Phytologia (Aug 2004) 86(2) 65 



KEYS TO THE FLORA OF FLORIDA -- 10, GALACTIA 

 (LEGUMINOSAE) 



Daniel B. Ward and David W. Hall 



Department of Botany, University of Florida 

 Gainesville, Florida 32611, U.S.A. 



ABSTRACT 



Galactia (Leguminosae) is represented in Florida by 1 1 species, one 

 of which consists of three varieties. The application of G. regularis and 

 G volubilis is reversed from that of other studies. Galactia volubilis 

 var. baltzelliana is described as new, and G volubilis var. fasciculata is 

 recognized as a new combination. Galactia microphylla is corrected to 

 G minor. Dioclea multiflora is rejected as a transfer into Galactia. An 

 amplified key is given to the Florida taxa. 



KEY WORDS: Galactia, Leguminosae, Florida flora. 



The genus Galactia (Leguminosae) is a familiar yet difficult 

 component of the southeastern flora. Though the taxa of which it is 

 constituted are few, and though some are sharply distinct, others show 

 variations so subtle and intergrading that no two investigators are in 

 agreement as to the number of species or the characteristics by which 

 they may be separated. Further reducing understanding are several 

 recent nomenclatural reinterpretations which impose unfamiliar names 

 or even reverse the application of two well-known names from their 

 accustomed usage. 



The first comprehensive synopsis of North American Galactia was 

 that of Anna M. Vail (Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 22:500-5 11.1 895), a study of 

 surprising quality considering the little field information then available. 

 With access to vastly greater herbarium materials and opportunity for 

 field experience, H. J. Rogers (Ph.D. diss., Duke Univ. 1949), under 



