Reinstatement of Ticanto (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae) – the final piece in the Caesalpinia group puzzle.

Abstract

• A recent molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Caesalpinia group demonstrated that it comprises 26 genera, but the recognition of a putative 27 genus, , remained in doubt. This study presents a phylogenetic analysis of ITS and five plastid loci revealing a robustly supported monophyletic group representing the Ticanto clade, sister to the morphologically distinct genus . Based upon this evidence, along with a morphological evaluation, the genus is here reinstated. Descriptions are provided for all nine species of , together with a key to the species, maps, and colour photographs. Nine new combinations are made: (Hand.-Mazz.) R. Clark & Gagnon, (L.) R. Clark & Gagnon, (S. J. Li, Z. Y. Chen & D. X. Zhang) R. Clark & Gagnon, (Metcalf) R. Clark & Gagnon, R. Clark & Gagnon, (Hemsl.) R. Clark & Gagnon, (Craib) R. Clark & Gagnon, (Champion ex Benth.) R. Clark & Gagnon and (S. J. Li, D. X. Zhang & Z.Y. Chen) R. Clark & Gagnon. The final major question in the delimitation of segregate genera from within and the Caesalpinia group is thus resolved.