El género Zygia P. Browne (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae: Ingeae) en Colombia: análisis de distribución y clave actualizada para su identificación

Abstract

A taxonomic list of the species of the genus Zygia (Leguminosae) from Colombia is presented, including an analysis of their geographical and altitudinal distribution, their distribution in the Natural Regions of Colombia, and the vegetation types associated with each one of the species of the genus. Similarly, data on the phenology, vernacular names, uses and an updated dichotomous key for the identification of the Colombian species of Zygia is presented. To study the distribution, common names, uses and morphology of Zygia in Colombia, scientific collections deposited in 16 national and foreign herbaria were studied. In Colombia, the genus Zygia is represented by 21 species, of which 8 are endemic to the country. The greatest species richness was found in the Andean (76,2 %) and Amazon (66,66 %) regions, while the departments with the highest number of species are Amazonas (12) and Caqueta (11). In Colombia, the species of Zygia occupy an altitudinal range between 0 to 2800 m, with the highest concentration of species below 1000 m. Members of Zygia prefer environments corresponding to humid forests associated with watercourses or located on riverine plains.