Trigonella kargilensis (Trifolieae, Fabaceae), a New Species from India Based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence

Abstract

Trigonella kargilensis K. Mittal, R. Dangi & P. Ingle sp. nova (Trifolieae, Fabaceae) is described and illustrated from Kargil District of Ladakh, India. It belongs in Trigonella sect. Ellipticae and shares several morphological similarities with T. cachemiriana, such as habit, floral features and phenology. However, it differs from it in leaf margin, inflorescence, ovary and legume characters. Phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and plastid trnL-trnF + psbE-petL regions supports the inclusion of T. kargilensis in sect. Ellipticae and its status as a new species.