Note on identity and distribution of Cynometra iripa Kostel. and C. ramiflora L. (Fabaceae) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Abstract

The present study revealed the identity and distribution of Cynometra iripa and C. ramiflora in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Of these, C. iripa is often classified as true mangrove species, whereas C. ramiflora is a mangrove associate. Apex of leaflets, length of inflorescences, length of pedicels, apex of anthers and position of fruit beak are key distinguishing characters between C. iripa and C. ramiflora. In the present study both the species were recorded from the Andaman Islands, but not from the Nicobar Islands. Identification key and images of C. iripa and C. ramiflora and notes on nomenclatural ambiguity of these two species in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are provided in this paper.