A Synopsis of the Genus Philenoptera (Leguminosae-Millettieae) from Africa and Madagascar

During a recent re-evaluation of generic circumscriptions within the tribe Millettieae, it became apparent that the genus Philenoptera Fenzl ex A. Rich., although reinstated by Geesink (1984), has not been taken up for the twelve Afro-Madagascan species of Lonchocarpus sect. Paniculati Benth. In addition, combinations have been made for only three species (Roberty 1954, Geesink 1984 and Lock 2000). Currently Lonchocarpus sensu stricto is confined to Tropical America with the exception of one amphiatlantic species, L. sericeus (Poir.) DC. The differences between Philenoptera and Lonchocarpus sensu stricto are summarised in Table 1.