Sero‐systematic and taximetric studies on the Phaseoleae (Fabaceae) and related tribes

One hundred and fifty‐two species of Phaseoleae, Desmodieae, Indigofereae, Millettieae, Sophoreae and Swartzieae were subjected to a taximetric study. The serological relationships were analysed using 37 antigenic systems and 12 antisera upon a representative sample from the six tribes. The comparative use of taximetric and serological data allowed the following conclusions to be drawn: (1) the tribe Phaseoleae is not a natural taxon; the primitive complex Diocleinae‐Glycininae, the more derived Phaseolinae, and the Cajaninae deserve tribal rank; the position of the remaining subtribes requires further examination. (2) The Desmodieae are related to the Phaseoleae, whereas the Indigofereae have little relation to them. (3) The Baphia‐group in the Sophoreae is possibly related to the Phaseoleae ancestors, while the other Sophoreae belong to different phyletic lines. (4) Swartzia is morphologically related to the Sophoreae, but does not belong to the same natural group. (5) Sophoreae, Millettieae and Phaseoleae are three heterogeneous aggregates representing stages of increasing specialization, rather than elements of a single phyletic line.