XVI International Botanical Congess

Four growth forms recognized as constituting three of the four varieties within Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. were observed in their natural habitat in Kenya. Herbarium specimens from the species range in South and North-East Tropical Africa were examined for the measurable morphological parameters. From the field observations and the herbarium examination of specimens, variation A. senegal in Kenya was found restricted to var. senegal and var. keniensis. The two growth forms under var. leiorhachis were found to be clearly recognizable as distinct taxa. It was recommended that the growth form with rounded spreading crown revert to its former name A. circummaginata while a new name for the whippy growth form be suggested.