Acacia (Mimosoideae): composition and affinities of the series Pulchellae Bentham

The composition and affinities of the bipinnate Acacia series Pulchellae Bentham are examined in the light of evidence from studies of gross morphology, seedling morphology, pollen morphology and seed chemistry. Acacia mitchellii , the only non-Western Australian species, is atypical and should be relocated in section Vninervea Vassal. The remaining 27 species (the Pulchellae sensu lato ) comprise a coherent group of 21 species (the Pulchellae sensu stricto ) and six less closely related ones. These 27 species appear unrelated to series Botrycephalae Bentham. Some affinities exist with phyllodinous groups, especially series Uninerves and Continuae .