Dichrostachys is an Old World genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae. Their Acacia-like leaves are bi-pinnately compound. Unlike Acacia their thorns are hardened branchlets rather than modified stipules. They are native from Africa to Australasia, but a centre of diversity is present in Madagascar.[2]

Dichrostachys
Dichrostachys cinerea
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Clade: Mimosoid clade
Genus: Dichrostachys
(DC.) Wight & Arn. (1834)
Species

16; see text

Synonyms[1]

Cailliea Guill. & Perr. (1833)

Dichrostachys cinerea in flower

Their name is derived from the Greek words dis (two), chroos (colour) and stachys (grain ear or spike), which in combination suggests their bi-colored inflorescences.[2]

Species

edit

16 species are accepted:[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Dichrostachys (A.DC.) Wight & Arn. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b Cheek, Michael (September 2009). "Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn". PlantZAfrica. SANBI. Retrieved 16 November 2015.