Eriosema prorepens Benth.

  • Authority

    Grear, John W. 1970. A revision of the American species of Eriosema (Leguminosae-Lotoldeae). Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 20: 1-98.

  • Family

    Fabaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Eriosema prorepens Benth.

  • Description

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    Species Description - Prostrate herb from 30-60 cm in length, with usually several slender, procumbent stems from woody base, the stems usually basally squamate and copiously rufo-pilose. Stipules ovate-lanceolate, persistent, free, 8-15 mm long, 3-5 mm wide, copiously rufo-pilose. Petioles 3-6 mm long. Leaflets 3, membranaceous, oblong-lanceolate, acute at apex and base, 6-10 cm long, 12-22 cm wide, pilose on both surfaces. Inflorescences 10.0-20.5 cm long, peduncles 6.5-11.0 cm long, pedicels 2—4 mm long. Bracts lanceolate, persistent, pilose, 9-10 mm long, 2.0-2.5 mm wide. Calyx externally pilose, 14.5-15.0 mm long, tube 2.5-3.0 long, lobes 9.0-11.5 mm long. Corolla yellow, 18.0-19.5 mm long. Standard obovate, externally pilose, 19.0-19.5 mm long, 12.0-12.5 mm wide, auricles 1 mm long, claw 2.0-2.5 mm long. Wings broadly oblong, 16.5-17.0 mm long, 4.5-5.0 mm wide, claw 3.0-3.5 mm long. Keel blades 15.5-16.0 mm long, 4.0-4.5 mm wide at maximum, claw 3.5-4.0 mm long. Stamens 17.0-17.5 mm long. Fruit ovate, copiously rufo-pilose, 14.5-15.0 mm long, 4.5-5.0 mm wide. Seeds not seen.

  • Discussion

    Holotype examined (K): Brazil, Goias, "In Serra Uruhu." Pohl s n. W/o date. Isotypes (F, LE, NY).

    Eriosema prorepens is entirely prostrate and shows no well-defined relationship to E. glaziovii, the only other procumbent trifoholate species, or to any other known species of the genus. It is rare and localized in distribution and is easily recognized by its exceptionally large stipules, long lax racemes, and prostrate habit.