TAXONOMIC REVISION OF THE GENUS ALEXA MOG (FABACEAE, SOPHOREAE)

Nine species of Alexa are recognized: A. bauhiniiflora, A. canaracunen sis, A. confusa, A. cowanii, A. grandiflora, A. herminiana, A. imperat ricis, A. surinamensis, and A. wachenheimii. Based on vegetative and r eproductive characters, this paper provides descriptions, illustration s, and a key to the species of Alexa. The species limits were determin ed mainly by reproductive characters: inflorescence type, flower lengt h, petal form and vestiture, number and size of calyx lobes, and gynoe cium size (gynophore, ovary, and pistil). Leaflet form and color are d iagnostic for some species. The anatomical study of the Venezuelan spe cies of Alexa represents an important character in species delimitatio n, although there is some overlap. Additional information is provided concerning geographic distribution, habitat, reproductive biology, com mon names, and economic uses.