close relatives. Lectotypes are designated for A. calcarea, A. garrettii, A. henryi, and A. esquirolii. Former holotype citations are corrected to lectotypes for A. duclouxii and A. simeonis. A key to species, distinctive features, habitat, phenology, distribution and taxonomic notes for each species, and maps showing the distribution of the species that are native to China, together with a comparative table summarising the more important characters of each species are provided. Colour plates for four of the species are provided.