The tribal position of Hypocalyptus Thunberg (Fabaceae)

The tribal position of Hypocalyptus Thunberg in the Fabaceae subfamily Papilionoideae is investigated. A phylogenetic analysis in which the Australian Bossiaeeae and Mirbelieae, African Podalyrieae and Crotalarieae, South American Sophoreae and Millettieae, and northern temperate Thermopsideae and Genisteae are included, indicates that there is no direct relationship between Hypocalyptus and any of the tribes. It is therefore proposed that the monotypic subtribe Hypocalyptinae Yakovlev be raised to tribal level as Hypocalypteae (Yakovlev) A. L. Schutte. A description of the tribe is presented, followed by an enumeration of the three species recognized.