Systematic studies in the genus Pimpinella L. (Umbelliferae) from tropical Africa

Twenty species of the genus Pimpinella, mostly from tropical Africa, were studied by a multidisciplinary approach. The overall results showed that morphological and anatomical characters of the fruit were crucial in determining the generic and specific status. Pimpinella simense sensu Benth., Schimperella verrucosa sensu Wolff are recognized as Sium simense. Four recently described species are included. Pimpinella engleriana is reduced to varietal status in the new combination, P. ledermannii var. engleriana. The general evolutionary trends and the probable migration route of the genus to tropical Africa are discussed. A taxonomic treatment grouping all the species into two sections is presented along with keys and descriptions for each taxon.