CYTISUS-PURGANS AUCT. (LEGUMINOSAE-PAPILIONOIDEAE) COMPRISES 4 DISTINCT SPECIES

Based on a study of the morphology and stem anatomy of a broad sample of specimens attributed to Cytisus pulgans auct. non Cytisus purgans ( L.) Boiss. four species are recognized. Two species are non-spiny: Cyt isus oromediterraneus Rivas Martinez et al. is a widely distributed ta xon ranging from central France to north-central Spain and Portugal, a nd C. galianoi Talavera & Gibbs, sp. nov., which is restricted to schi stose sierras in south-east Spain. C. oromediterraneus has 8-ribbed st ems and 2-ribbed stipular organs, whilst C. galianoi has 10-ribbed ste ms and 3-ribbed stipular organs. Of two spiny species, Cytisus balansa e (Boiss.) Ball with 10-ribbed stems, occurs in calcareous mountain ar eas, 1800-2500 m in Algeria and southern Morocco, whilst C. valdesii T alavera & Gibbs, nom. nov. with 13-ribbed stems, occurs in the High an d Middle Atlas of Morocco. Both north African species have 3-ribbed st ipular organs. (C) 1997 The Linnean Society of London.