Resumen

MELENDEZ GONZALEZ, Pablo A. Synopsis of the genus Machaerium Pers. (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae-Dalbergieae) in Venezuela. Acta Bot. Venez. [online]. 2009, vol.32, n.2, pp.363-416. ISSN 0084-5906.

A taxonomic revision of the species of the genus Machaerium in Venezuela is presented to elucidate knowledge about the nomenclature and identification problems through the history of this taxon. As result 39 species and 11 varieties distributed in the Venezuelan territory between 0-1800 m asl were determined. A key for identification of the taxa based on foliar morphology pattern and the description of them is presented. M. capote, M. isadelphum, M. milleflorum and M. seemannii are consolidated as new records to the Venezuelan flora. The endemic species M. dubium, M. grandifolium, M. guaremalense, M. striatum, M. orthocarpum, M. tovarense and M. truxillense are reasserted. Anew combination: Machaerium arboreum (Jacq.) Benth. var. cultratum (Pittier) Meléndez is proposed. By means of this study basic information about phytodiversity of the country and the neotropical region flora is attained.

Palabras clave : Dalbergieae; Leguminosae; Machaerium; Papilionoideae; Venezuela.