A note on the type of Harpalyce (Fabaceae, Brongniartieae), with description of two new local endemic species from Cuba

Abstract

Two new species of Harpalyce are described from Cuba, H. revoluta sp. nov. from a serpentine area in the northern part of E. Cuba and H. marianensis sp. nov. from calcareous areas in the southern part of E. Cuba. Both have relatively small flowers, with an up to 6 mm long standard, and 2–3 mm long wings. Harpalyce marianensis is further characterized by strongly suberous (corky) young branches of a spongy consistence, deeply furrowed longitudinally, and by leaflets covered with a particular type of orange, apparently disk-shaped, sessile glands abaxially. Harpalyce revoluta, moreover, has suborbicular or broadly elliptic leaflets with a strongly recurved or sometimes revolute margin, secondary veins inconspicuous on either side; the foliar glands, by their morphology and anatomy, are of a different type. An epitype is designated for the name Harpalyce and its type, H. formosa; the distribution of both new species and their close relatives is mapped, and an updated identification key is offered, to cater for all 16 currently recognised Cuban species.