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Introduction: Antioxidants and glucosidases inhibitors are interesting in diabetes mellitus prevention and its management. However, conventional drugs have a multitude of unenviable side effects. Thus, research is turning towards herbal remedies, hence this study that was interested in two plants used in the traditional treatment of diabetes in Bobo-Dioulasso. Objective: The aim was to evaluate Chamaecrista (C.) nigricans and Pseudocedrela (P.) kotschyi roots water extracts effect on sorghum α-amylase activity. Methodology: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum trichloride, respectively. FRAP, DPPH and ABTS methods were used to estimate the extracts antioxidant activity. The α-amylase inhibition tests were carried out using the glucose assay method with dinitrosalicylic acid. Results: The C. nigricans and P. kotschyi extracts have shown strong antioxidant activities, 7031.52±15 and 8762.35±51 µmol AAE.g-1E respectively, referring to trolox using ABTS method. These extracts have also shown an inhibitory effect of 98.57% and 97.67% respectively on α-amylase activity. Conclusion/perspectives: These plants have in vitro an interesting anti-amylasic potential. Further investigations will be necessary using a pure enzyme and a wider range of concentration of the extracts in order to determine the kinetic parameters and the fractionation by chromatography to determine the most effective fraction(s). Finally, an in vivo evaluation of the anti-diabetic effect of the extracts could be considered. Keywords: anti α-amylase, antioxidant, Chamaecrista nigricans, Pseudocedrela kotschyi.

2. CHAMAECRISTA BIENSIS (Steyaert) Lock, Kew Bull. 43(2): 335 (1988); Brummitt in Fl. Zambesiaca 3(2): 130 (2007). Cassia katangensis (Ghesq.) Steyaert var. biensis Steyaert., Bull. Jard. Bot. Etat 20: 260 (1950). Cassia biensis (Steyaert) Mendonça & Torre., Bol. Soc. Brot. Ser. 29(2): 33 (1955); Schreiber in F. S.W.A. 59: 11 (1956); Gordon-Gray in F.S.A. 16(2): 100 (1977). TYPE: ANGOLA. Bie Province, Dec 1932, Gossweiler 9 (holotype: BR [BR08918918]–image!.). Perennial herbs, to 0.5 m tall. Stems producing multiple branches from a woody rootstock, prostrate or decumbent, pubescent, with small curved appressed hairs. Leaves paripinnate, 10–65 × 5–20 mm, oblong to linear oblong, tapering slightly distally; stipules straight, 5–10 mm long, base oblique, apex acuminate; rachis channelled; extrafloral nectaries on petiole, circular, concave, ± 0.3 × 0.2–0.5 mm, attached with short stalk. Leaflets 6–25-jugate, 5–10 × 1–2 mm, linear oblong, base oblique, apex apiculate, margin ciliate, midrib strongly excentric towards anticous margin. Inflorescence axillary, 1–2 flowered; flowers 5–10 × 4–6 mm, bract ± 3 mm long, base oblique, apex acuminate; bracteoles 2, glabrous, towards top of pedicels. Pedicels with short, straight or curved hairs, 15–20 mm at flowering, 20–25 mm at fruiting. Sepals 5, ovate, 4–8 × 2–3 mm, pubescent on the outer surface. Petals 5, obovate 7–10 × 3–5 mm, bright yellow. Stamens 10, straight or slightly curved, anthers vary in size, often in two (5 medium and 5 large) or three series (3 small, 4 medium, and 3 large), 2–7 mm long, filaments very short, 1 mm long. Ovary 6–9 mm long, densely covered with white hairs, slightly curved or straight, glabrous. Pods 20–50 × 3–5 mm, flattened, straight or curved, with small curved suppressed hairs. Seeds 2.5–4.0 × 1–2 mm, rhomboid, flattened, brown to light brown. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista biensis shares a low growth form and leaf structure with C. capensis (particularly C. capensis var. capensis). However, C. biensis can be distinguished by its extrafloral nectaries on the petiole attached by a very short stalk, ± 0.3 × 0.2–0.5 mm (Fig. 3C) (well developed in C. capensis) and short pedicels 15–25 mm (up to 45 mm in C. capensis) bearing small flowers 5–10 × 4–6 mm (large flowers 10–17 × 5–15 mm in C. capensis). Distribution and Ecology —The species is widespread from the north-eastern parts of Namibia, extending to South Africa with a wide distribution in the North West Province through to the Northern Cape, Emalahleni (Witbank) in Mpumalanga and along the drier northern parts of the country across to Botswana (Fig. 5). Chamaecrista biensis grows on sandy or well-drained soil at elevations below 1530 m. Flowering from October to March. Additional Specimens Examined — Namibia. —1817 (Tsitsabis): along the main road from farm Sachsenheim to Oshivelo (–CA), 3 Apr 2002, Uiras MU547 (PRE) . 1819 (Karakuwisa): Cigarrete, NE of Karakuwise (–BA), 25 Jan 1953, Maguire 2331 (NBG). 1918 (Grootfontein): Taranaki, 80 km from Grootfointein on road to Rundu (–BA), 5 Mar 1995, Germishuizen 7510 (PRE); on road to Sonap Research Station, 4 km from Taranaki farm (–BB), 6 Mar 1995, Germishuizen 7617 (PRE). 1919 (Kanovlei): on road to Tsumkwe, 50 km NE of Grootfointein (–AC), 7 Mar 1995, Germishuizen 7643 (PRE). 1920 (Tsumkwe): southern Bushmanland, Revele BL 3.2 km W of Kremetartkop (–DD), 26 Feb 1986, Hines 578 (PRE). 2017 (Waterburg): Waterburg (–AA), 21 Dec 1970, Rutherford A 12 (PRE). 2116 (Okahandja): Thorn tree farm 80 km from Okahandja on road Otjiwarongo (–BD), 6 Mar 1983, Germishuizen 2596 (PRE). 2118 (Steinhausen): Hennopsrus farm, on R16 road to Steinhausen (–BB), 5 Mar 1997, Germishuizen 9360 (PRE); Kaokoveld (–BD), Oct 1972, Giess 9781 (PRE). 2217 (Windhoek): Windhoek (–CA), 1 Feb 1976, Giess 13927 (PRE). 2218 (Omaheke): Omaheke, road D 1793, 21 km N of junction with D1792 (–CB), 22 Apr 1998, Kolberg HK 915 (PRE); Hennopsrus Farm, on R16 road to Steinhausen (–BB), 5 Mar 1997, Germishuizen 9360 (PRE). 2219 (Sandfontein): Sandfontein (–CC), 21 Feb 1955, De Winter 2443 (PRE); 5 km from turn off on road to Rietfointein from Buitepos/Gobabis road (–BC), 6 Mar 1997, Germishuizen 9493 (PRE). Botswana. —1824 (Kachikau): 1.75 km South of the Seronga/Savuti track junction near the Sandridge gap (–CC), 21 Jan 1979, Smith 2631 (PRE). 2220 (Kalkfontein): 6 km North of Okwa Valley along the track between Ncojane and Mamuno (–AC), 31 May 1905, Skarpe S-448 (PRE). 2326 (Kgatleng): Masana Ranch (–CD), 10 Nov 1978, Hansen 3545 (PRE). 2324 (Mahalapye): Dinojane to Salajwe road on sand (–DD), 10 Dec 1987, Barnard 409 (PRE). 2325 (Lephepe): central Kalahari, Dinojane (–BC), 12 Dec 1986, Barnard 218 (PRE). 2426 (Mochudi): Bochudi (–AC), Jan-Apr 1914, Harbor 6585 (NBG). South Africa. — LIMPOPO: 2327 (Ellisras): Njala Nature Reserve (–DA), 5 Feb 1994, Swartz PPS 94–22 (PRE). 2329 (Pietersburg) [Polokwane]: Pietersburg [Polokwane] (–BB), Mar 1919, Breijer 19556 (PRE). 2429 (Zebediela): Sunningdale Private Nature Reserve (–AC), 3 Jan 1970, Hofmeyer 158 (PRE). — NORTH WEST: 2526 (Zeerust): Zeerust (–CA), Oct 1972, Leendertz 11303 (PRE); Zeerust (–CA), Jan 1928, Thode 1402 (PRE). 2527 (Rustenburg): Saulspoort, Kwa-Ramoga in kloof on side of Mountain (–AA), 28 Nov 1977, Germishuizen 00486 (20032) (PRE); Klipvoordam (–BB), 8 Jan 1978, Peters, Gericke and Burelli 3536 (PRE). 2529 (Witbank): Stoffberg, next to R555 road (–BD), 14 Jan 2018, Musandiwa 8 (NBG). 2624 (Morokweng): ca. 12 km N of Stella, on road to Papiesvlakte (–BD), 3 Mar 1998, Smook 10067 (PRE). 2626 (Klerksdorp): Witstinkhoutboom (–AB), 28 Jan 1926, Liebenberg 26 (PRE). 2627 (Potchefstroom): Meyer street, near military base (–CA), 9 Dec 2011, Komape, Mabe and Siebert KMS265 (NBG). 2724 (Taung): Zoet Vley (–AA), 10 Nov 1988, Speedy 208 (PRE); near Vryburg, Farm Palmyra, 97 km northwest of Vryburg (–CA), 5 Feb 1948, Rodin 3499 (PRE); Andalusia (–DD), 7 Jan 1941, Herre 60661 (PRE). 2725 (Bloemhof): Leeuwfontein, 10 km W of Wolmaransstad (–BB), 17 Dec 1974, Van Wyk 742 (PRE). — GAUTENG: 2528 (Pretoria): Bultfontein Verena (–BD), 27 Dec 1972, Grobbelaar 1679 (PRE); Christianville, Springbokvlakte road, NW of Montana Secondary School (–CA), 6 Feb 2005, Bester and Archer 5645 (PRE); Arcadia (–CA), Jan 1926, Smith 2089 (PRE); Wonderboom Reserve (–CB), 17 Nov 1944, Wasserfall 3536 (NBG); Verwoerdburg, De Hoeve Farm (–CC), 1 Feb 1776, Victoria 12 (NU); Farm Annoda, 56 km N East of Pretoria (–DA), 20 Oct 2005, Meyer 4542 (PRE). — MPUMALANGA: 2431 (Acornhoek): beyond Blyde River Nature Reserve camp (–CA), 21 Jan 1968, Hilliard 6031 (NU). 2529 (Witbank): Loskopdam-Donkerhoek (–CA), 11 Feb 1968, Theron 1673 (PRE). 2630 (Carolina): Nooitgedach (–CD), 31 Dec 1926, Henrici 1388 (PRE). Free State: 2727 (Kroonstad): Klipspruit (–CA), Feb 1928, Pont 294 (PRE); Klipspruit (–CA), Jan 1928, Pont 352 (PRE). 2728 (Frankfort): 6 km from Reitz on the road to Rietpan (–CD), 25 Jan 1983, Retief 888 (PRE). 2826 (Brandfort): Glen (–CD), Mar 1926, Glen School of Agriculture 3449 (PRE). Northern Cape: 2723 (Kuruman): 11.3 km from Kuruman on road to Hotazel (–AD), without date, Brenda 602 (PRE). 2824 (Kimberly): Barkly West, Panplaas (near Boetsap) (–AB), 20 Feb 1974, Hanekom 2233 (PRE); Rooipoort NW corner of Rooipoort farm (–CA), 19 Feb 1991, Phelan 1120 (PRE); Barkley West, Vaalbos National Park (–CB), 23 Feb 1994, Zietsman 2365 (PRE)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on pages 998-999, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056

1. CHAMAECRISTA ABSUS (L.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby, Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35(2): 664 (1982); Brummitt in Fl. Zambesiaca 3(2): 125 (2007). Cassia absus L., Sp. Pl. 1: 376 (1753); Oliv. in F. T. A. 2: 297 (1871); Steyaert in F. C.B. 3: 507 (1952); Brenan in F.T.E.A Legum.-Caesalp.: 81 (1967); Gordon-Gray in F.S.A. 16(2): 95 (1977); Brummitt in Fl. Zambesiaca 3(2): (2007). TYPE: INDIA. Aegypto, Linn. No. 528.4 (lectotype: LINN, designated by De Wit (1956)). Annual herbs to 0.55 m tall, whole plant glandular. Stems erect, slightly woody at base, densely covered with fine, short, curved and straight scattered hairs. Leaves paripinnate, 15–55(70) × 10–45(95) mm; stipules linear, 2–4 × 0.5 mm, covered with long soft hairs; extrafloral nectaries on the petiole lacking; rachis faintly channelled, with linear extrafloral nectaries between each pair of leaflets, ± 1 mm long. Leaflets 2-jugate, 7–45 × 3–35 mm, with black pitted dots on lamina, elliptic to obovate, base oblique, rounded at apex, uppermost pair usually the largest; margin ciliate. Inflorescence terminal, 1–8 flowered; flowers 4–6 × 3–4 mm; bracts ± 3 × 1.0– 1.5 mm, ovate, cordate at base, apex acuminate; bracteoles 2, glandular. Pedicels with long straight hairs, at flowering 3–5 mm long, at fruiting 5–8 mm long. Sepals 5, oblanceolate, 4–6 × 1–2 mm, glandular on the outside. Petals 5, broadly obovate, ± 6 × 1.5–2.0 mm, yellow or reddish. Stamens 5, straight or slightly curved, anthers in two series, 1(2) small 1.5–2.0 mm long, (3)4 large 3 mm long, filaments ± 2 mm long. Ovary ± 5 mm densely covered with white hairs; style glabrous, 2 mm long, slightly curved. Pods oblong, 30–50 × 6–8 mm, glandular, flattened, straight to slightly curved, with scattered straight hairs. Seeds 3–5 × 3–4 mm, elliptic, sub-rhomboid, flattened, shiny, black or brown. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista absus is unique among the species of Chamaecrista in southern Africa, distinguished by its glandular stems, two pairs of leaflets (Fig. 2A), the absence of extrafloral nectaries on the petiole, and 5 stamens. The flowers are small with yellow or reddish petals. Usually, 5 or up to 6 stamens have been recorded for this species (e.g. Brummitt et al. 2007), whereas other Chamaecrista species in southern Africa have 8 to 10 stamens. The pods are glandular, with scattered hairs. Distribution and Ecology — Chamaecrista absus is widespread in tropical Africa, South Asia, and Australia (Brummitt et al. 2007). In southern Africa, C. absus is widespread and common from Namutoni in Namibia, extending to Botswana (Maun and Gaborone) and beyond the region to Zimbabwe. The species is also common in South Africa, largely distributed in the Limpopo Province, along to Mpumalanga and extending to Rustenburg in the North West Province (Fig. 4). It grows in open grassland or forest areas, often on rocky or sandy soil at elevations below 1550 m. Flowering from December to July. Additional Specimens Examined — Namibia. —1714 (Ruacana Falls): Etoto hill, on S slope (–CA), 7 Mar 2003, Schubert SS60 (PRE); ca. 60 km NW of Oshakati on the Ruacana Road (–DA), Mar 1975, Vahrmeijer 2613 (PRE). 1715 (Ondangwa): Ogongo Agricultural Collage (–CB), 26 Feb 1978, Van Jaarsveld 2986 (NBG). 1717 (Omboloko): communal land, E of Plot 1 outside Agriculture extension office fence (–CA), 6 Apr 2000, TPS798 (WIND). 1718 (Nkurenkuru): Calcrete Road between Mpambi and Mpungu Vlei, ca 10 km S of Okavango River (–AD), 7 Feb 1999, Burke 994 (WIND); Omuramba at Dikweya (–CB), 8 April 2002, Uiras MU760 (PRE). 1720 (Sambo): Ndonga camp at the junction of Omuramba Omatako and Okavango River (–CD), 12 Dec 1956, De Winter 4617 (WIND). 1723 (Singalamwe): near Kwando River, at the turn off to Bum Hill campsite (–CD), 5 Mar 2006, Horn HOR2/384 (WIND). 1724 (Katima Mulilo): Ikowe, along Mulapos and Pools (–AA), 6 Nov 1972, Mcferren 28 (PRE); Forestry Reserve, W of Katima Mulilo (–AD), 12 Feb 1988, Maggs 231 (WIND); ca. 11.26 km S of Katima Mulilo on road to Ngoma (–DC), 22 Feb 1958, Killiok & Leistner 3022 (WIND); Bukana to Lusikili (–DA), 1 Mar 1982, Muller 1837 (WIND). 1816 (Namutoni): next to the main road Oshivelo/Ondwangwa (–BD), 26 Mar 1999, Mannheimer 687 (PRE); 17 km from Tsumeb on road to Otavi (–DB), 9 Feb 1974, Grobbelaar 1895 (PRE); 8 km from Tsumeb on road to Otavi (–DB), 9 Feb 1974, Grobbelaar 1907 (PRE); 40 miles (ca. 64.3 km) SE of Ondangua on road to Namutori (–DD), 13 Feb 1959, De Winter & Giess 6950 (PRE). 1817 (Tsitsabis): farm Sachsenheim (–CA), 2 Apr 2002, Uiras MU524 (PRE); along the main road from Farm Sachsenheim to Oshivelo (–CA), 3 Apr 2002, Uiras MU526 (PRE). 1819 (Karakuwisa): along the road next to Mile 46 Research Station at Observatory (–AD), 8 Feb 2002, Strohbach BS5330 (WIND); between Chassie and Gautscha Pan (–BA), 19 Dec 1952, Maguire 2119 (PRE). 1821 (Andara): Popa Falls Rest Camp (–BA), 21 Feb 1988, Hines 956 (PRE); southern Border of Mahango Game Reserve on the floodplain margin (–BC), 22 Feb 1988, Hines 983 (PRE). 1916 (Gobaub): near Merwe Farm, ca. 20 km W of Otavi on road to Outjo (–DB), 9 Mar 1997, Germishuizen 9529 (PRE). 1918 (Grootfontein): 13 miles (ca. 20.9 km) from Grootfontein to Tsumeb (–AC), 3 Apr 1965, Tolken & Hardy 934 (PRE); 15 km W of Grootfontein after Tsumeb (–CA), 3 Apr 1965, Giess 8572 (PRE); Farm Olievenhof, GR 215 Palmenflache (–CB), 26 Apr 1963, Giess, Volk & Bleisssner 6513 (WIND). 1920 (Tsumkwe): ca. 8 km E of the Dorsland Boom (–BC), 21 Jan 1987, Hines 898 (PRE). 2016 (Otjiwatongo): Farm Jan Helpman (–BB), 29 Apr 2001, Strohbach 931 (WIND); Otjikango Farm, 48 km turn off on road to Kalkfeld (–CA), 13 Mar 1997, Germishuizen 9778 (PRE); Farm Okonjima (–DC), 26 Mar 2004, Hoffman LH1102 (WIND). 2017 (Waterberg): Tjozondjupa (–AB), 20 Jun 2008, Lushetile 170 (WIND). 2018 (Gunib): Omuramba Omatako (–DA), 9 May 2001, Uiras MU312 (WIND). 2115 (Karibib): Omaruru (–BA), 14/15 Feb 1958, Merxmuller & Giess 1592 (PRE); Farm Okandjou, 105.30 km NW of Omaruru (–BC), 26 April 1968, Wanntorp 1038 (PRE); Ameib Ranch (–DC), 15 Mar 1988, Goldblatt & Manning 8817 (PRE). 2118 (Steinhausen): Farm Kalidona OK 277 (–AC), 23 Apr 1961, Gaerdes 4 (WIND). 2219 (Eiseb): next to road Elandsbult-Babi Babi area (–BD), 19 Mar 1999, Theron 4a (WIND). Botswana. —1922 (Nukaneng): Xamatshaa Island (–BB), 18 Feb 1975, Smith 1263 (PRE). 1923 (Maun): Okavango Delta, 12 km on road from Moremi to Chobe (–AA), 29 Jan 1994, Roodt 39 (PRE); Chiefs Island (–AC), 26 Dec 1973, Biggs M 469 (PRE); on road from Moremi to Chobe (–BC), 29 Jan 1994, Roodt 39 (PRE); Island, Boro Floodplain (–CA), 22 Feb 1974, Biggs M 512 (PRE). 2425 (Gaborone): Polokwe Hills (–CD), 12 Apr 1995, Acocks 43 (PRE); river bank north west of Runtu (–DA), 4 Mar 1956, Marais 1128 (PRE); Gaborone Dam (–DB), 3 Feb 1996, Vega & Roduhr 2 (PRE). 2426 (Mochudi): Bechuanaland Protectorate (–AC), Apr 1914, Harbor 6584 (PRE); Mochudi (–AC), Oct 1914, Harbor 14079 (PRE); Bechuanaland Protectorate (–AC), without date, Rogers 13835 (PRE). Zimbabwe. —1731 (Harare): Makabuzi hillside (–AB), 19 Jan 1963, Moll 520 (NU). South Africa. — LIMPOPO: 2229 (Waterpoort): Greefswaldt (–AB), 8 Jan 1974, Theron 2886 (PRE), 8 Jan 1974, Theron 2897 (PRE); Messina, ca. 56 miles (ca. 90.1 km) NW of Farm Greefswald (–AB), 8 Jan 1974, Pienaar 383 (PRE); Messina, ca. 56 miles (ca. 90.1 km) NW of Farm Greefswald (–AB), 8 Jan 1974, Pienaar 373 (PRE); Breslau farm 3.2 km, near Pontdrift (–AC), 7 May 2000, Straub 788 (PRE); Matolege E of Groot Kop (–BB), 20 Jan 2006, Van der Walt 273 (PRE). 2230 (Messina): Albasini Dam (–AA), 4 Apr 1971, Stephen 1587 (PRE); Messina (–AC), May 1918, Rogers 20789 (PRE); Waterberg (–AC), 15 Oct 1929, Turner 2 (PRE). 2327 (Ellisras): Ellisras, Matimba (–DA), 27 Feb 1984, Westfall 1664 (PRE); Ellingtpon Ranch, Toulon farm (–DA), 25 Mar 1990, Schmidt 300 (PRE); 33 km S of Ellisras on road to Thabazimbi (–DC), 1 May 2004, Meyer 4387 (PRE). 2328 (Baltimore): Swartwater, Farm Doornkraal LR 015 (–AA), 5 Feb 2004, Sebothoma & Winter 507 (PRE); Swartwater, Farm Doornkraal LR 015 (–AA), 5 Feb 2004, Sebothoma & Winter 497 (PRE); Calmar Ranch, Farm (–BA), 2 Mar 2004, Bester 4730 (PRE); Calmar Ranch, Calmar Farm (–BA), 3 Mar 2004, Steyn 461 (PRE). 2329 (Pietersburg) [Polokwane]: Louis Trichardt [Makhado] (–BB), Mar 1919, Breijer 19555 (PRE); Soutpansberg, Blouberg Nature Reserve (–DA), 6 Jan 1988, Klopper 527 (PRE); 23 km from Duiwelskloof on road to Pietersburg [Polokwane] (–DB), 20 Mar 1980, Germishuizen 1349 (PRE). 2330 (Tzaneen): Duiwelskloof [Modjadjiskloof] (–CA), Mar 1960, Scheepers SKF165 (PRE); Letaba (–CA), 6 Feb 1960, Scheepers 891 (PRE); Letaba Estate, Tzaneen (–CC), 13 Apr 1965, Grobbelaar 16282 (PRE); Sibasa (–CD), Mar 1920, Junod 21210 (PRE); Hans Merensky Nature Reserve (–DA), 20 Dec 1983, De Beer 142 (PRE). 2331 (Phalaborwa): Punda Maria (–CA), 30 Apr 1953, Schijff 2956 (PRE); Silongwe 23 LU, 10 km N of Phalaborwa (–CC), 12 Feb 1984, Retief 230 (PRE); Kruger National Park, Letaba River (–CD), 1 Dec 2006, Siebert & Siebert 152 (PRE). 2428 (Nylstroom): Farm Doornkraal (–AA), 5 Feb 2004, Sebothoma 507 (PRE); Nylstroom, Visgat, Farm Waterhoutkloof (–AA), 15 Mar 1987, Westfall 2252 (PRE); 15 km from Vaalwater on road to Melkriver side (–AB), 08 Mar 1978, Germishuizen 706 (PRE); 9 km NE of Vaalwater on road to Malkrivier (–AC), 5 Mar 1985, Welman 518 (PRE); 25 miles (ca. 40.2 km) along turnoff to Sterk River Settlement from National road between Naboomspruit & Potgieterstrust (–BA), 17 Mar 1972, Clarke 361 (PRE); Nylstroom Sterkrivier Dam Nature Reserve (–BC), 10 Feb 1972, Jacobsen 2213 (PRE); Vaalwater, Mooimeisiesfontein farm (–BD), 23 Mar 1991, Glen 2607 (PRE); Warmbaths (–BC), Mar 1909, Leendertz 6532 (PRE); Waterberg (–CD), Jan 1906, Bolus 11858 (PRE); hills around Warmbaths [Bela-Bela] (–CD), Apr 1945, Gerstner 5303 (PRE); Nylsvley, between Naboomspruit and Nylstroom (–DA), 9 Mar 1976, Grobbelaar 2041 (PRE); 8 miles (ca. 12.8 km) from Nylstroom on road to Naboomspruit (–DA), 15 Mar 1971, Coeteer 18 (NBG); Nylstroom Nature Reserve (–DA), 9 Mar 1978, Grobbelaar 02422 (01245) (PRE). 2429 (Zebediela): Fenceline, ca. 18 km WSW of Phalaborwa (–AA), 16 Jan 2009, LWP 1755 (PRE); Roadtan, Farm Sedan (–CB), 9 Feb 1993, Meyer 23 (PRE); Lebowa (–CD), 5 May 1981, Ellery 155 (PRE). — NORTH WEST: 2526 (Zeerust): 7 km W of Lindleyspoort along road to Straatsdrif (–DA), 25 Feb 1975, Van der Meulen 230 (PRE). 2527 (Rustenburg): Beestekraal Game Reserve (PPC property) ca. 40 km N of Brits (–BA), 28 May 1989, Barker 625 (PRE). — GAUTENG: 2528 (Pretoria): Rooikop Bushveld (–CA), 12 Dec 1932, Smuts & Gillett 2050 (PRE); Rooikop Bushveld (–CA), 1 Jan 1933, Smuts & Gillett 2531 (PRE); Farm Vaarwaterkrans, 25.2 km from Pretoria (–CB), 28 Feb 1980, Retief & Herman 150 (PRE); Bronkhorstspruit, Kranspoort Farm W bank of Wilge River (–DB), 15 Jan 1995, Glen 3741 (PRE). — MPUMALANGA: 2430 (Pilgrims Rest): Rietvlei Farm W of Blyderivierspoort Dam (–DA), 8 Mar 2000, Meyer 2701 (PRE). 2431 (Acornhoek): Kruger National Park (–AD), Mar 1975, Gertenbach 5026 (PRE); Kruger National Park (–BC), Mar 1975, Gertenbach 5051 (PRE). 2529 (Witbank): Kwa-Ndebele, Farm Goederede (–AC), 16 Mar 1981, Du Toit 175 (PRE); Laskop Dam (–AD), 5 Mar 1944, Mogg 17263 (PRE); Laskop Dam Nature Reserve (–CC), 17 Mar 1969, Theron 2083 (PRE). 2530 (Lydenburg): 5 km from Barberton on road to Nelspruit (–DD), 9 Mar 1989, Germishuizen 5090 (PRE). 2531 (Komatipoort): Kruger National Park, near Shabin Kop (–AA), 14 Jan 1953, Acocks 16665 (PRE); Kruger National Park (–AB), 11 Feb 1953, Van der Schijff 2080 (PRE); ca. 8 km East of Malalane on Komatipoort road (–AC), 20 Jan 1966, Buit 3618 (NU); 25.7 km South of Skukuza on Malalane road (–AC), 7 Feb1949, Codd & De Winter 5110 (PRE); Kaapmuiden (Cape Mouth) 2 km from Kudu Lodge on road to Komatipoort (–CB), 11 Mar 1989, Germishuizen 5127 (PRE). KwaZulu-Natal. 2731 (Louwsburg): Nongoma, Bululwane (–DB), 25 Apr 1975, Rensburg 28 (NU)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on pages 996-997, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056, {"references":["De Wit, H. C. D. 1956. A revision of the genus Cassia (Caesalp.) as occurring in Malaysia. Webbia 11: 197 - 292.","Brummitt, R. K., A. C. Chikuni, J. M. Lock, and R. M. Polhill. 2007. Leguminosae Subfamily Caesalpinioideae. Pp. 1 - 218 in Flora Zambesiaca, vol. 3, part 2, eds. J. R. Timberlake, G. V. Pope, R. M. Polhill, and E. S. Martins. Kew: Royal Botanic Gardens."]}

7b. Chamaecrista gordon-grayei subsp. longipedicellata Musandiwa & Boatwr ., subsp. nov. TYPE: NAMIBIA. Andara, Omuramba Mahango between Bangani and Bechuanaland border, 25 Jan 1956, De Winter and Wiss 4423 (holotype: PRE!, isotype: WIND!). Pedicels when flowering 15–30 mm long, at fruiting 15–30 cm long. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista gordon-grayei subsp. longipedicellata is recognised by its long pedicels (15–20 mm long). Distribution and Ecology — Chamaecrista gordon-grayei subsp. longipedicellata is known from Chirundi in Namibia through Katima Mulilo to Tsumkwe, extending to Siamisso in Botswana and beyond the region to Harare in Zimbabwe. Apparently absent from South Africa but with one record in Harare, Zimbabwe (Fig. 11). Occurs in woodlands, on sandy soil at elevations below 1000 m. Flowering from January–February. Etymology — Chamaecrista gordon-grayei subsp. longipedicellata is named for its long pedicels. Additional Specimens Examined — Namibia. —1722 (Chirundi): Caprivi Game Park, on road to Angola border from Divundu-Kongola main road (–CC), 20 Jan 2005, Hochobes MH1122 (WIND) . 1724 (Katima Mulilo): near Ngoma in Terminalia (–DC), 10 Feb 1988, Maggs 197 (WIND). 1819 (Karakuwisa): Mile 46, observatory, plot 89 (–AD), 18 Feb 2003, Strohbach BS5621 (WIND); at Camp just S of Mutumpo Observatory (–DA), 06 Feb 2002, Strohbach BS 5275 (WIND). 1820 (Tarikora): 10 miles (ca. 16 km) north of Tamso on road to Kapupahedi (–DA), 17 Feb 1956, De Winter & Marais 4728 (PRE). 1920 (Tsumkwe): ca. 48.2 km N of Gautscha Pan (–DA), 07 Feb 1958, Story 6439 (WIND). Botswana. —1823 (Siambisso): Burkea/Baikiaea woodland near Movombe village (–BA), 14 Feb 1983, Smith 4034 (PRE). Zimbabwe. —1731 (Harare): Cleveland Dam (–BA), 07 Feb 1976, Daillecourt 25 (NU)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on page 1005, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056

6a. CHAMAECRISTA FALCINELLA var. PARVIFLORA (Steyaert) Lock, Kew. Bull. 43: 336 (1988); Brummitt in Fl. Zambesiaca 3 (2): 132 (2007). Cassia flacinella var. parviflora Steyaert in Bull. Jard. Bot. Etat 20: 251 (1950); in F.C.B. 3: 521 (1952); Brenan in Kew Bull. 14: 179 (1960); Brenan in F.T.E.A., Legum.-Caesalp.: 91 (1967); Gordon-Gray in F.S.A. 16(2): 101 (1977). TYPE: RWANDA. Gabiro, Becquet 613 (holotype: BR [BR0000008955234]–image!.). Annual herbs to 0.6 m high. Stems erect, slightly woody at the base, with long spreading and short curved hairs. Leaves paripinnate, 25–55 × 7–15 mm, oblong, slightly tapering distally; stipules 9–14 mm long, narrowly falcate, base oblique, apex acuminate, margin ciliate; extrafloral nectaries, sessile to sub-sessile, elliptic to circular, 0.5–1.0 × 0.3–0.5 mm; rachis channelled, with long straight or curved hairs. Leaflets 10–19- jugate, 4–15 × 2.5–4.0 mm, slightly curved towards the tip, narrowly oblong to ovate, base asymmetric, apex mucronate, midrib close to the end of one margin, margin pubescent or ciliate. Inflorescence supra-axillary, 1–3 flowered; flowers 5–7 × 4–7 mm long; bract narrowly triangular, base oblique, apex acuminate; bracteoles 2, with long curved hairs, towards top of pedicels. Pedicels with long curved spreading hairs, at flowering 10–25 mm long. Sepals 5, ovate, 5–9 × 1.5–2.0 mm, covered with short hairs. Petals 5, obovate. 4–6 × 2–5 mm. Stamens 10, straight or slightly curved, anthers in two series, 5 small 1.5–2.0 mm long, 5 large 4–5 mm long, filaments very short 1 mm long. Ovary ± 5 mm long, densely covered with white hairs, style ± 1 mm long, glabrous, slightly curved. Pods 20–50 × 4–5 mm, sparsely covered with long soft hairs or glabrescent. Seeds 2–3 × 1–2 mm, rhomboid, flattened, with dark dots at the top. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista falcinella var. parviflora is distinguished by the elliptic to circular, sessile to sub-sessile extrafloral nectaries. The species resembles Chamaecrista biensis in having small flowers and short pedicels, but can be distinguished by the narrowly falcate stipules (straight in C. biensis), and 10–19 leaflets (7–36 leaflets in C. biensis). Distribution and Ecology — Chamaecrista falcinella var. parviflora is widespread in Namibia from Karakuwisa to Grootfontein extending to Mata Mata in the Northern Cape Province (Fig. 9). Chamaecrista falcinella var. parviflora grows in grasslands in sandy or well-drained soil at elevations below 1000 m. Flowering is from February–April. Additional Specimens Examined — Namibia. —1819 (Karakuwisa): Cigarrete, NE of Karakuwise (–BA), 8 Feb 1953, Maguire 2437 (NBG) . 1820 (Tarikora): near pan, Shakambu (–AA), 05 Apr 2006, Horn HOR2/357 (WIND); Ndonga Camp at junction of Omuramba Omatako and Okavango River (–BA), 12 Feb 1956, De Winter & Marais 4619 (PRE); 10 miles (ca. 16 km) north of Tamso on road to Kapupahedi (–DA), 17 Feb 1956, De Winter & Marais 4728 (PRE). 1821 (Andara): southern border of Mahango Game Reserve (–BC), 22 Feb 1988, Hines 992 (WIND); 1917 (Atavi): north of Kombat on Farm Gauss (–DA), 02 Mar 1995, Germishuizen 7309 (PRE). 1918 (Grootfontein): Grootfontein North (–AA), 04 Mar 1958, Merxmuller 1788 (PRE); 12 miles (ca. 19.3 km) from Otovi Farm (–AA), 2 Apr 1965, Hardy 2116 (PRE). South Africa. — NORTHERN CAPE: (2520): (Mata Mata): Kalahari Park [Kgalagadi Park] (–DB), Feb 1978, Van der Walt 5775 (PRE)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on page 1003, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056

8. Chamaecrista grandiglandulata Musandiwa & Boatwr., sp. nov. TYPE: SOUTH AFRICA. KwaZulu-Natal Province, Mutubatuba (2832), ‘north coast Richards Bay Harbour’ (–CC), 23 Feb 1993, Ward 12210 (holotype: PRE!, isotype NU!). Annual herbs to 1.5 m high. Stems erect, arising from a woody rootstock, erect, usually branching above the middle, pubescent, with short curved hairs. Leaves paripinnate, 40–74 × 3–7 mm; slightly tapering distally, stipules triangular, 6–8(9) mm long, glabrous, base oblique, apex narrowly acuminate, margin with short hairs; extrafloral nectaries at or near top of petiole, large, overlaps the sides of petiole, 1–2 × 0.5–1.0 mm, sessile, oval to circular or elliptic, brown; rachis crested. Leaflets 40–74-jugate, base oblique, apex mucronate; margin with curved scattered hairs. Inflorescence supra-axillary, 1–2 flowered; flowers 6–10 × 5–8; bracts pubescent, base oblique, apex acuminate; bracteoles 2, glabrous or with short hairs, towards the top of pedicel. Pedicels with short or curved hairs, at flowering 5–7 mm long, at fruiting 7–10 mm long. Sepals 5, narrowly lanceolate, 5–6 × 1–4 mm, with short appressed hairs. Petals 5, oblong, 5–10 × 3–5 mm, pale yellow. Stamens 10, straight or slightly curved, anthers in two series, 6 small 2–4 mm long, 4 large, 5–10 mm long, with short filaments ± 1 mm long. Ovary ± 7 mm long, densely covered with greyish to whitish matted hairs, style curved, glabrous. Pods straight or slightly curved in the middle, 32–50 × 3–4 mm, flattened, with short or long fine hairs. Seeds 2.0–3.5 × 1.5–2.5, rhomboid, flattened, dark brown to blackish. Figure 12. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista grandiglandulata shares a crested rachis with Chamaecrista gordon-grayei, C. mimosoides and C. plumosa. It is readily distinguished by its short leaves 40–74 mm long (36–104 mm long in C. gordon-grayei and 30–85 mm long in C. mimosoides); large, sessile, elliptic extrafloral nectaries that overlap the sides of petiole, 1–2 × 0.5–1 mm (Fig. 3F) (circular, sessile or raised on small stalk, ± 0.5 × 0.2–0.4 mm in C. gordon-grayei and small, ± 0.5 mm long, sessile, rounded in C. mimosoides) and short pedicels bearing small pale yellow flowers (bright flowers in C. gordon-grayei). Distribution and Ecology — Chamaecrista grandiglandulata is restricted to the coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa from Ubombo to Port Shepstone, occurring in open grassland at elevations below 500 m (Fig. 13). Flowering from September to July. Etymology —This species epithet refers to the large, sessile, elliptic extrafloral nectaries characteristic of this species. Additional Specimens Examined — South Africa. — KWAZULU-NATAL: 2732 (Ubombo): Baya Camp, Sibaya south western basin (– BC), 12 Dec 1985, Ward 1219 (NH) ; Lake Sibayi (– BC), 13 Feb 1976, Brenan 14218 (NBG); Mkuze Swamps, Ukhovu Pan area (– DC), 9 Sep 1972, Ward 8102 (NU). 2831 (Nkandla): Egodeni, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Zululand (–AA), 19 Mar 1972, Nitchins 804 (NU). 2832 (Mtubatuba): Khula village (–AA), 18 Mar 2018, Musandiwa 17 (NBG); Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Zululand (–AA), 28 Mar 1972, Hutchins 804 (NU); Hlabisa, Dukuduku (–AC), 22 Jan 1965, Strey 5710 (NU); Umfolozi, Richards Bay (–DD), 6 Jul 1974, Ward 8652 (NU); Umfolozi, Richards Bay (–DD), 14 Jul 1929, Rump s.n. (NU); Mtunzini near river estuary (–DD), 22 Jan 1980, Arnold 1408 (PRE). 2930 (Pietermaritzburg): Westville Chilten Hills (–DD), 10 Feb 1968, Ward 6409 (NU); Greater Durban Metropolitan Area, Kloof extension 13 (–DD), 16 Apr 1995, Ward 13069 (NU); Umlaas River (–DD), 6 Dec 1973, Stirton 521 (NU). 2931 (Stanger): Inyoni, Zululand ( –BA), 10 Dec 1951, Johnson s.n. (NBG); Lower Tugela (–CA), 27 Mar 1964, Ross 862 (NU); Merebank East (–CC), 7 Mar 1966, Ward 5406 (NU); Wentworth (–CC), 29 Feb 1968, Ward 6514 (NU). 3030 (Port Shepstone): 8 km to Kingsburg (–BB), 24 Sep 1974, Wood 199 (NU); Illovo beach (–BB), 7 Mar 1972, Schorn 33 (NU); Koelwaters resort ca. 4 km from Ntwalume (–BC), 2 Apr 2003, Bester 4050 (PRE); Uvongo and Depps road (–CB), 10 Mar 1970, Strey 9706 (NU); St. Michaels on sea, 1.5 km inland (–CD), 23 Feb 1969, Nicholson 772 (PRE); Margate (–CD), 6 Apr 1975, Strey 11320 (NU)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on page 1005, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056

7. Chamaecrista gordon-grayei Musandiwa & Boatwr., sp. nov. TYPE: NAMIBIA. Andara (1821), Caprivi-Zipfel, Popa f ä alle [Popa Falls] Caprivi Zipfel [Caprivi Strip] (– BA), 9 Mar 1958, Giess 2020 (holotype: WIND!). Annual herbs to 1.5 m high. Stems erect or semi-erect, with curved hairs. Leaves paripinnate, 36–104 × 2–4 mm, slightly tapering distally; stipules 6–11 mm long, triangular, base oblique, apex acuminate; extrafloral nectaries, sessile or raised on small stalk, ± 0.5 × 0.2–0.4 mm circular; rachis crested. Leaflets 20–65-jugate, 15–90 × 0.2–0.3 base oblique, apex acuminate, tapering distally; margin glabrous to ciliate. Inflorescence supra-axillary, 1–2 flowered; flowers 4–5 × 4–6; bract glabrous, base oblique, apex acuminate; bracteoles 2, glabrous, towards top of pedicels. Pedicels with short hairs, at flowering 7–25 mm long, at fruiting 10–30 mm long. Sepals 5, narrowly lanceolate, 6–9 × 1–4 mm, with or without appressed hairs, on the outer surface. Petals 5, ovate, ± 6 × 2–6 mm; bright yellow. Stamens 9–10, slightly curved, anthers in three series, 2(3) small, 2–3 mm long, 4 middle, ± 4 mm long, 3(4) large, ± 5 mm long, with very short filament 1–2 mm long. Ovary ± 0.5 mm long, densely covered with greyish to whitish hairs, style glabrous, curved. Pods (30) 50–63 mm long, straight, or slightly curved with suppressed hairs. Seeds not seen. Figure 10. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista gordon-grayei shares the crested leaf rachis with C. grandiglandulata and C. mimosoides, but is distinguished from those species by the long leaves (36–104 mm long), with sub-sessile to sessile, circular extrafloral nectaries (large extrafloral nectaries that overlap the sides of petiole in C. grandiglandulata and small, circular or circular-elliptic extrafloral nectaries in C. mimosoides), and bright yellow flowers. Etymology — Chamaecrista gordon-grayei is named in honour of Dr. Kathleen D. Gordon-Gray (1918–2012) who showed remarkable passion for the southern African flora. Two subspecies are recognised

10a. CHAMAECRISTA PLUMOSA E.Mey. var. PLUMOSA. Cassia plumosa (E.Mey.) Vogel var. plumosa, Schorn & Gordon-Gray in J.S. Afr. Bot. 41: 153 (1975); Gordon-Gray in F.S.A. 16(2): 104 (1977). Prostrate and diffusely branched herbs, with several branches from the ground forming spreading mat 0.4 m in diameter. Stems glabrous or sub-glabrous, or with short appressed curved greyish becoming dense at the top parts, often reddish or purplish on one side. Leaves 10–45 × 1–10 mm. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista plumosa var. plumosa is distinguished by its short prostrate stems, with several branches from the ground forming a spreading mat to 0.4 m in diameter, glabrous or covered with curved appressed greyish hairs, and short leaves, up to 45 mm long. Distribution and Ecology — Chamaecrista plumosa var. plumosa is widespread in KwaZulu-Natal from Ubombo through Mtubatuba to Port Shepstone (Fig. 15). Flowering from September to March. Additional Specimens Examined — South Africa. — KWAZULU-NATAL: 2732 (Ubombo): Ingwavuma, Tongaland (–AB), 10 Dec 1968, Pooley 240 (NU) ; Ingwavuma, Malangeni E of Maputa (–BB), 19 Dec 1966, Martin 065 (NU); Lake Sibaya S Basin area (–BC), 5 Nov 1969, Hart 19 (NU); Mpilo Game Reserve (–CA), 19 Nov 1970, Willo 9 (PRE). 2832 (Mtubatuba): Hlabisa, Hluhhuwe Game Reserve (–AA), 28 Nov 1953, Ward 1873 (PRE); Hlabisa, Hluhluwe Nature Reserve (–AA), 6 Oct 1983, Phelan 710 (NU); Hlabisa, Hluhluwe Nature Reserve (–AA), 1 Nov 1962, Scott-Smith 53 (NU); St Lucia E shores (–AD), 8 Dec 1974, Smook 630 (NU). 2930 (Pietermaritzburg): Farm Ambleside, New Hanover (–BC), 13 Feb 1976, Abraham 31 (NU); Shongweni Dam, Camperdown (–DC), 21 Feb 1966, Morris 713 (NU); Isipingo N (–DD), Oct 1948, Ward 555 (NU). 2931 (Stanger): Tugela River crossing main N. Coast road (–AB), 8 Dec 1973, Stirton 402 (NU); Lower Tugela (–AD), 29 Sep 1974, Stirton 1156 (PRE). 3029 (Kokstad): E Griqualand, near Clydesdale (–BD), Mar 1883, Tyson 1167 (NBG); Alfred Harding (–DB), 4 Jan 1964, Lemox s.n. (NU). 3030 (Port Shepstone): Umzinto Pennington S Coast (–BB), 5 Jan 6220, Gordon -Gray 6220 (NU); Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve (–CB), 6 Feb 1972, Glen 528 (NU)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on page 1008, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056

CHAMAECRISTA (L.) Moench., Meth. Pl. Bot. Marburg.: 272 (1794); H.S. Irwin & Barneby, Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35(2): 664 (1982); Brummitt in Fl. Zambesiaca 3(2): 121 (2007). TYPE species: Chamaecrista nictitans (L.) Moench. Annual or perennial herbs (in southern Africa), up to 1.8 m high. Stems erect or semi-erect, simple or sub-simple, sometimes with a woody base; branched at or above ground level, glabrous or sub-glabrous, eglandular or rarely glandular (in C. absus), reddish to purplish on one side (in C. plumosa), often with short curved and/or long straight, patent greyish or whitish hairs. Leaves paripinnate, 7–150 × 3–25 mm, slightly tapering distally; rachis channelled or crested; stipules straight, or curved, often narrowly triangular; extrafloral nectaries often present on petiole, sometimes between the pairs of leaflets (in C. falcata), sessile, sub-sessile or raised on distinct stalks, often brown or dark brown. Leaflets in numerous pairs, rarely 2 (in C. absus), oblong or obovate, linear, rarely falcate (in C. falcata), base often oblique, apex acuminate or mucronate, midrib sometimes excentric towards the anticous margin, glabrous or subglabrate or with long or short scattered hairs, margins often ciliate. Inflorescence usually axillary or supra-axillary, often 1 to 3 flowered, sometimes up to 8-flowered; bracts and bracteoles resembling stipules; bracteoles 2, above the middle or towards the top of pedicels. Pedicels often 3–30 mm long, rarely up to 45 or 55 mm long in C. capensis and C. falcata, respectively, slightly longer at fruiting, often with short and long patent hairs. Sepals 5, ovate, often with spreading hairs. Petals 5, obovate. Stamens 9 or 10, rarely 5 (in C. absus). Ovaries densely covered with long or short curved hairs. Pods (15)20–65 × 3–8 mm, flattened, straight or slightly curved, often with appressed hairs. Seeds 2.5–5.0 × 1–3 mm, rhomboid or elliptic, flattened, brown, or light brown to blackish. 1. Leaflets in two pairs; plants glandular; stamens 5....................................................................................... C. absus 1. Leaflets in more than two pairs; plants eglandular; stamens 8 to 10............................................................................. 2 2. Leaf rachis crested, with an upright wing of tissue forming a ridge along the mid-line of the upper surface.....................................3 3. Perennial herbs; stems glabrous to glabrescent or with appressed curved or straight hairs, stems often purplish or reddish on one side (C. plumosa)..................................................................................................................... 4 4. Prostrate and diffusely branched herbs, multi-stemmed, forming spreading mats to 0.4 m in diameter; glabrous to glabrescent, or with appressed curved greyish hairs; leaves 10–45 mm.......................................................... C. plumosa var. plumosa 4. Erect herbs to 1.8 m tall; often single-stemmed, stems unbranched or few branched in the upper half, glabrous or densely covered with straight greyish or yellow hairs; leaves 15–90 mm............................................................. C. plumosa var. erecta 3. Annual herbs; stems pubescent with short curved, appressed hairs, stems green or becoming blackish................................... 5 5. Extrafloral nectaries large, 1–2 mm in diameter, overlapping the sides of the petiole................................ C. grandiglandulata 5. Extrafloral nectaries small, 0.2–0.8 mm in diameter, not overlapping the sides of the petiole.........................................6 6. Flowers pale yellow; extrafloral nectaries sessile; widely spread in eastern provinces of South Africa and Swaziland (Eswatini).................................................................................................. C. mimosoides 6. Flowers bright yellow; extrafloral nectaries sub-sessile (rarely sessile), restricted to Namibia and extends beyond the region to Zimbabwe, absent in South Africa (C. gordon-grayei).......................................................................7 7. Pedicels ≤ 10 mm long at flowering, ≤ 15 mm long at fruiting......................... C. gordon-grayei subsp. gordon-grayei 7. Pedicels ≥ 15 mm long at flowering, ≥ 15 mm long at fruiting........................ C. gordon-grayei subsp. longipedicellata 2. Leaf rachis channeled along the upper surface............................................................................................8 8. Extrafloral nectaries present on petiole and between leaflet pairs, raised on distinct stalks 1.0– 1.5 mm long; leaflets falcate........... C. falcata 8. Extrafloral nectaries present on petiole only, sessile, or sub-sessile, or raised on small stalks less than 1 mm long; leaflets linear, oblong, obovate or elliptic............................................................................................................... 9 9. Stipules narrowly falcate............................................................................................ C. falcinella 9. Stipules narrowly triangular.................................................................................................10 10. Annual herbs; flowers pale yellow; pedicels ≤ 10 mm long......................................................... C. stricta 10. Perennial herbs; flowers bright yellow; pedicels ≥ 10 mm long........................................................... 11 11. Extrafloral nectaries circular and concave, short stalked............................................................12 12. Inflorescences 1 or 2 flowered; flowers generally small (to 10 mm long).................................. C. biensis 12. Inflorescences 2 to 4 flowered; flowers generally large (to 17 mm long) (C. capensis)............................. 13 13. Perennial herbs, to 0.3 m high; multi-stemmed; stems glabrous or covered with short hairs, sometimes with few long scattered greyish hairs.................................................. C. capensis var. capensis 13. Perennial herbs, to 0.6 m high; usually single-stemmed and branching in the upper half; stems with long and short intermixed greyish or yellowish hairs....................................... C. capensis var. flavescens 11. Extrafloral nectaries elliptic, sessile (C. comosa).................................................................... 14 14. Extrafloral nectaries sunken in rachis channel; restricted to coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape................................................................................ C. comosa subsp. comosa. 14. Extrafloral nectaries not sunken in rachis channel, spreading over the petiole; distributed in drier inland areas of northern South Africa (Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng) to Swaziland (Eswatini) and extends beyond the region to Zimbabwe, not occurring in coastal regions........................ C. comosa subsp. capriconia

11. CHAMAECRISTA STRICTA E.Mey., Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr. 1: 159 (1836); Brummitt in Fl. Zambesiaca 3(2): 138 (2007). TYPE: SOUTH AFRICA. Eastern Cape, Butterworth (3228), Bashee River [Mbashe River], (– BD), 07 January 1829, Drege s.n. (lectotype: K [K-000417579]–image!, designated here, isolectotypes: HBG –image! [HBG520216], TUB –image! [TUB000962], MO –image! [MO-1515528]). [ Note: The original Drege collection cited by Meyer could not be located as most of his collections were housed at B and largely destroyed, we therefore select the collection at K as lectotype as it bears the original locality description]. Cassia quarrei (Ghesq.) Steyaert., Steyaert in Bull. Jard. Bot. Brux. 20: 264 (1950); Brenan in F.T.E.A Legum. -Caesalp.: 95 (1967); Gordon-Gray in F.S. A. 16(2): 102 (1977). TYPE: ZAIRE [DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO]. Katanga, Etoile, November 1932, Quarre 380 (lectotype: BR [BR–0000008917386]– image!, designated by Steyaert (1950)). Annual herbs to 0.8 m high. Stems erect, simple or sub-simple stems, finely pubescent, with small curved hairs. Leaves paripinnate, 20–100 × 10–22 mm, linear oblong, tapering distally; stipules 4–9.. 1.2–2.0 mm, base oblique, apex acuminate; extrafloral nectaries at the top of the petiole, 0.7–1.1 mm in diameter, sessile, broadly elliptic, dark centre; rachis channelled, channel margin ciliate. Leaflets 13–37- jugate, 3–9 × 1–2 mm, linear oblong, base oblique, apex acuminate to apiculate, margin entire or ciliate. Inflorescence supra-axillary, (1)2–3 flowered; flowers 4–6 × 4–6 mm; bracts up to 3 mm long, base oblique, apex acuminate; bracteoles 2, glabrous, towards top of pedicels. Pedicels with curled hairs and long patent hairs at flowering 6–10 mm long, at fruiting 10–14 mm long. Sepals 5, narrowly ovate, 4–7 × 1.0– 1.5 mm, with small appressed hairs. Petals 5, obovate, 5.0– 7.5 mm long, pale yellow. Stamens 8–9, straight or slightly curved, anthers in two series, (4)5 small 2–3 mm long, 4 large 4–5 mm long, filaments very short, ± 1 mm long. Ovary up to 4–6 mm long, densely pubescent with greyish hairs, style curved glabrous, ± 2 mm long. Pods 30–60 × 3–5 mm, flattened, slightly curved, with short white to greyish hairs. Seeds 2–4 × 1–3, rhomboid, light brown with black dots at the top. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista stricta is distinguished by the channelled leaf rachis, the small extrafloral nectaries at the top of the petiole, 0.7–1.1 mm in diameter, sessile, broadly elliptic with a dark centre. Chamaecrista stricta shares the small pale flowers with C. grandiglandulata but is distinguished from that species by the channelled leaf rachis (crested in C. grandiglandulata), small, sessile extrafloral nectaries as opposed to large extrafloral nectaries that overlap the sides of the petioles, and 8–9 stamens (10 stamens in C. grandiglandulata) (Fig. 1F). Distribution and Ecology —Widely distributed in Limpopo and across the drier regions of the country in North West and Mpumalanga Provinces extending to Port St. Johns in the Eastern Cape (Fig. 16). Grows in grasslands, on rocky areas at elevations above 1000 m. Flowering from January–May. Additional Specimens Examined — Zimbabwe. —1731 (Harare): (–AB), 26 Feb1954, Savory 14 (NU). 1829 (Kwekwe): Sable Park, 8 km from NE of Que-Que (–DD), 5 Apr 1977, Chipunga 132 (NU). South Africa. — LIMPOPO: 2230 (Messina): 20 km NE of Louis Trichardt on Witvlag road (–AC), 03 Apr 1971, Stephen 1571 (PRE). 2328 (Baltimore): Lapalala Wilderness, Welgelegen Farm (–CD), 1 Feb 2004, Mathogoane 410 (PRE). 2329 (Pietersburg) [Polokwane]: Pietersburg Nature Reserve (–CD), 7 Feb 1980, Bredenkamp 388 (PRE). 2330 (Tzaneen): Provisional road bridge across Ramadiepa River (–CA), 25 Jan 1958, Scheepers 54 (PRE); Magoebaskloof, turn off to Pietersburg [Polokwane] (–CC), 01 Apr 1964, Grobbelaar 88 (PRE). 2428 (Nylstroom): Sterkrivier Nature Reserve (–BC), 11 Jan 1973, Jacobsen 2617 (PRE). 2429 (Zebediela): (Potgietersrust) [Mokopane] (–AA), 18 May 1953, Maguire 2526 (NBG). — NORTH WEST: 2527 (Rustenburg): Impala Bafokeng Mine, Norite koppie (–CB), 07 Apr 2009, Kurzweg K948 (PRE); Zwartruggens (–DA), 24 May 1934, Sutton 846 (PRE); Scheerpoort (–DD), 20 Apr 1906, Leendertz 750 (PRE). 2627 (Potchefstroom): Potchefstroom (–DC), May/ Jun 1927, Lawrance 07 (PRE). — GAUTENG: 2528 (Pretoria): Kwa-Ndebele, Farm Boekenhoutfontein (–BB), 17 Mar 1981, Du Toit 228 (PRE); Van Riebeeck Nature Reserve (–BC), 18 Jan 1967, Kok 138 (PRE); University of Pretoria (–CC), Oct 1972, Grobbelaar 122 (PRE). — MPUMALANGA: 2430 (Pilgrims Rest): Hoedspruit, Chester Farm (–BD), 02 Feb 1996, Burgoyne 4045 (PRE); 1 km from Blydepoort Ruskamp (–DB), 09 Feb 1975, De Feijter 93 (PRE). 2530 (Lydenburg): Marambane River, 7 km from Lydenburg on road to Burgersfort (–AB), 05 Mar 1986, Germishuizen 3791 (PRE). 2531 (Komatipoort): 8 km from Barberton on road to Havelock (–CC), Retief 2145 (PRE); between Barberton and Havelock, ca. 11 km from Barberton (–CC), 22 Feb 1977, Balsinhas 3115 (PRE). 2630 (Carolina): 3 km from Amsterdam on road to Lothair (–DA), 07 Mar 1986, Germishuizen 3910 (PRE). — KWAZULU-NATAl: 2730 (Vryheid): Mooihoek, Piet Retief (–BA), 18 Apr 1980, Devenish 1831 (PRE); 39 km S of Utrecht along road to Blood River Monument (–CD), 22 Feb 1974, Davidse 6826 (PRE); Bloedrivier Station (–DC), 25 Feb 2005, Bester 5710 (PRE). 2732 (Ubombo): Lebombo Mountains, roadside near Jozini Hotel (–AC), 12 Feb 1976, Brenan 14186 (PRE). 3030 (Port Shepstone): The Valley (–AA), 3 May 1950, Barker 6140 (NBG). — EASTERN CAPE: 3128 (Umtata): Nqeleni roadside (–DB), 24 Mar 1973, Strey 11170 (NU, NH). 3129 (Port St. Johns): Mkambati Nature Reserve (–BD), 15 Jan 1997, Makwarela 209 (PRE). Swaziland (Eswatini). —2631 (Mbabane): north bank of Komati River, E of Mhlatane River (–AB), 5 Mar 1993, Germishuizen 6112 (PRE); Zwischen Piggs Peak, Mbabane (–BA), 07 Feb 1995, Werdermann & Oberdieck 2205 (PRE)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on pages 1009-1010, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056, {"references":["Steyaert, R. L. 1950. Note sur des Cassia africains et asiatiques de la section Chamaecrista avec description de nouvelles especes. Bulletin du Jardin Botanique de l'Etat, Bruxelles / Bulletin oan den Rijksplantentuin 20: 233 - 268."]}

5. CHAMAECRISTA FALCATA Musandiwa & Boatwr., Phytotaxa 413(4): 275 (2019). TYPE: SOUTH AFRICA. KwaZulu-Natal Province, Hlabisa (2832): Hluhluwe-Imfolizi Park [Umfolozi Game Reserve], (–AA), 11 Nov 1954, Ward 2439 (holotype: PRE!, isotype: NU!). Perennial herbs, ± 0.3 m tall. Stems decumbent or prostrate, multiple branching from woody rootstock, erect to semi-erect covered with short curved and long patent hairs. Leaves paripinnate, 10–50 × 10–25 mm, tapering distally; stipules, 3–9 mm long, triangular, base oblique, apex acuminate, margin with long hairs; rachis channelled; rachis extension 2–4 mm long; extrafloral nectaries in upper half of the petiole or slightly above the middle, sometimes on rachis of lower leaflets, with a distinct stalk 1.0– 1.5 mm long, dark brown, 0.02–0.03 mm in diameter, concave at the top. Leaflets 4–15-jugate, 3–15 × 1.5–4.0 mm, falcate, base oblique, apex apiculate, top surface with long scattered hairs, bottom surface glabrous, margin with curved or straight hairs; midrib strongly excentric towards anticous margin. Inflorescences axillary; 1–2 flowered; bract hairy, base oblique, apex acuminate, ± 3 mm long; bracteoles 2, narrowly triangular, base oblique, apex acuminate, with long patent hairs, above the upper half of the pedicel or towards top of pedicels. Pedicels with long scattered straight or curved hairs, at flowering (20) 30–45 mm long, at fruiting (22) 30–55 mm long. Sepals 5, narrowly lanceolate, 6–8 mm long. Petals 5, sub-equal, 8–9 × 4–5 mm, obovate, bright yellow. Stamens 10, with very short filaments, ± 2 mm long, straight or slightly curved, anthers in three series, 5 small ± 3 mm long, 2 medium ± 4 mm long, slightly broader than the rest, 3 large ± 5 mm long. Ovary ± 10 mm long, densely hairy with straight or curved greyish hairs; style glabrous, narrow. Pods straight or slightly curved in the middle, 15–50 × 3–5 mm, flattened, with short curved hairs. Seeds not seen. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista falcata is distinguished by its long stalked extrafloral nectaries (1.0– 1.5 mm), long pedicels (30–45 mm long at flowering), and widely spaced leaves and broadly falcate leaflets (> 1.5 mm wide). The species has previously been confused with C. capensis but is readily distinguished from the C. capensis varieties by the long stalked extrafloral nectaries 1.0– 1.5 mm long (Fig. 3H) (less than 1 mm in C. capensis), fewer and wider leaflets (more and narrower leaflets in C. capensis) and small flowers (large in C. capensis). The species shares the stalked extrafloral nectaries with Chamaecrista grantii Standl., but differs in the falcate leaflets (oblong in C. grantii), extrafloral nectaries on longer stalks, 1.0– 1.5 mm (less than 1 mm in C. grantii), the strongly excentric leaflet midribs (rarely so in C. grantii) and the smaller petals (8–9 × 4–5 mm in C. falcata vs. 10–14 × 6–9 mm in C. grantii). Distribution and Ecology —The species is currently known only from the summer rainfall region of South Africa. It occurs in the Waterberg in Limpopo, and in the HluhluweUmfolozi Park (formerly known as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve) in KwaZulu-Natal in grasslands on rocky or sandy soil at elevations below 240 m (Fig. 8). Flowering from November to January. Additional Specimens Examined — South Africa. — LIMPOPO: 2428 (Nylstroom): 7 miles (ca. 11 km) E of Magalakwin causeway (–BB), 10 Jan 1955, Mogg 24430 (PRE) . — KWAZULU-NATAL: 2732 (Ubombo): 16 km from Jozini on road to Ingwavuma (–AC), 28 Nov 1978, Germishuizen 01016 (PRE). 2832 (Mtubatuba): Hluhluwe Game Reserve (–AA), 11 Nov 1954, Ward 2439 (PRE, NU); Gunjaneni (–AB), 16 Nov 1955, Ward 2709 (NU)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on page 1002, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056

10. CHAMAECRISTA PLUMOSA E.Mey., Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr.: 159 (1836); Brummitt in Fl. Zambesiaca 3(2): 138 (2007). Cassia plumosa (E.Mey.) Vogel, Syn. Gen. Cassiae 64 (1837); Ross, Fl. Natal: 195 (1973); Gordon-Gray in F.S.A. 16(2): 103 (1977). TYPE: SOUTH AFRICA. Eastern Cape Province, ‘between Bashee [Mbashe] River and Umtata’, without date, Drege s.n (lectotype: K, [K000417581]–image!, designated here). [ Note: We could not trace any material in P and other herbaria, therefore we select the collection at K as lectotype]. Chamaecrista plumosa var. diffusa E.Mey., Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr.: 159 (1836). Cassia plumosa var. diffusa (E.Mey) Vogel, Syn. Gen. Cassiae 65 (1837). TYPE: SOUTH AFRICA. KwaZulu-Natal Province, Hlabisa, Hluhhuwe Game Reserve, Ward 1873 (neotype: PRE!, designated here). Note — The original Drege collection (Cape Province [Eastern Cape] near Umzimkulu [Omsamcula], Drege s.n. (whereabouts unknown)) cited by Meyer could not be located as most of his collections were housed at B and largely destroyed, so we here designate a collection of Ward as neotype as it is the most complete collection with matured flowers. Perennial herbs, to 1.8 m high. Stems single or multiple, erect or semi-erect, arising from woody rootstock, producing branches in the upper half, or prostrate and branched to form spreading mat, glabrous or with appressed curved or straight hairs, often reddish to purplish one side. Leaves paripinnate, 10–90 × 1–10 mm, slightly tapering distally; stipules triangular, 0.4–0.9 mm long, base oblique, apex acuminate, glabrous or pubescent; extrafloral nectaries at the top of petiole, sessile, circular, ovate or elliptic, 0.2–0.8 mm long, rachis crenatecrested. Leaflets 13–38-jugate, base oblique, apex acuminate, glabrous or pubescent, margin with white hairs. Inflorescence axillary, 1–3 flowered; flowers 7–17 × 5–10 mm long; bract often with short hairs; base oblique, apex acuminate, margin ciliate; bracteoles 2, glabrous or shortly pubescent, or covered with long appressed hairs. Pedicels densely or sparsely covered with appressed hairs, at flowering 10–30 mm long, at fruiting ± 25. Sepals 5, ovate, 7–10 × 1–3 mm, sparsely appressed pubescent. Petals 5, obovate, 7–15 × 5–9 mm, bright yellow. Stamens 10, straight or curved, anthers in two series, 6 small 3–4 mm long, 4 large 6–7 mm long, filaments very short, 1 mm long. Ovary 5–7 mm long, densely covered with greyish hairs, style glabrous, up to 5 mm long, slightly curved. Pods 25–60 × 3–5 mm, flattened, straight or slightly curved, sparsely appressed pubescent. Seeds 3–4 × 1.5–2.0 mm, rhomboid, flattened, dark brown to light brown. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista plumosa can sometimes be confused with C. capensis with which it shares the large flowers, but is readily distinguished by the crested rachis (chanelled in C. capensis) and sessile, circular, ovate or elliptic, extrafloral nectaries (sub-sessile or raised in small stalk in C. capensis). Two varieties are recognised, Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on page 1008, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056

3b. CHAMAECRISTA CAPENSIS var. FLAVESCENS E.Mey., Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr. 1: 158 (1836). Cassia capensis var. flavescens (E.Mey) Vogel, Syn. Gen. Cassiae 64 (1837); Gordon-Gray in F.S.A. 16(2): 99 (1977). TYPE: SOUTH AFRICA. Eastern Cape Province, Amabele, De Vries 51A (neotype: PRE!, designated here). Note: The original Drege collection (South Africa, Transkei [Eastern Cape], between Gekau (Geua) and Bashee Rivers [Mbashe], Drege s.n. (B †?)) cited by Meyer could not be located and so we here designate a collection of De Vries as neotype as it closely matches the original description and is the most complete specimen. Cassia capensis var. keiensis Steyaert, Bull. Jard. Bot. Brux. 20: 251 (1950). TYPE: SOUTH AFRICA. Eastern Cape, King William’ s Town, Kei Road, Dyer 1703 (holotype: K [K00417584]– image!; isotypes: PRE!; GRA – image!). Perennial herbs, to 0.6 m high. Stems prostrate, decumbent or erect, single or few stemmed, arising from woody rootstalk, branching on the upper half, with long, straight or curved greyish or yellow hairs. Leaves with circular extrafloral nectaries, attached with very small stalk, sometimes lacking. Leaflets 11–24-jugate. Pedicels at flowering 18–40 mm long. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista capensis var. flavescens was established within C. capensis, which is distinguished from C. capensis var. capensis by erect stems that are branching in the upper half, with short and long patent hairs intermixed, greyish or yellow indumentum, and extrafloral nectaries that are raised on a small stalk or sometimes lacking. Distribution and Ecology — Chamaecrista capensis var. flavescens is widespread in KwaZulu-Natal from Pietermaritzburg to Port Edward, extending to Lady Frere to Peddie in the Eastern Cape (Fig. 6). Grows in grassland in well drained sandy soil, at elevations below 1300 m. Flowering from October–March. Additional Specimens Examined — South Africa. — KWAZULU-NATAL: 2830 (Dundee): Indaleni near Richmond (–BC), 3 Jan 1948, Barker 5182 (NBG) . 2930 (Pietermaritzburg): 8 km from Richmond along Hela Hela Road (–CC), 23 Jan 1974, Stirton 711 (NU); Camperdown (–DC), 12 Feb 1968, Gordon -Gray 6145 (NU); Pietermaritzburg (–DC), 15 Feb 1973, Strey 11105 (NU). 3028 (Maclear): Maclear Community Plantation (–AB), 1 Nov 2017, Nemando and Musandiwa 19 (NBG). 3030 (Port Shepstone): Umzinto, Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve (–BC), 8 Feb 1984, Balkwill & Cadman 1198 (NU); cliff above Otterburn halt (–DA), 22 Feb 1964, Hilliard 2751 (NU). 3130 (Port Edward): Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, Beacon Hill (–AA), 05 Feb 1984, Abbott 1709 (NH). — EASTERN CAPE: 3127 (Lady Frere): 25 km from Cala at turn off to Engcobo (–DB), 12 Jan 1997, Sebothoma 29 (PRE). 3128 (Umtata): Maclear commonage ca. 2 km NNE of Maclear (–AA), 12 Nov 1993, Bester 1634 (PRE); Umtata aerodrome (–DA), 15 Feb 1976, Cooper 180 (PRE); Umtata Waterfalls (–DB), 31 Dec 1920, Schonland 3804 (PRE); Unitra Campus (–DB), 7 Nov 2001, Nombekela 49 (NH). 3227 (Stutterheim): Thomas River (–AD), 8 Dec 1944, Macfarlane 3490 (NBG); ca. 19.3 km N of Stutterheim on road to Grahamstown (–AD), Grobbelaar 639 (PRE); 3.2 km from Keiskama Hoek on road to Debenek (–CA), 18 Mar 1948, Story 3369 (PRE); between Lovedale and Hogsback (–CA), 12 Dec 1942, Barker 2272 (NBG); Amabele (–DA), 14 Jan 1940, De Vries 51A (PRE); Berlin, King William’ s Town (–DC), 5 Jan 1944, Barker 2738 (NBG); King William’ s Town (–DC), Nov 1892, IRS 1514 (NBG). 3228 (Butterworth): ca. 16 km before East London from Butterworth (–AC), Oct 1973, Arnold 564 (NU); Kei mouth (–BC), Mar 1890, Flanagan 54 (PRE); Mooiplaats (–CA), 27 Nov 1945, Compton 17764 (NBG). 3327 (Peddie): East London (–BA), Dec 1926, Smith 3757 (PRE); Komga (–CA), 4 Mar 1956, Theron 1882 (PRE)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on pages 999-1000, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056

3. CHAMAECRISTA CAPENSIS (Thunb.) E.Mey., Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr. 1: 158 (1836); Brummitt in Fl. Zambesiaca 3(2): 131 (2007). Cassia capensis Thunb., Prodr. Pl. Cap. 1: 79 (1794); Thunb. in Fl. Cap. ed. Schult. 388 (1823); Vogel in Syn. Gen. Cassiae 64 (1837); Steyaert in Bull. Jard. Bot. Brux. 20: 250 (1950); Gordon-Gray in F.S.A. 16(2): 98 (1977). TYPE: SOUTH AFRICA. Eastern Cape, Stutterheim (3227), between Loerie and Sundays (Sondags) River [Kunukama River] (–AD), Thunberg s.n. (holotype: UPS [UPSTHUN9935]–image!). Perennial herbs, to 0.6 m high. Stems prostrate, erect to semi-erect, single or multi-stemmed, arising from a woody rootstock, often branched in the upper half, glabrescent or covered with short and/or long greyish or yellow hairs. Leaves paripinnate, 20–50 × 10–25 mm, linear or linear oblong, glabrous or with greyish hairs, slightly tapering distally; stipules, up to 14 mm, base oblique, apex acuminate, narrowly to broadly triangular, surface sub-glabrous or with short and long patent hairs; extrafloral nectaries towards the top of petioles, circular, concave, sub-sessile or attached with short stalk, sometimes lacking; rachis channelled. Leaflets (5)11–24-jugate, 2–10 × 1–3 mm, linear to linear oblong, base rounded to oblique, apex mucronate, margin with long hairs. Inflorescence axillary or supra axillary; flowers, 10–17 × 5–15 mm, (1)2–4 flowered; bract 2–4 mm long, base oblique, apex acuminate; bracteoles 2, glabrous, up to 4 mm long, towards top of pedicels. Pedicels with short curved and long patent hair, at flowering 18–40 mm, at fruiting, 18–45 mm long. Sepals 5, ovate, 6–10 × 2–4 mm, with short and long spreading hairs. Petals 5, bright yellow, 9–17 × 3–10 mm, obovate. Stamens 10, straight or slightly curved, anthers in two series, 5 small 2–4 mm long, 5 large 6–8 mm long, filaments very short, 1 mm long. Ovary up to 7 mm long, slightly curved, glabrous. Pods straight or slightly curved, (20)30–50 × 3–5 mm, flattened, with long or short greyish hairs, densely covered with long hairs when pods are young. Seeds ± 4 × 2 mm, rhomboid, flattened, brownish to blackish. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista capensis shares long pedicels with C. falcata, but is distinguished from that species by its small, circular extrafloral nectaries that are sub-sessile or attached to a short stalk (Fig. 3B) (long stalked in C. falcata), linear to linear oblong leaflets (falcate in C. falcata), multiple and narrow leaflets (fewer and wider leaflets in C. falcata), and large flowers (10–17 × 5–15 mm in C. capensis vs. 7–9 × 8–10 mm in C. falcata). Two varieties are recognised, Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on page 999, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056

3a. CHAMAECRISTA CAPENSIS (Thunb.) E.Mey. var. CAPENSIS Gordon-Gray, F.S.A. 16 (2): 98 (1977). Perennial herbs to 0.3 m long. Stems prostrate or decumbent, multiple stemmed, with short appressed or long scattered greyish hairs. Leaves with circular or concave extrafloral nectaries raised on small stalk. Leaflets (5)14–22-jugate. Pedicels at flowering (18) 20–38 mm long. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista capensis var. capensis has prostrate or decumbent stems, with appressed or short hairs, sometimes with a few long scattered hairs, and extrafloral nectaries that are raised on a small stalk. Distribution and Ecology — Chamaecrista capensis var. capensis is widespread from Pomfret in North West, through Nkandla and Port Edward in KwaZulu-Natal, to Peddie in the Eastern Cape extending to Pilgrim’ s Rest in Mpumalanga (Fig. 6). Grows in grassland in loamy soil, at elevations below 1600 m. Flowering from October–March. Additional Specimens Examined — South Africa. — NORTH WEST: 2523 (Pomfret): near Bathurst (–CB), 18 Nov 1928, Hutchinson 1559 (PRE) . — MPUMALANGA: 2430 (Pilgrims Rest): Blyde Nature Reserve (–DB), 7 Mar 2000, Lotter 772 (PRE). KwaZulu-Natal: 2630 (Carolina): Sonstraal farm ca. 9 km from turnoff on Waverly road (–BB), 11 Jan 1984, Germishuizen 2944 (PRE); 21 km from Panbult on road to Amersfoort (–CD), 12 Jan 1984, Germishuizen 2990 (PRE). 2831 (Nkandla): Nkadla forest (–CA), 2 Jan 1964, Hilliard 2649 (NU). 3130 (Port Edward): Umtamvuna Nature Reserve (–AA), 19 Mar 2018, Musandiwa 19 (NBG); Mzamba Engonyama River (–AA), 08 Jan 1987, Abbott 3445 (NH). — EASTERN CAPE: 3226 (Fort Beaufort): Alice, Seymour near Brambledene (–DD), 7 Jan 1944, Barker 2895 (NBG). 3227 (Stutterheim): NE of Stutterheim (–BC), 17 Mar 1995, Victor 922 (PRE). 3325 (Port Elizabeth): Steynsburg (–DC), 16 Feb 1909, Paterson 479 (PRE); Port Elizabeth (–DC), 10 Jan 1949, Theron 574 (PRE). 3326 (Makhanda): Boknesstrand, ca. 7 km SW of Kenton-on Sea (–DA), 11 Nov 1984, Burrows 2503 (PRE); Boknesstrand (–DB), 5 Nov 2017, Nemando and Musandiwa 42 (NBG); Port Alfred (–DB), 31 Dec 1942, Barker 2178 (NBG). 3327 (Peddie): East London (–AA), Dec 1981, Hilner 154 (PRE)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on page 999, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056

6. CHAMAECRISTA FALCINELLA (Oliv.) Lock in Kew Bull. 43: 336 (1988). Cassia falcinella Oliv. in F.T.A. 2: 282 (1871); Bak. f., Leg. Trop. Afr. 3: 641 (1930); Steyaert in F. T.B. 3: 520 (1952); Brenan in Kew Bull. 14: 178 (1960), in F.T.A. Legum. Caesalp.: 90 (1967). TYPE: TANZANIA. Bukoba district, Karagwe, Grant 445 (holotype: K [K00232433]–image!.). This species occurs widely from central tropical to southern Africa (Gordon-Gray 1977). Three varieties are recognised, of which only one, C. falcinella var. parviflora, occurs in southern Africa. Chamaecrista falcinella var. falcinella is known from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Democratic Republic of Congo, and C. falcinella var. intermedia (Brenan) Lock from Tanzania and Zambia (Brenan 1967)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on page 1002, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056, {"references":["Gordon-Gray, K. D. 1977. Cassia. Pp. 69 - 108 in Flora of Southern Africa, vol. 16, part 2, ed. J. H. Ross. Pretoria: Botanical Research Institute.","Brenan, J. P. M. 1967. Flora of Tropical East Africa. Leguminosae: Subfamily Caesalpinioideae. Kew: Royal Botanic Gardens."]}

9. CHAMAECRISTA MIMOSOIDES (L.) Green, Pittonia 4 (20): 27 (1899); Brummitt in Fl. Zambesiaca 3(2): 136 (2007). Cassia mimosoides L. Sp. Pl.: 379 (1753); Oliver in F. T.A. 2: 280 (1871); Baker, Legum. Trop. Afr.: 642 (1930); Steyaert in F. C.B. 3: 514 (1952); Mendonça & Torre in C.F.A. 2: 181 (1956); Keay in F.W.T.A., ed.2, 1: 453 (1958); Brenan in F.T.E.A., Legum.-Caesalp.: 100 (1967); Ross, Fl. Natal: 195 (1973); Gordon-Gray in F.S.A. 16(2): 104 (1977). TYPE: SRI LANKA. Zeylona, without date, Hermann 154 (lectotype: BM [BM-000594576]–image!, designated by Larsen et al. 1980). Annual herbs to 0.8 m high. Stems prostrate or decumbent, branching from the ground becoming rounded, with appressed short curved hairs. Leaves paripinnate, 30–85 × 2–7 mm, slightly tapering distally; stipules, 4–9 mm long, triangular, base oblique, apex acuminate; extrafloral nectaries at or near top of petiole, small, ± 0.5 mm long, sessile, rounded; rachis crested. Leaflets 23–62-jugate, base oblique, apex mucronate; margin ciliate. Inflorescence supra-axillary, 1(2) flowered; flowers 3–6 × 3–5; bract with short curved hairs, base oblique, apex accumulate; bracteoles 2, glabrous, towards the top of pedicel. Pedicels with short appressed or sometimes with long straight hairs, at flowering 3–8 mm long, at fruiting 6–10 mm long. Sepals 5, lanceolate, 4–6 × 1–3 mm, with short curved hairs. Petals obovate, 4–8 mm. Stamens 9–10, slightly curved, flattened, anthers in three series, 2(3) small 2–3 mm long, 4 medium ± 4 mm long, 4 large ± 5 mm long, filaments short (1–2 mm long). Ovary densely covered with greyish to whitish hairs, style curved, glabrous. Pods straight or slightly curved, 35–60 × 3–4 mm, flattened, with appressed hairs. Seeds not seen. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista mimosoides can be confused with C. grandiglandulata and C. gordon-grayei with which it shares a crested rachis, but can be distinguished from those species by its low growth form, and small, circular or circular-elliptic extrafloral nectaries on the petiole (Fig. 3G). Distribution and Ecology — Chamaecrista mimosoides is widespread in tropical Africa and southern Asia (Gordon-Gray 1977; Brummitt et al. 2007). In southern Africa, C. mimosoides is widespread from Lydenburg in Mpumalanga, through Vryheid and Stanger in Kwa-Zulu Natal, to Port St. Johns in the Eastern Cape extending across to Mbabane in Swaziland (Eswatini) (Fig. 14), growing in grassland in shallow soil at elevations below 1100 m. Flowering from November to May. Notes —The variation in Chamaecrista mimosoides has led various authors to recognise a number of different forms within the species. Brenan (1967) in his treatment of the Tropical East African species of the genus recognised seven forms. In southern Africa, however, Gordon-Gray (1977) recognised three separate forms. Form 1 was distinguished from typical C. mimosoides by its erect stems, often branching in the upper half (Fig. 1C), large, sessile, elliptic extrafloral nectaries that overlap the sides of the petiole, short pedicels and small pale flowers. This taxon is largely confined to the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Form 2 was distinguished by its low, rounded growth habit (Fig. 1A), small, circular-elliptic or circular extrafloral nectaries, and short pedicels bearing small pale yellow flowers. This taxon is widely distributed in KwaZulu-Natal, extending to the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga Provinces. Form 3, distinguished by the small, subsessile to sessile extrafloral nectaries, and larger bright yellow flowers from other forms is known from Chirundi in Namibia through Katima Mulilo to Tsumkwe, extending to Botswana and beyond the region to Zimbabwe. After examination of available herbarium material and field studies, the three forms are now recognised as separate species. Form 1, distinguished by its erect stems, branched in the upper half, the large, sessile, elliptic extrafloral nectaries that overlap the sides of petiole, short pedicels, and small pale flowers with 10 stamens and anthers that are divided into two series (6 small, 2–4 mm long; 4 large, 5–10 mm long) is now recognised as the separate species Chamaecrista grandiglandulata (described herein as new). Form 3, distinguished by small, subsessile to sessile extrafloral nectaries, and slightly larger bright flowers with 9–10 stamens divided into three series (2(3) small 2–3 mm long, 4 medium ± 4 mm long, 4 large ± 5 mm long) is now recognised as separate species Chamaecrista gordon-grayei (described herein as new). Gordon-Gray (1977) erroneously considered form 3 as the typical form of Chamaecrista mimosoides, however, this form differs from the type of Chamaecrista mimosoides by the subsessile to sessile extrafloral nectaries, and development of branched and long pedicels. In addition, we recognise two separate forms within C. gordon-grayei distinguished by short pedicels 7–10 mm long, and long pedicels 15–30 mm long. Of these forms, we relegate the form with long pedicels to subspecific level and recognise it as C. gordon-grayei subsp. longipedicellata. No other characters were found warranting the idea of raising the form with long pedicels to species rank. Form 2, distinguished by small, circular extrafloral nectaries, and short pedicels bearing small pale yellow flowers with 9–10 stamens divided into three series (2(3) small 2–3 mm long, 4 medium ± 4 mm long, (3)4 large ± 5 mm long) resembles the lectotype of Chamaecrista mimosoides designated by Larsen et al. in Aubreville & Leroy (ed.), Fl. Cambodge Loas Viet-Nam 18: 105 (1980). We therefore recognised it as typical C. mimosoides. Future studies should investigate Chamaecrista mimosoides across its wide distribution range to determine whether it is in fact only one widespread taxon. Additional Specimens Examined — South Africa. — MPUMALANGA: 2530 (Lydenburg): 20 km from Lydenburg on road to Dullstroom (–AC), 05 Mar 1979, Germishuizen 1072 (NH) . 2531 (Komatipoort): Barberton (–CC), Jul 1915, Thorncroft 885 (PRE). — KWAZULU-NATAL: 2730 (Vryheid): Itala Nature Reserve (–DD), 23 Jan 1978, McDonald 495 (NU). 2731 (Louwsburg): Jozini dam (–BD), 13 Dec 1965, Burtt 3215 (NU). 2732 (Ubombo): Nkuzi Game Reserve, Mougeue (Stand 4) (–CB), 10 May 1976, Goodman 655 (NU). 2930 (Pietermaritzburg): Shongweni dam (–CB), 22 Feb 1966, Morris 772 (NU); Isipingo flats (–DD), 20 Mar 1968, Ward 6527 (NU). 2931 (Stanger): Beachwood, Durban (–CC), 7 Dec 1956, Lawson 321 (NU). — EASTERN CAPE: 3129 (Port St. Johns): banks of Umgazana River (–CB), Apr 1976, Gans 43 (NU). Swaziland (Eswatini). —2631 (Mbabane): Komati old ferry (–AC), 18 Feb 1960, Compton 29826 (NH)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on pages 1006-1008, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056, {"references":["Larsen, K., S. S. Larsen, and J. E. Vidal. 1980. Flore du Cambodge, du Laos, et du Vi ^ et-Nam, vol. 18, Legumineuses-Cesalpinioidees. Paris: Museum National D' Histoire Naturelle.","Gordon-Gray, K. D. 1977. Cassia. Pp. 69 - 108 in Flora of Southern Africa, vol. 16, part 2, ed. J. H. Ross. Pretoria: Botanical Research Institute.","Brummitt, R. K., A. C. Chikuni, J. M. Lock, and R. M. Polhill. 2007. Leguminosae Subfamily Caesalpinioideae. Pp. 1 - 218 in Flora Zambesiaca, vol. 3, part 2, eds. J. R. Timberlake, G. V. Pope, R. M. Polhill, and E. S. Martins. Kew: Royal Botanic Gardens.","Brenan, J. P. M. 1967. Flora of Tropical East Africa. Leguminosae: Subfamily Caesalpinioideae. Kew: Royal Botanic Gardens."]}

10b. CHAMAECRISTA PLUMOSA var. ERECTA (Schorn & Gordon-Gray) Lock, Kew Bull. 43 (2): 337 (1988). Cassia plumosa var. erecta Schorn & Gordon-Gray in J. S. Afr. 41: 153 (1975); Gordon-Gray in F.S.A. 16 (2): 104 (1977). TYPE: SOUTH AFRICA. KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg (2930), ‘ Camperdown, Inchanga’, (–DC), 9 March 1972, Schorn 36 (holotype: NU!). Perennial herbs to 1.8 m tall. Stems erect, often single stemmed or with few stems, simple or sub-simple, branching on the upper half, glabrous or covered with short, and/or long, straight greyish or yellow hairs. Leaves 15 – 90 × 2–10 mm. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista plumosa var. erecta is distinguished from C. plumosa var. plumosa by its erect stems up to 1.8 m tall, branching in the upper half, with stems densely covered with short and/or long straight greyish or yellowish hairs and long leaves, up to 90 mm long. Distribution and Ecology — Chamaecrista plumosa var. erecta is common in Louwsburg through Pietermaritzburg to Port Edward in KwaZulu-Natal. It occurs in grasslands at an altitude below 800 m (Fig. 15). Flowering from September to March. Additional Specimens Examined — South Africa. — KWAZULU-NATAL: 2731 (Louwsburg): Tygerskloof Estate, Ngome area (–AD), 9 Feb 2001, Potgieter 425 (NU) ; Ngotshe, Ngome Forest (–CD), 11 Feb 1962, Tinley 743 (NU). 2831 (Nkandla): near Dhlinza Forest, Eshowe (–DA), 21 Jan 1963, Edwards 2870 (NU). 2832 (Mtubatuba): Hlabisa, Monzi Settlement (–AD), 7 Apr 1966, Strey 6568 (PRE). 2930 (Pietermaritzburg): Laager Farm, near Harburgh (–BD), 10 Dec 2005, Majola & Marimuthoo 2986 (NH); Maidstone, N coast (–CA), 14 Feb 1944, Hilliard 12 (NU, 2 Sheets); 4 km from Pietermaritzburg on the Greytown road (–CB), 10 Dec 1988, Edwards (PRE); Richmond, Tala Farm (–CD), 8 Mar 1966, Moll 3073 (PRE); Cato Ridge, inland of Durban (–DA), 2 Feb 2013, Styles 3960 (NH); Camperdown, Inchanga (–DC), 23 Feb 1966, Hilliard 3883 (NU); Camperdown Inchanga (–DC), 23 Feb 1964, Hilliard 2722 (NU); Pietermaritzburg (–DC), 16 Feb 1969, Strey 8367 (PRE); Greater Durban area, Queensburgh (–DD), 24 Feb 1993, Ward 12248 (NH). 3030 (Port Shepstone): Richmond road (–AB), 18 Dec 1947, Barker 5141 (NBG); S Coast, Paddock Altenburg (–CD), 26 Jan 1997, Von Fintel 406 (NH); Port Shepstone, Margate (–CD), 12 Feb 1973, Strey 11065 (NU). 3130 (Port Edward): Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, Beacon Hill (–AA), 19 Mar 2018, Musandiwa 18 (NBG); Beacon Hill (–AA), 8 Feb 1980, Nicholson 2057 (PRE)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on pages 1008-1009, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056

4b. Chamaecrista comosa subsp. capriconia (Stayaert) Musandiwa & Boatwr. , stat. nov. Cassia comosa var. capriconia Stayaert, Bull. Jard. Bot. Brux. 20: 252 (1950); Brenan in F.T.E.A Legum.-Caesalp.: 90 (1967); Gordon-Gray in F.S.A. 16(2): 97 (1977); Lock in Kew Bull 43(2): 336 (1988). TYPE: ZAIRE [DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO]. Katanga, Elizabethville, 15 May 1950, Rogers 10184 (holotype: BR, [BR0000008917614]–image!). Perennial herbs, to 0.6 m tall. Stems simple or sub-simple, or branched from the woody rootstock. Leaves paripinnate, 30–90 × 10–20 mm; leaflets 5–34-jugate, 4–13 × 2–4 mm; stipules 5–10 mm; large, sessile extrafloral nectaries, often spreading over the sides of the petiole. Pedicels 10–20 mm long. Pods 33–55 × 4–5 mm. Diagnostic Characters — Chamaecrista comosa subsp. capriconia is distinguished by large, sessile extrafloral nectaries that are often spreading over the sides of the petiole (Fig. 3D), and smaller general morphology (i.e. leaves 30–90 × 10–20 mm; leaflets 4–13 × 2–4 mm; stipules 5–10 mm; large, pedicels 9–20 mm long and pods 33–55 × 4–5 mm). Distribution and Ecology — Chamaecrista comosa subsp. capriconia is an inland species, distributed in the drier, northern parts of South Africa, from Tzaneen through Rustenburg to Pretoria and Johannesburg in Gauteng Province, extending beyond the region to Zimbabwe (Fig. 7). It grows in grasslands in drier areas, usually on sandy soil, at an altitude below 1820 m. Flowering from October–February. Additional Specimens Examined — South Africa. — LIMPOPO: 2327 (Ellisras): at bridge over Palala River, 5 km from Palala (–BB), 8 Mar 1978, Germishuizen 00726 (PRE) . 2330 (Tzaneen): New Agatha Forest Reserve (–CC), 13 Nov 1918, McCallum 548 (PRE). 2428 (Nylstroom): Tafelkop Private Nature Reserve at Geelhoutkop and Melkriver (–AB), 19 Feb 1972, Coetzee 1035 (PRE); Heuningfontein, Ratelhoek Farm (–AD), 7 Dec 1985, Westfall 2037 (PRE); near Loubadspruit bridge on road between Nylstroom and Alma (–CA), without date, Welman 506 (PRE); between Warmbaths and Nylstroom, 1 mile (ca. 1.6 km) along Vaalkop road (–CD), 22 Apr 1970, Clarke 39 (PRE); Vaalwater Farm Driefontein (–DA), without date, Westfall 1531 (PRE). — NORTH WEST: 2526 (Zeerust): Grasfontein (–CC), 16 Dec 1929, Sutton 344 (PRE). 2527 (Rustenburg): Buffelskloof farm (–AA), 30 Nov 1977, Germishuizen 582 (PRE); Rustenburg Kloof (–AB), 27 Dec 1949, Steyn 895 (NBG); Brits (–DB), 24 Feb 1958, Van Vuuren 471 (PRE). 2626 (Klerksdorp): Schoonspruit, 5 km from Ventersdorp on road to Koster (–BD), 27 Nov 1986, Germishuizen 3955A (PRE). 2627 (Potchefstroom): Carletonville, A. Bairley Nature Reserve (–AD), Apr 1983, Van Wyk 154 (PRE); Gerhardsminnebron (–CA), 25 Nov 1976, Botha & Ubbink 1835 (PRE); Arboretum (–CA), 31 Jan 1996, Cilliers 2020 (PRE). — GAUTENG: 2528 (Pretoria): Botanical Garden, Brummeria (–CA), 4 Jan 1967, Todd 4 (PRE); Fountain Valley (–CA), 15 Nov 1928, Repton 104 (PRE); Wonderboom S, Pretoria (–CA), 14 Nov 1969, Coetzee 6 (PRE); Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve (–CB), 27 Dec 1979, Rooyen 2238 (PRE); Willow on turnoff to Garsfontein (–CB), 8 Nov 1977, Germishuizen 00464 (PRE); Groenkloof (–CC), 15 Feb1922, Phillips s.n. (PRE); Cornwall Hill Ridge (–CC), 3 Feb 2009, Masupa 2 (PRE); Cornwall Hill Ridge (–CC), 3 Feb 2009, Ramantswana 4 (PRE); Olievenhoutbos extension 13 (–CC), without date, Masombuka 15 (PRE); Cornhill Ridge (–CC), 3 Feb 2009, Ramalekana 18 (PRE); 31.1 km E of Pretoria (–CD), 14 Jan 1959, Mauve s.n. (NU); 18 miles (ca. 28.9 km) from Pretoria on road to Welbekend (–CD), 30 Jan 1971, Clarke 138 (PRE); Waterkloof Heights, SE of Pretoria (–CD), 24 Jan 1970, Clarke 126 (PRE); Garsfontein (–CD), Feb 1977, Liebenberg 8626 (PRE); Goedvertroudt Farm 499 JR (–DD), 6 Nov 2009, Masupa 68 (PRE); Goedvertroudt Farm 499 JR (–DD), 6 Nov 2009, Masupa 32 (PRE); Goedvertroudt Farm 499 JR (–DD), 6 Nov 2009, Masupa 38 (PRE). 2628 (Johannesburg): Johannesburg (–AA), 24 Jan 1976, Burger 292 (PRE); Mulders Drift road (–AA), 13 Mar 1927, Young 26450 (PRE); Kensington Ridge (–AA), Dec 1932, Neydorn s.n. (PRE); Melville Koppies Nature Reserve (–AC), 4 Feb 2014, Kondlo, Magoele, Mogale, & Konanani 2902 (PRE); Ashburry station (–CA), 29 Nov 1925, Smith 1351 (PRE); Suikerbosrand (–CB), 23 Dec 1971, Bredenkamp 539 (PRE); Melville Koppies (–CC), 27 Dec 1971, Macnae s.n. (NBG). — MPUMALANGA: 2430 (Pilgrims Rest): on road from Machadodorp to Sabie via Houtbosloop (–DB), 16 Jan 1969, Hilliard 5954 (NU); Blyde River Nature Reserve (–DD), 21 Jan 1969, Hilliard & Burtt 6029 (PRE). 2529 (Witbank): 10 km from Grobersdal on road to Nebo (–AB), 4 Mar 1986, Germishuizen 3734 (PRE); Kwa-Ndebele, Farm Goederede (–AC), 16 Mar 1981, Du Toit 207 (PRE); Loskop Dam (–AD), 19 Dec 1966, Theron 855 (PRE); Mapoch’ s Cave (–BB), 18 Jan 2005, Swelankomo 232 (PRE); Middleburg, Doornkop 273 (–CB), 14 Feb 1968, Du Plessis 398 (PRE); Middleburg, Doornkop 273 J.S. (–CB), 29 Oct 1968, Du Plessis 951 (PRE); Farm Doornrug ca. 16 km West of Witbank next to the N4 (–CC), 18 Dec 2003, Nkonki 74 (PRE); ca. 15 km N of Belfast on road to Stofberg (–DB), 30 Jan 1996, Jordaan 3100 (PRE). 2530 (Lydenburg): Witklip (–BD), 13 Dec 1973, Kluge 370 (PRE); along R541 towards Machadodorp ca. 15.4 km directly NNW of Badplaas (–CD), 27 Nov 2017, Bester 13905 (PRE). 2630 (Carolina): 20 km from Lochiel on road to Badplaas (–BA), 6 Mar 1986, Germishuizen 3860 (PRE); 2531 (Komatipoort): Barberton (–CC), Nov 1913, Rogers 12862 (PRE); Komatipoort (–CC), Dec 1913, Rogers 13722 (PRE); Kangwane, Songimvelo Game Reserve (–CC), 9 Dec 1992, Germishuizen 5767 (PRE); Kangwane, Songimvelo Game Reserve (–CC), 9 Dec 1992, Germishuizen 5686 (PRE). Swaziland (Eswatini). —2631 (Mbabane): ca. 20.9 km turn off to Piggs Peak from Mbabane (–AB), 19 Jan 1966, Hilliard 3561 (NU). Zimbabwe. —1831 (Marondera): Nyanga village (–DA), 2 Jan 1975, Nicholas 302 (NU)., Published as part of Musandiwa, Liada, Magee, Anthony R. & Boatwright, James S., 2022, A Taxonomic Revision of Chamaecrista (Caesalpinioideae, Cassieae, Cassiinae) in Southern Africa, pp. 992-1011 in Systematic Botany (Basel, Switzerland) (Basel, Switzerland) 47 (4) on pages 1001-1002, DOI: 10.1600/036364422x16674053033831, http://zenodo.org/record/8117056

Chamaecrista sect. Absus (Collad.) Irwin & Barneby (1982: 664) emend. A.O. Souza, G.P. Lewis & M.J. Silva (2021: 386) subsect. Absus ≡ Cassia sect. Absus Colladon (1816: 184). — Type species: Chamaecrista hispidula (Vahl) Irwin & Barneby. = Grimaldia Schrank (1805: 184). Type species:— Chamaecrista absus. = Chamaecrista ser. Absoideae (Bentham 1870: 131) Irwin & Barneby (1982: 660) ≡ Cassia ser. Absoideae Bentham (1870: 131). Type species:— Chamaecrista hispidula (Vahl 1807: 10) Irwin & Barneby (1982: 661). = Chamaecrista ser. Oligospermae (Irwin & Barneby 1978: 38) Irwin & Barneby (1982: 648) ≡ Cassia ser. Oligospermae Irwin & Barneby (1978: 38). Type species:— Chamaecrista oligosperma (Bentham 1870: 147) Irwin & Barneby (1982: 648). Shrubs erect with straight, drooping or supporting branches. Subshrubs erect, prostrate or decumbent. Herbs only in individuals of Ch. absus. Indumentum of branches, leaves or at least the inflorescence composed of mix of tector and glandular trichomes, rarely glabrous or glabrescent. Stipules persistent, linear, lanceolate or elliptic, glabrous or with the same indumentum of the branches. Leaves petiolate, paripinnate, alternate-distichous or alternate and spirally arranged, with 2 pairs of leaflets, the distal pair being slightly larger than the proximal pair, leaves with (6)7–18 pairs of leaflets only in Ch. oligosperma. Extrafloral nectary absent. Racemes terminal or axillary, corymbiform or not, or rarely panicles, erect or pendulous, lax or congested. Flowers dichlamydeous, pentamerous, asymmetrical, aposepalous and apopetalous, a pair of bracteoles on the pedicel; sepals isomorphic, glabrous or with indumentum, yellowish-green with or without reddish or vinaceous macules; petals yellow, orange or reddish, 3 adaxial isomorphic and one of the abaxial petals falcate-curled and encircling with the stamens (except in Ch. absus); androecium with 10 stamens or (2–) 3–7 in Ch. absus, isomorphic, stamens with anthers basifixed longer than filaments, dehiscence apical poricidal and pubescent laterally; gynoecium glabrous or with indumentum, ovary oblongoid, dorsoventrally flat, sessile, with a curved style in the upper third and punctiform stigma covered by a crown of trichomes. Legume oblong or linear-oblong, dorsoventrally flat and elastically dehiscent, with coriaceous or chartaceous valves, brown, reddish or yellowish-green, glabrous or with indumentum. Seeds (1–)4–8, rhomboid, ovoid or obovoid, light brown or dark or blackish, usually glossy. Chamaecrista sect. Absus subsect. Absus, as defined herein, comprises 18 species predominantly Neotropical with 12 species endemics of Brazil. Chamaecrista absus is the only species that has a pantropical distribution. The species grow on plains or mountains areas, between 50 and 1500 meters in altitude, usually associated with open areas of seasonally dry vegetation such as cerrado, caatinga and rupestrian fields, but can also be found near areas of forests, restingas and disturbed environments. Regarding conservation, of the recognized species, 15 were classified as Least Concern (LC), one as Vulnerable (VU), one as Endangered (EN), and one as Data Deficient (DD), according to each species comment. In taxonomic terms we propose: i) a new combination of Ch. viscosa var. major that is now recognized as a species (Ch. major), ii) nine synonymizations: Ch. absus var. meonandra (Irwin & Barneby 1978: 282) Irwin & Barneby (1982: 664) under Ch. absus; Ch. acosmifolia var. euryloba, Ch. acosmifolia var. oropedii and Ch. verruculosa Fernandes & Nunes (2000: 2) under Ch. acosmifolia; Ch. brevicalyx var. elliptica (Irwin & Barneby 1978: 252) Irwin & Barneby (1982: 660) under Ch. brevicalyx (Bentham 1870: 134) Irwin & Barneby (1982: 660); Ch. fagonioides var. macrocalyx Irwin & Barneby 1978: 276) Irwin & Barneby (1982: 661) and Ch. punctulata (Hooker & Arnott 1840: 420) Irwin & Barneby (1982: 661) under Ch. fagonioides; Ch. conferta var. gurgueiana under Ch. juruenensis (Hoehne 1922: 13) Irwin & Barneby (1982: 660) and Ch. viscosa var. paraguayensis under Ch. viscosa; and, iii) two lectotypifications and six new records. Explanations of our decisions follow in the comments of each taxon. Most members of Ch. sect. Absus subsect. Absus share the leaves with two pairs of membranous or papyraceous leaflets, the distal pair slightly larger than the proximal one, terminal or axillary inflorescences and flowers with yellow or orange petals, with few exceptions. In general, the studied species are easily recognizable due to their peculiar morphologies and can be differentiated by the following key: Key to species of Chamaecrista sect. Absus subsect. Absus 1. Leaves with (6)7–18 pairs of leaflets; legumes with 1 or 2(3) seeds................................................................ 16. Ch. oligosperma - Leaves with 2 pairs of leaflets; legumes with 4–8 seeds.................................................................................................................. 2 2. Leaves alternate distichous with leafy appendix inter-petiolule; flowers 5–9 mm long with 5 flat petals, the inner one slightly falcate, but not curled and nor encircling the stamens; androecium with (2)3–6(7) stamens; style 1.3–3 mm long; root nodules present............................................................................................................................................................................. 1. Ch. absus - Leaves alternate spiral without leafy appendix inter-petiolule; flowers 1.2–4.5 cm long with 4 flat petals and 1 inner one falcatecurled and encircling part of the stamens; androecium with 10 stamens; styles 8–22 mm long; root nodules absent or unknown............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 3. Leaves ascending; leaflets linear-oblong or oblanceolate 2.5–4 times longer than wide; stipules 1.5–2.5 mm wide, elliptic or oblanceolate, rarely lanceolate; inflorescence congested corymb.......................................................................... 4. Ch. anamariae - Leaves plagiotropic or slightly ascending; leaflets elliptic, oboval, oval, spatulate, obcordate or suborbiculares, 0.5–2 times longer than wide; stipules linear or lanceolate 0.3–0.5 mm wide; inflorescence lax raceme or panicle...................................................... 4 4. Stem or branches with exfoliating bark; young branches whitish or pale yellowish; petiole 3–7.5 cm long.................................. 5 - Stem or branches without exfoliating bark; young branches greenish, yellowish, light or dark brown; petiole 0.5–3.5 cm long.. 6 5. Leaflets 4.5–9.3 cm long, discolor, margin revolute; stamens barbulate................................................................... 5. Ch. barbata - Leaflets 1.5–4.5 cm long, concolor, margin flat; stamens not barbulate................................................................ 6. Ch. brevicalyx 6. Erect shrubs 1.5–3.5 m tall; several axillary racemes at the end of the branches in panicle aspect................................................. 7 - Erect, decumbent or creeping subshrubs 0.2–1.5 m tall, rarely erect shrub 3 m tall (individuals of Ch. juruenensis); solitary and terminal racemes, rarely axillary...................................................................................................................................................... 9 7. Stem with supporting or hanging branches; leaflets discolor, the upper surface dark green, the lower surface dull green; petals suborbicular or widely oboval.............................................................................................................................. 2. Ch. acosmifolia - Stem with erect branches; leaflet concolor; petals oboval or oblong-oboval................................................................................... 8 8. Stem profusely branched with long branches; basal and apex leaves similar in size; leaflets 1–2.5 cm long, obcordate, spatulate or obtriangular, rarely oboval or elliptic; petiole 5–20 mm long; species from Suriname, Guiana, Venezuela and north and northeast of Brazil....................................................................................................................................................................... 15. Ch. major - Stem fewer branched; basal leaves usually larger than the apex leaves; leaflets 3–4 cm long, elliptic, oboval, largely elliptic or suborbicular; petiole 22–42 mm long; species from Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay to the Midwest region of Brazil......................................................................................................................................................................... 18. Ch. viscosa 9. Branches, stipules, petiole, rachis and leaflets glabrous or densely villosule with tector trichomes, indumentum whitish; leaflets chartaceous with prominent and vinaceous midrib on the upper surface....................................................................................... 10 - Branches, stipules, petiole, rachis and leaflets setulose-viscous with glandular and tector trichomes mixed, indumentum never whitish; leaflets papyraceous or membranous, discreet midrib on both sides and yellowish or greenish on the lower surface.... 11 10. Plant erect; branches and leaflets commonly villous, sometimes glabrous; ascending or patent leaves; erect inflorescences....................................................................................................................................................................................... 13. Ch. juruenensis - Creeping or decumbent plants; branches and leaflets commonly glabrous and less frequently villous; leaves opposite the ground; slightly curved inflorescences....................................................................................................................... 17. Ch. roncadorensis 11. Creeping, procumbent or decumbent stems................................................................................................................................... 12 - Erect stems...................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 12. Petiole 1.5–2 times larger than the rachis; margin of leaflets revolute at least at apex or base; sessile inflorescence or falsely pedunculated due to first caduceus flower..................................................................................................................................... 13 - Petiole 2.5–5 times larger than rachis; leaflet margin flat; inflorescence with peduncle 4–15 mm long....................................... 14 13. Setulose-viscous and puberulent branches; concolor leaflets; orange or reddish petals.................................... 10. Ch. fagonioides - Puberulent and non-viscous branches; slightly discolored leaflets; petals yellow................................................. 8. Ch. carobinha 14. Leaflets rhomboid or oblique-oboval, never variegated; buds ovoid or globoid with obtuse apex......................... 3. Ch. amiciella - Leaflets oboval, oboval-elliptic, oblong-elliptic or suborbicular, variegated or not; buds ovoid or ellipsoid with an acute or apiculate apex......................................................................................................................................................................... 11. Ch. hispidula 15. Leaflets 3–5.4 cm long, oval, largely elliptic or suborbicular; pedicel abruptly curved down when fruited; styles 2–2.2 cm long; legumes 6–6.5 cm long...........................................................................................................................................14. Ch. longistyla - Leaflets 0.6–3 cm long, elliptic, oblong, oval, obcordate or spatulate; pedicel straight and ascending when fruited; styles 0.8–1.3 cm long; legumes 2.5–5 cm long.................................................................................................................................................... 16 16. Leaflets concolor; pedicel 4–8 mm long; species from Paraguay and Midwest, North and Southeast regions of Brazil.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7. Ch. campestris - Leaflets discolor; pedicel 8–18 mm long; species endemic of Chapada Diamantina (Bahia) in the Northeast region of Brazil................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17 17. Leaflets obcordate or spatulate with emarginate apex and revolute margin; racemes congest; buds with an obtuse and apiculate apex.......................................................................................................................................................................... 9. Ch. chapadae - Leaflets elliptic, oblong-elliptic or oboval with obtuse or rounded apex and flat or revolute margin near the base or apex; racemes lax; buds with acuminate apex.............................................................................................................................. 12. Ch. jacobinea

Chamaecrista mimosoides (L.) Greene Bas.: Cassia mimosoides L. Shrub, in wooded savannah, open forest, thicket, and grassy savannah; also in croplands, fallow and disturbed sites. C.N.: kiana, kakunde (kb). Uses: medicinal. Conservation: LC (IUCN 2017), Published as part of Monteiro, Francisca, Costa, Esperança Da, Kissanga, Raquel, Costa, José Carlos & Catarino, Luís, 2022, An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of Quiçama National Park, Angola, pp. 1-67 in Phytotaxa 557 (1) on page 33, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.557.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6985699, {"references":["IUCN. (2017) IUCN Red List of Threatened species. Vers. 3, May 2017. Available from: www. iucnredlist. org (accessed 10 December 2021)."]}

12. Chamaecrista rotundifolia (Persoon 1805: 456) Greene (1899:31) Herbs, branches pilose, inermous. Nectary absent. Stipules lateral stipules, ovate. Leaves paripinnate, 2–foliolate, leaflets opposite, obovate, venation actinodromous, translucid punctuation absent. Inflorescence cymose, axillary. Flowers pedicellate, asymmetric, diplostemonous; calyx dialysepalous, sepals 5, corolla dialypetalous, yellow, petals 5; androecium dialystaminous, homodinamous, anthers longitudinal; ovary superior, sessile, pluriovulate. Fruit legume, sessile, linear, plane, margin straight, epicarp glabrous, brown. Seeds trapezoid, plane, coat black, hilum basal. Examined material:— BRAZIL. Paraíba: Maturéia, Pico do Jabre, 800 m elev., 13 May 2019, fl. & fr., Aureliana Gomes 2098 (HACAM). Distribution and ecology:— The species occurs from the western United States of America to Uruguay, has records in the five regions of Brazil in all its phytogeographic domains (Flora do Brasil 2020), associated with open and anthropogenic environments with invasive plant behavior (Queiroz; Loiola, 2009; Dantas; Silva, 2013, Souto et al. 2019). Phenology:— Registered with flowers and fruits in May. Taxonomic discussion:— Chamaecrista rotundifolia can be recognized by the absence of nectary, bifoliolate leaves, asymmetrical pedicel flowers, dialypetalous corolla., Published as part of Gomes, Aureliana Santos, Rodrigues, Erimágna De Morais, Moura, Débora Coelho, Melo, José Iranildo Miranda De, Ribeiro, Rayane De Tasso Moreira & Queiroz, Rubens Teixeira De, 2022, Fabaceae Lindl. in a Conservation Unit in the Semi-Arid Region of Paraíba, Brazil, pp. 17-41 in Phytotaxa 555 (1) on page 28, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.555.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/6875635, {"references":["Persoon, C. H. (1805) Cassia rotundifolia Pers. Synopsis Plantarum 1: 456.","Greene, E. L. (1899) Chamaecrista rotundifolia (Pers.) Greene. Pittonia 4 (20 D): 31.","Flora do Brasil 2020 (2020) Fabaceae. Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro. [http: // reflora. jbrj. gov. br / reflora / floradobrasil / FB 115]","Souto, F. S., Quaresma, A. A., Queiroz, R. T. & Pereira, M. S. (2019) Estudo taxonomico da Tribo Cassieae (Leguminosae - Caesalpinioideae) no Parque Ecologico Engenheiro Avidos, Cajazeiras-PB. Pesquisa e Ensino em Ciencias Exatas e da Natureza 3 (1): 18 - 39. https: // doi. org / 10.29215 / pecen. v 3 i 1.1146"]}

10. Chamaecrista nictitans (Linnaeus 1753: 380) Moench (1794: 272). (Fig. 4a) Subshrubs, branches pilose, inermous. Nectary petiolar, sessile. Stipules lateral, narrow-triangular. Leaves paripinnate, 30–32–foliolate, leaflets opposite, oblong, venation actinodromous, translucid punctuation absent absent. Inflorescence cymose, axillary. Flowers pedicellate, asymmetric, diplostemonous; calyx dialysepalous, sepals 5, corolla dialypetalous, yellow, petals 5; androecium dialystaminous, homodinamous, anthers longitudinal; ovary superior, sessile, pluriovulate. Fruit legume, sessile, linear, plane, margin straight, epicarp glabrous, brown. Seeds trapezoid, plane, coat black, hilum basal. Examined material:— BRAZIL. Paraíba: Maturéia, Pico do Jabre, 800 m elev., 05 October 2018, fl. & fr., Aureliana Gomes 49 (JPB). Distribution and ecology:— The species is polymorphic found in all regions of Brazil, in the phytogeographic domains of the Amazon, Caatinga, Cerrado, Atlantic Rainforest and Pantanal, in rocky environments, seasonal forests and highland swamps (Escobar 2014; Flora do Brasil 2020). Phenology:— Registered with flowers and fruits in October. Taxonomic discussion:— Chamaecrista nictitans can be recognized by the subshrub habit, pilose branches, axillary cymose inflorescence and sessile legume fruit. This genus had four species, Chamaecrista nictitans morphologically more similar to Chamaecrista repens by multi-leaf leaves, but they are distinguished by sessile nectary and 30–32– leaflet leaves in C. nictitns vs. stipulate nectary and 20–22–leaflet leaves in C. repens., Published as part of Gomes, Aureliana Santos, Rodrigues, Erimágna De Morais, Moura, Débora Coelho, Melo, José Iranildo Miranda De, Ribeiro, Rayane De Tasso Moreira & Queiroz, Rubens Teixeira De, 2022, Fabaceae Lindl. in a Conservation Unit in the Semi-Arid Region of Paraíba, Brazil, pp. 17-41 in Phytotaxa 555 (1) on page 27, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.555.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/6875635, {"references":["Moench, C. (1794) Methodus Plantas Horti Botanici et Agri Marburgensis, a staminum situ describendi. Marburgi Cattorum, in officina nova libraria academiae, pp. 272. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. title. 304","Escobar, N. A. G., Silva, E. D. & Tozzi, A. M. G. A. (2014) Sinopse das Caesalpinioideae (Leguminosae) na Serra do Japi, Sao Paulo, Brasil. Rodriguesia 65: 752 - 765. https: // doi. org / 10.1590 / 2175 - 78602014653103","Flora do Brasil 2020 (2020) Fabaceae. Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro. [http: // reflora. jbrj. gov. br / reflora / floradobrasil / FB 115]"]}

13. Chamaecrista zygophylloides H.S. Irwin & Barneby (1982: 660). (Fig. 4c) Shrubs, branches glabrous, inermous. Nectary absent. Stipules caducous. Leaves paripinnate, 4–foliolate, leaflets opposite, obovate, venation brochidodromous, translucid punctuation absent. Inflorescence raceme, terminal. Flowers pedicellate, asymmetric, diplostemonous; calyx dialysepalous, sepals 5, corolla dialypetalous, violet, petals 5; androecium dialystaminous, homodinamous, anthers longitudinal; ovary superior, sessile, pluriovulate. Fruit legume, sessile, linear, plane, margin straight, epicarp glabrous, brown. Seeds obovate, plane, coat black, hilum basal. Examined material:— BRAZIL. Paraíba: Maturéia, Pico do Jabre, 800 m elev., 17 December 2018, fl., Aureliana Gomes 2019 (HACAM). Distribution and ecology: —The species has disjunct distribution, with records in Mexico, Central America, Guyana, Venezuela and eastern Brazil where it is registered in the Northeast and Southeast regions related to the Caatinga, Cerrado and Atlantic Rainforest biomes (INCT - Virtual Herbarium of Flora and Fungi; Queiroz 2009). Phenology:— Registered with flowers in December. Taxonomic discussion:— Chamaecrista zygophylloides can be recognized, mainly, by the shrub habit, 4– leaflet leaves, racemous inflorescence, terminal and asymmetrical pedicel flowers. In the study area, it is among the tetrafoliolate species, characteristic in Chamaecrista exclusive of this among similar species. The tetrafoliolate leaves were also observed in Arachis dardanii and in Senna species. However, Chamaecrista zygophylloides differs from other species with tetrafoliolate leaves by the presence of bracteole., Published as part of Gomes, Aureliana Santos, Rodrigues, Erimágna De Morais, Moura, Débora Coelho, Melo, José Iranildo Miranda De, Ribeiro, Rayane De Tasso Moreira & Queiroz, Rubens Teixeira De, 2022, Fabaceae Lindl. in a Conservation Unit in the Semi-Arid Region of Paraíba, Brazil, pp. 17-41 in Phytotaxa 555 (1) on page 28, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.555.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/6875635

11. Chamaecrista repens (Vogel 1837: 60) H.S. Irwin & Barneby (1982: 742). (Fig. 3h) Subshrubs, branches pilose, inermous. Nectary petiolar, stipitate. Stipules lateral stipules, narrow–triangular. Leaves paripinnate, 20–22–foliolate, leaflets opposite, obovate, venation actinodromous, translucid punctuation absent. Inflorescence cymose, axillary. Flowers pedicellate, asymmetric, diplostemonous; calyx dialysepalous, sepals 5, corolla dialypetalous, violet, petals 5; androecium dialystaminous, homodinamous, anthers longitudinal; ovary superior, sessile, pluriovulate. Fruit legume, sessile, linear, plane, margin straight, epicarp glabrous, brown. Seeds trapezoid, plane, coat black, hilum basal. Examined material:— BRAZIL. Paraíba: Maturéia, Pico do Jabre, 13 May 2019, fl., Aureliana Gomes 3011 (HACAM); 14 October 2019, fl. & fr., Aureliana Gomes 87227 (UFP). Distribution and ecology:— The species occurs in all regions of Brazil, mainly in the Northeast region (AL, BA, CE, MA, PB, PE, PI, SE), associated with the Amazon, Caatinga, Cerrado and Atlantic Rainforest domains in mountain, coastal and depression (Flora do Brasil 2020). It is also distributed in Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Bolivia (Camargo & Miotto 2004). In the study area, it was collected at the base of the outcrop, at 800 m. Phenology— Registered with flowers in may and flowers and fruits in October. Taxonomic discussion:— Chamaecrista repens can be recognized, mainly, by the subshrub habit, pilose branches, 20–22–leaflet leaves, asymmetrical pedicel flowers, with 5 violet petals., Published as part of Gomes, Aureliana Santos, Rodrigues, Erimágna De Morais, Moura, Débora Coelho, Melo, José Iranildo Miranda De, Ribeiro, Rayane De Tasso Moreira & Queiroz, Rubens Teixeira De, 2022, Fabaceae Lindl. in a Conservation Unit in the Semi-Arid Region of Paraíba, Brazil, pp. 17-41 in Phytotaxa 555 (1) on pages 27-28, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.555.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/6875635, {"references":["Flora do Brasil 2020 (2020) Fabaceae. Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro. [http: // reflora. jbrj. gov. br / reflora / floradobrasil / FB 115]","Camargo, R. A. & Miotto, S. T. S. (2004) O genero Chamaecrista Moench (Leguminosae - Caesalpinioideae) no Rio Grande do Sul. Iheringia 59: 131 - 148. [phttps: // isb. emnuvens. com. br / iheringia / article / view / 212]"]}

Chamaecrista with > 330 species, six sections, three subsections and 39 series has had a long and complex taxonomic history. The genus is monophyletic, but most of its traditional infrageneric categories are not. To test the monophyly of sections, subsections and series of Chamaecrista, we used two molecular phylogenetic approaches. The first (Broad) based on two DNA regions (ITS and trnL-F) includes a comprehensive sampling of Chamaecrista spp. and infrageneric taxa. The second (Multilocus) is based on four molecular regions (ITS, ETS, trnL-F and trnE-T) for a smaller but representative sampling. We performed ancestral character reconstructions to identify morphological characters that could serve as synapomorphies for major clades. Both molecular approaches support Chamaecrista and sections Apoucouita, Grimaldia and Xerocalyx as monophyletic, but sections Chamaecrista, Caliciopsis and Absus and most of the series are not monophyletic. The four main clades recovered are all characterized by a combination of morphological characters: a clade of tree species with cauliflorous inflorescences (including species of section Apoucouita); a mostly Brazilian campo rupestre clade (including all species of subsections Adenophyllum, Baseophyllum and Otophyllum); a clade of mostly herbaceous/shrubby species with solitary flowers or fascicles (including sections Chamaecrista, Caliciopsis and Xerocalyx and extra-American species) and a clade (with three main subclades) of species with viscous indumentum (including section Grimaldia and section Absus subsection Absus). We propose a new infrageneric classification for Chamaecrista supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphology, recognizing the four main clades as sections Apoucouita, Baseophyllum, Chamaecrista and Absus, the last with three subsections (Absus, Viscosa and Zygophyllum), but we do not recognize any previously circumscribed series. Our taxonomic treatment includes descriptions of and a key to the newly defined infrageneric taxa and an updated species list for the genus under the new classification.

An important ethnomedicinal plant Chamaecrista nigricans (Vahl) Greene, widely used for antipyretic, appetite, family planning, fevers, sore throat, wounds and various gastrointestinal disorders including diarrhoea and peptic ulcer. In the present study, acute toxicity and hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract alone were carried out in experimental animals approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. In acute toxicity studies, there was no mortality in animals when the extracts tested as per OECD guidelines. Regarding hepatoprotective activity, methanol leaf extract significantly reduced the increased level of serum marker enzymes such as ACP, ALP, ALT, AST and Total bilirubin. The protective effect of the methanol extract was also confirmed by histopathological examination which supports that the methanol leaf extract repaired the liver damage caused by CCl4. Thus the present study provides scientific evidence to the extracts of their hepatoprotective potential against liver damage and offers lead for further research in drug development. Keywords:Ethnomedicine;Chamaecrista Nigricans; Acute Toxicity; Hepatoprotective; Drug Development https://www.raftpubs.com/ijpsh-plant-science-and-horticulture/articles/ijpsh_raft1028.php

Chamaecrista (L.) Moench is one of the largest genera of Leguminosae, with about 330 species, 258 of which are present in Brazil, mainly in Savanna areas in the central portion of the country. The genus is monophyletic and comprises six sections, including Ch. cect. Absus, the biggest one with ca. 180 species divided into four subsections and 31 series. Paniculatae series, as traditionally recognized, included 6 species (12 taxa). However, it recently had its circumscription changed from a phylogenetic study that made it a monophyletic group and subordinated 13 species recognized mainly by the generally large leaflets (1.5–9.3 × 1.2–9.5 cm long), orbicular, coriaceous and divaricate, young branches and axis of inflorescences viscous and flowers with posterior petal similar to a standard. Despite this, and considering the recent changes, its species remain scarcely known taxonomically, with typification problems, poorly illustrated and mapped, and without conservation status. A taxonomic review of Ch. ser. Paniculatae, which resulted from monthly collections since 2010, consult the literature and herbaria collections from 26 herbaria, including all types. Thirteen species were recognized, described, and illustrated, represented by images, contrasted by means of a key and commented on morphological relationships, geographic distribution, state of conservation and times of flowering and fruiting. In addition, the updated typification of the group is proposed, including four lectotypifications.

This study aimed to describe the first reports of outbreaks of hepatogenous photosensitization in cattle, sheep, and horses caused by spontaneous ingestion of Chamaecrista serpens, as well as to reproduce poisoning in sheep experimentally. Eleven photodermatitis outbreaks of unknown cause occurred in cattle, sheep and horses on nine farms in the semiarid region of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, between July 2017 and July 2020. Cutaneous lesions of photosensitization initiated until one week after the animals were introduced in paddocks invaded by the plant at the beginning of the rainy season. The photosensitive skin lesions were progressive and consisted of hyperemia, edema, ulcerative-crusted lesions with necrosis, especially in non-pigmented skin areas. The lesions in young animals were more severe. The animals avoided the sun and exhibited hyporexia, weight loss, restlessness, irritability, and severe itching. An experimental study was made using seven sheep, and resulted in photodermatitis, similar to that observed in the natural poisoning, seven days after the beginning of plant ingestion. Two sheep were reserved for the control group. Serum biochemistry changes indicated liver injury caused by the plant. Skin biopsies and liver biopsy guided by ultrasound were performed. The one sheep that had more pronounced skin lesions was euthanized and necropsied. At the necropsy, the liver was enlarged, diffusely pale, and firm, with an evident lobular pattern and an empty gallbladder. Histopathology revealed similar skin and liver lesions in samples from biopsies and the necropsy. There was a marked disorganization of the cords of hepatocytes associated with degenerative necrotic changes on the liver. The cutaneous injuries included orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, acanthosis, and extensive areas of epidermic necrosis and ulceration. Three sheep were protected from sunlight and the lesions regressed within 45 days after the plant's consumption ceased. In conclusion, C. serpens causes hepatogenous photosensitization in ruminants and horses, and should be included in the list of differential diagnoses in cases of photosensitive dermatitis.

This work presents a new circumscription and a taxonomic treatment for Chamaecrista ser. Setosae that resulted from previous phylogenetic studies and the analysis of ca. 350 collections, including typus, as well as the observation of populations in field. Nine species were recognized for the series, eight of which are endemic to Brazil, and one firstly recorded for the country (Ch. orenocensis). Are proposed the synonymizations of all varieties of Ch. setosa, the transfer of Ch. amphibola from the Setosae series to the ser. Ursinae and its consequent synonymization under Ch. exsudans, and the inclusion of Ch. multiseta from the Absoideae series to the ser. Setosae based on previous phylogenetic and morphological evidences. Species are contrasted in a key, with their updated typifications, represented through images and described and commented on their flowering and fruiting periods, their geographical distributions, including, maps, preferred environments and conservation status, morphological relationships, as well as illustrated by their diagnostic characters.