Dumasia taxonomy and classification have long been problematic. Species within this genus have few morphological differences and plants without flowers or fruits are difficult to accurately identify. In this study, we evaluated the ability of six DNA barcoding sequences, one nuclear (ITS) and five chloroplast regions ( trnH-psbA , matK , rbcL , trnL-trnF , psbB-psbF ), to efficiently identify Dumasia species. Most single markers or their combinations identify obvious barcoding gaps between intraspecific and interspecific genetic variation. Most combined analyses including ITS showed good species resolution and identification efficiency. We therefore suggest that ITS alone or a combination of ITS with any cpDNA marker are most suitable for DNA barcoding of Dumasia . The phylogenetic analyses clearly indicated that Dumasia yunnanensis is not monophyletic and is separated as two independent branches, which may result from cryptic differentiation. Our results demonstrate that molecular data can deepen the comprehension of taxonomy of Dumasia and provide an efficient approach for identification of the species.

Lespedeza danxiaensis (Fabaceae), a new species from Danxiashan National Nature Reserve in Guangdong Province, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to Lespedeza pilosa, but it can be easily distinguished by its thin leathery leaflets and long peduncles. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS confirmed that the new species belongs to Lespedeza subg. Macrolespedeza. The new species is the first known species of Lespedeza endemic to Danxia landform and is currently only known from Mount Danxia, Guangdong.

A recent molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Caesalpinia group demonstrated that it comprises 26 genera, but the recognition of a putative 27th genus, Ticanto, 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 Pterolobium. Based upon this evidence, along with a morphological evaluation, the genus Ticanto is here reinstated. Descriptions are provided for all nine species of Ticanto, together with a key to the species, maps, and colour photographs. Nine new combinations are made: Ticanto caesia (Hand.-Mazz.) R. Clark & Gagnon, T. crista (L.) R. Clark & Gagnon, T. elliptifolia (S. J. Li, Z. Y. Chen & D. X. Zhang) R. Clark & Gagnon, T. magnifoliolata (Metcalf) R. Clark & Gagnon, T. rhombifolia R. Clark & Gagnon, T. sinensis (Hemsl.) R. Clark & Gagnon, T. szechuenensis (Craib) R. Clark & Gagnon, T. vernalis (Champion ex Benth.) R. Clark & Gagnon and T. yunnanensis (S. J. Li, D. X. Zhang & Z.Y. Chen) R. Clark & Gagnon. The final major question in the delimitation of segregate genera from within Caesalpiniasensu lato and the Caesalpinia group is thus resolved.

Mucuna guangxiensis sp. nov. (Fabaceae), a woody liana species bearing pods up to 70 cm long, which is only known from Guangxi Province in China, is described and illustrated here. The new species is similar to Mucuna macrocarpa but differs from it by totally yellowish or greenish white corolla and more densely sericeous hairs on the abaxial surface; and also to Mucuna birdwoodiana but differs from it by the thinly papyraceous leaves, the dense indumentum on the abaxial surface of leaflets, and the longer legumes without paired robust wings at both margin. This new species should be a new member of Mucuna subg. Macrocarpa according to its long ovary, numerous seeds per legume and linear and long legumes with woody epicarp, and a detailed key of the subgenus is provided in this article.

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