Three new species of Mucuna (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae: Phaseoleae) from South America

• DOI: 10.1007/s12225-012-9429-6
• Publication Date: 2012-12-08T07:42:10Z
• Authors: T. M. Moura; G. P. Lewis; V. F. Mansano; A. M. G. A. Tozzi
• Keywords: Mucuna

Summary. Three new species of Mucuna from South America are described and illustrated. All present a morphological characteristic that is restricted to some neotropical species of this genus: a condensed primary inflorescence axis, with all the flowers closely inserted at the inflorescence apex. M. argentea occurs in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, M. klitgaardiae in Ecuador and Peru, whilst M. cajamarca is endemic to Peru. These three new species highlight the diversity and high endemism of Mucuna in South America.