Identification of Alysicarpus desv. taxaon the basis of bracts and calyx

Alysicarpus Desv. a small genus of family Fabaceae is represented by 27 taxa (18 species and 9 infraspecific taxa) in India. It is characterized by herbs, unifoliolate leaves, stipules scarious, calyx glumaceous, posterior 2 sepals united to major part, fruit a loment, terete or turgid, composed of 2–8 indehiscent one seeded articles. During present investigation, it was observed that, the primary and secondary bracts and calyx are found to be diagnostic and taxa specific, they can be utilized to delimit Alysicarpus taxa. Their description and an artificial key is prepared for easy identification.