Cytomorphological Studies of the Tribe Desmodieae Found in Northern Nigeria

Chromosome counts and morphological studies of some leguminous taxa of tribe Desmodieae from wild populations in Northern Nigeria were carried out to determine their chromosome numbers, phenology and their relationships with the soils on which they were found growing. Results from chromosome counts confirm the previous reports of n=11 for D. gangeticum, D. scorpiurus, D. tortuosum, D. triflorum, D. velutinum and Uraria picta.The haploid number of n=11 is a new report for D. barbatum, while a B- chromosome was recorded for the first time in D. laxiflorum. The distribution maps of the investigated taxa and their phenological data are presented for the first time.