Phanera godefroyi (Fabaceae: Cercidoideae), a newly recorded species for Thailand, based on morphological, palynological and molecular evidence

Phanera godefroyi, previously only known from Cambodia, is recorded for Thailand. A full description of Phanera godefroyi is provided for the first time, based on fresh specimens with flowers and fruits, accompanied by colour photographs to assist identification, added are notes on its ecology, phenology, and taxonomy. Evidence from nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast data (trnK/matK, the trnL intron and trnL–F spacer) in our phylogenetic study suggests that the species is sister to P. curtisii and P. scandens. In addition, pollen morphology examined with Light and Scanning Electron Microscopes supports the recognition of the species by its typical combination of palynological characters, like the prolate spheroidal shape, colpi with granules, a distinctly thickened annulus around the endoaperture areas, and a rugulate ornamentation of the exine.