Sigmoidala kityana (Craib) J.Compton & Schrire comb. nov.

≡ Millettia kityana Craib, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1927(2): 58 (1927). Type: Thailand, "coll. AFG Kerr, locality Chiengmai [Chiang Mai], altitude 300 m. Aug. 23 1914, large woody climber, flowers pink, by village", Kerr 3347, K000881009 (K, lecto.! designated here); ABDUH: 2/213 (ABD, isolecto.); K000881010 (K, isolecto.!); BM000997330 (BM, isolecto.!); TCD0015789 (TCD, isolecto.!)

≡ Callerya kityana (Craib) Schot, Blumea 39(1-2): 24. (1994)

Note.

In the key to the species of Callerya, Schot placed this species within the segregating couplet "stipellae persistent" as opposed to "stipellae caducous" and noted that the bracteoles were absent and that the wing petals were longer than the keel (Schot 1994: 9). In our study we have found that the persistent or caducous nature of the stipels is not particularly significant and, moreover, is frequently difficult to verify. Schot also recorded in her species description that the stipules were 3-4 mm long even though Craib had stated that they were 6-8 mm long (Craib 1927: 58). Our observations have confirmed that the stipules rarely exceed 7 mm in length. This very distinct monospecific genus occurs only within a narrow region of northern and north-eastern Thailand (Fig. 3, Plate 1C, D).

Illustration .

(as Millettia kityana) http://crassa.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2015/04/millettia-kitya.html

Distribution.

Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai, Nan, Lamphun, Sukhothai; North-east Thailand: Loei.

Etymology.

The generic name refers to the remarkable sigmoid wing petals.

Habitat.

Climbing among dry forest trees in partial sunlight to 400 m. elevation.