The rise of Cynometra (Leguminosae) and the fall of Maniltoa: a generic re-circumscription and the addition of 4 new species

Abstract

Cynometra L. is a genus of ca. 85 species of shrubs to large trees. It is amongst the largest genera in the legume subfamily Detarioideae and one of the few with a pantropical distribution. Perhaps due to this wide distribution and high diversity, systematists and taxonomists have struggled with the classification of Cynometra and its close ally, the genus Maniltoa Scheff. Recent phylogenetic studies have shown that many of the African species are more closely related to other genera and that the genus Maniltoa is nested within a clade of Indo-Pacific Cynometra. Here, I present an emended circumscription of Cynometra that excludes the African species defined by jointed pedicels and dehiscent fruits and includes the species formerly recognised in Maniltoa. New combinations in Cynometra are also provided for those species that require them. Additionally, four new species of Neotropical Cynometra are described and illustrated: Cynometracerebriformissp. nov. from the lower Rio Trombetas in Brazil; Cynometradwyeriisp. nov. from the Darien gap region of Panama; C.tumbesianasp. nov. from the dry tropical forests of Ecuador and Peru; and C.steyermarkiisp. nov. from the foothills of the western Cordillera de la Costa in Venezuela.