Diversity, distribution, ethnobotany, and taxonomic revision of the genus Senegalia (Fabaceae) in Thailand
Article Sidebar
Abstract Views: 6
File Views: 3
Main Article Content
Abstract
Abstract. Panyadee P, De Stefano RD, Leeratiwong C, Ninkaew S, Saisorn W, Satthaphorn J, Sutjaritjai N, Balslev H. 2026. Diversity, distribution, ethnobotany, and taxonomic revision of the genus Senegalia (Fabaceae) in Thailand. Biodiversitas 27 (2): d270236. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d270236. Senegalia (Fabaceae) represents the most diverse group of armed legumes in Thailand and has not been taxonomically revised since Nielsen’s (1985) treatment under Acacia. Here, we present the first comprehensive taxonomic revision of Senegalia in Thailand, integrating morphological and ethnobotanical evidence in accordance with current generic concepts. Field surveys and extensive herbarium studies revealed 14 species comprising 16 taxa, belonging to two sections, sect. Senegalia and sect. Monacanthea. Two taxa (Senegalia catechu and Senegalia pennata subsp. pennata) are introduced and now naturalized, while 13 species are native to the country. Senegalia pennata subsp. insuavis, previously regarded as exotic, is confirmed as native based on its occurrence in undisturbed habitats, whereas S. pruinescens is excluded due to misidentification. Species richness is highest in northern and peninsular Thailand. Six taxa (five species) have documented ethnobotanical uses, including food, medicine, dyes, and fish poison. Vegetative characters, particularly petiole gland morphology, leaflet venation, and stipule form prove reliable for field identification and are emphasized to facilitate practical use. This revision presents an updated taxonomic framework and serves as a reference for botanical, ethnobotanical, and conservation studies of Senegalia in Thailand.
Article Details
Issue
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
References
Archam N. 2011. Traditional Medicinal Plants of Tai Yai in Laktaeng Village, Wiang Haeng District, Chiang Mai Province [Special Project]. Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Bruneau A, de Queiroz LP, Ringelberg JJ, Borges LM, Bortoluzzi RLDC, Brown GK, Cardoso DBOS, Clark RP, Conceição AS, Cota MMT, et al. 2024. Advances in legume systematics 14. classification of Caesalpinioideae. part 2: higher-level classification. PhytoKeys 240: 1-552. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.240.101716.
Chakrabarty T, Gangopadhyay M. 1996. The genus Acacia P. Miller (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) in India. J Econ Taxon Bot 20 (3): 599-633.
Chotchoungchatchai S, Saralamp P, Jenjittikul T, Pornsiripongse S, Prathanturarug S. 2012. Medicinal plants used with Thai traditional medicine in modern healthcare services: A case study in Kabchoeng Hospital, Surin Province, Thailand. J Ethnopharmacol 141 (1): 193-205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.02.019.
Chuakul W, Saralamp P, Boonpleng A. 2002. Medicinal plants used in the Kutchum District, Yasothon province, Thailand. Thai J Phytopharm 9: 22-49.
Deshpande AS, Krishnan S, Janarthanam MK, Maslin BR. 2019. Annotated checklist of Senegalia and Vachellia (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae) for the Indian Subcontinent. Nordic J Bot 37 (4): e02047. https://doi.org/10.1111/njb.02047.
Hopkins HCF, Seigler DS, Ebinger JE, Terra V. 2024. Parkia Clade. In: Bruneau A, de Queiroz LP, Ringelberg JJ, Borges LM, Bortoluzzi RLDC, Brown GK, Cardoso DBOS, Clark RP, Conceição AS, Cota MMT, Demeulenaere E, de Stefano RD, Ebinger JE, Ferm J, Fonseca-Cortés A, Gagnon E, Grether R, Guerra E, Haston E, et al. (eds). Advances in Legume Systematics 14. Classification of Caesalpinioideae. Part 2: Higher-level classification. PhytoKeys 240: 299-315. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.240.101716.
Inta A, Sirisa-ard P, Pongamornkul W. 2012. Medicinal plants in Ban Hua Thung Community Forest, Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Chang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province. Thai J Bot 4: 213-232.
Inta A, Trisonthi C, Pongamornkul W. 2011. Ethnobotany of Tai Yai Communities in Chiang Dao and Wiang Haeng Districts, Chiang Mai Province [Research]. New Researcher Scholarship Funding, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Inta A, Trisonthi P, Trisonthi C. 2013. Analysis of traditional knowledge in medicinal plants used by Yuan in Thailand. J Ethnopharmacol 149 (1): 344-351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.06.047.
Inta A. 2008. Ethnobotany and Crop Diversity of Tai Lue and Akha Communities in the Upper Northern Thailand and the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, China. [Dissertation]. The Graduate School of Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Inta A. 2011. Analysis of Traditional Knowledge of Plants Used of the Communities in the Haripunchai Campus, Chiang Mai University, Lamphun Province. National Research Council of Thailand, Chiang Mai.
Junsongduang A, Balslev H, Inta A, Jampeetong A, Wangpakapattanawong P. 2014. Karen and Lawa medicinal plant use: Uniformity or ethnic divergence? J Ethnopharmacol 151 (1): 517-527. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.009.
Junsongduang A, Sirithip K, Nachai R, Buakamkoat L, Onputtha B. 2018. Dye plants and traditional knowledge of natural dyeing of Tai-Lao Ethnicity in At Samat and Pho Chai Districts, Roi Et Province. Thai J Bot 10: 109-126.
Kaewsangsai S. 2016. Ethnobotany of Karen in Khun Tuen Noi Village, Mae Tuen Sub-district, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province. [Master's Thesis]. Chiang Mai University. Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Kamwong K. 2009. Ethnobotany of Karens at Ban Mai Sawan and Ban Huay Pu Ling, Ban Luang Sub-District, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province. [Thesis]. Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Kantasrila R. 2016. Ethnobotany of Karen at Ban Wa Do Kro, Mae Song Sub-District, Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province. [Master's Thesis]. Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Khamfachuea K. 2008. Ethnobotany of the Karen at Ban Chan and Chaem Luang Subdistricts, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province. [Thesis]. Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Koenen EJM, Kidner C, de Souza ÉR, Simon MF, Iganci JR, Nicholls JA, Brown GK, de Queiroz LP, Luckow M, Lewis GP, Pennington RT, Hughes CE. 2020. Hybrid capture of 964 nuclear genes resolves evolutionary relationships in the Mimosoid Legumes and reveals the polytomous origins of a large pantropical radiation. Am J Bot 107 (12): 1710-1735. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.1568.
Kostermans AJGH. 1980. Mimosaceae. In: Dassanayake MD (eds). A Revised Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon. Amerind Publishing Co., New Delhi.
Krueasan D. 2000. Management, Conservation and Utilization of Plant Species by Hmong of Pah Poo Chom Village, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province. [Master's thesis]. Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Kshirsagar SR. 2012. Observations and taxonomic assessment of Acacia catechu Willd. complex (Mimosaceae). Life Sci Leaflets 6: 68-77.
Lace JH, 1915. Some new species from Burma. Bull Miscell Inform 1915 (9): 393-407. https://doi.org/10.2307/4113228.
LPWG (Legume Phylogeny Working Group). 2017. A New subfamily classification of the Leguminosae based on a taxonomically comprehensive phylogeny. Taxon 66 (1): 44-77. https://doi.org/10.12705/661.3.
Luckow M, Miller JT, Murphy DJ, Livshultz T. 2003. A phylogenetic analysis of the Mimosoideae (Leguminosae) based on chloroplast DNA sequence data. In: Klitgaard BB, Bruneau A (eds). Advances in Legume Systematics, Part 10, Higher Level Systematics. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Maslin BR, Ho BC, Sun H, Bai L. 2019. Revision of Senegalia in China, and notes on introduced species of Acacia, Acaciella, Senegalia and Vachellia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae). Plant Divers 41 (6): 353-480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pld.2019.09.001.
Maslin BR, Murphy DJ. 2024. Acacia treatment. In: Bruneau A, Queiroz LP, Ringelberg JJ (eds). Advances in Legume Systematics 14. Classification of Caesalpinioideae. Part 2: Higher-level classification. PhytoKeys 240: 1-552. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.101716.
Maslin BR, Seigler DS, Ebinger J. 2013. New combinations in Senegalia and Vachellia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) for Southeast Asia and China. Blumea 58 (1): 39-44. https://doi.org/10.3767/000651913x669914.
Maslin BR, Terra V, Seigler DS, Ebinger JE, Hughes CE. 2024. Senegalia grade. In: Bruneau A, Queiroz LP, Ringelberg JJ (eds). Advances in Legume Systematics 14. Classification of Caesalpinioideae. Part 2: Higher-level classification. PhytoKeys 240: 299-315. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.240.101716.
Maslin BR. 2015. Synoptic overview of Acacia sensu lato (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) in East and Southeast Asia. Gard Bull Singapore 67 (1): 231-250.
Muangyen N. 2013. Ethnobotany of Tai Lue and Tai Yuan in Samoeng District, Chiang Mai Province. [Thesis] Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Murphy DJ, Maslin B. 2023. Acacia: Taxonomy and Phylogeny. CABI Books, Oxfordshire. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781800622197.0002.
Neamsuvan O, Boontong J, Boonkaew M, Sudrak N, Kotchakorn M. 2013. A study on indigenous knowledge of Paresis-Paralysis Treatment from folk healers: A case study of Mrs. Somporn Sudjai, Chumphon Province. Thai Pharmaceut Health Sci J 8: 51-57.
New York Botanical Garden. 2025. Index Herbariorum: A Public Herbaria and Associated Staff. https://sweetgum.nybg.org/science/ih/
Newman M, Ketphanh S, Svengsuksa B, Thomas P, Sengdala K, Lamxay V, Armstrong K. 2007. A checklist of the vascular plants of Lao PDR. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Nielsen IC. 1980. notes on the genus Albizia Durazz. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) in mainland SE Asia. Adansonia 2 (19): 199-229.
Nielsen IC. 1981. Legumineuses-Mimosoidées. In: Flore du Cambodge du Laos et du Viet-Nam. Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris.
Nielsen IC. 1985a. Leguminosae-Mimosoideae. In: Smitinand T, Larsen K (eds). Flora of Thailand. The Forest Herbarium, Royal Forest Department. Bangkok.
Nielsen IC. 1985b. The Malesian Species of Acacia and Albizia (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae). Council for Nordic Publications in Botany, Copenhagen.
Nielsen IC. 1992. Mimosaceae (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae). In: Flora Malesiana. Rijksherbarium, Hortus Botanicus. Amsterdam.
Noitana P, Saipara S, Khoomput K. 2013. Ethnobotany of Hmong at Nanoi District, Nan Province. Naresuan Phayao J 6 (3): 213-219.
Orchard AE, Maslin BR. 2003. Proposal to conserve the name Acacia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) with a conserved type. Taxon 52 (2): 362-363. https://doi.org/10.2307/3647418.
Pantarod B. 2002. A Survey and Collection of Medicinal Plants at Na Kwang Village, Bo Kleua District, Nan Province. [Master's Thesis] Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Pedley. 1986. Derivation and dispersal of Acacia (Leguminosae), with particular reference to Australia, and the recognition of Senegalia and Racosperma. Bot J Linnean Soc 92 (3): 219-254.
POWO [Plant of the World Online]. 2026. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://powo.science.kew.org/ [5 March 2026]
Pongamornkul W, Muangyen N. 2012. Ethnobotany of Tai Yai in Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son Province. [Report] Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Pongamornkul W, Muangyen N. 2013. Ethnobotany of Karen in Sop Moei District, Mae Hong Son Province. [Report] Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Pongamornkul W. 2006. An Ethnobotanical Study of Lua in Royal Project Areas, Mae Hong Son Province [Master's Thesis] Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Pooma R, Suddee S. 2014. Thai Plant Names Tem Smitinand Revised Edition 2014. Office of the Forest Herbarium, Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Bangkok.
Ringelberg JJ, Koenen EJM, Iganci JR, de Queiroz LP, Murphy DJ, Gaudeul M, Bruneau A, Luckow M, Lewis GP, Hughes CE. 2020. Phylogenomic analysis of 997 nuclear genes reveals the need for extensive generic re-delimitation in Caesalpinioideae (Leguminosae). In: Hughes CE, de Queiroz LP, Lewis GP (eds). Advances in Legume Systematics 14. Classification of Caesalpinioideae Part 1: New Generic Delimitations. PhytoKeys 205: 3-58. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.205.85866.
Roskov YR, Bisby FA, Zarucchi JL, Schrire BD, White RJ (eds). 2005. ILDIS, World Database of Legumes: Draft Checklist, Version 10. CD ROM. Reading http://www.ildis.org/.
Sanjappa M. 1992. Legumes of India. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun.
Songsangchun A. 2015. Plants Usages of Khon Muang and Lawa in Phu Fah Subdistrict, Bo Klua District, Nan Province. [Thesis]. Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Sonsupub B. 2010. Ethnobotany of Karen Community in Raipa Village, Huaykhayeng Subdistrict, Thongphapume District, Kanchanaburi Province. [Master's Thesis]. Kasetsart University, Bangkok. [Thailand]
Srisanga P, Sasirat S. 2000. Acacia tonkinensis I.C.Nielsen (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae), A New Record for Thailand. Thai For Bull (Bot) 28: 25-31.
Srithi K. 2012. Comparative Ethnobotany in Nan Province, Thailand. [Dissertation]. Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Sumridpiem P. 2017. Utilization Analysis of Medicinal Plants Among Tai Yong and Tai Yuan in Lamphun Province. [Thesis]. Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Tangjitman K. 2017. Ethnobotany of the Karen at Huay Nam Nak village, Tanaostri Subdistrict, Suanpheng District, Ratchaburi Province. Thai J Bot 9: 253-272.
Terra V, Ringelberg JJ, Maslin BR, Koenen EJM, Ebinger JE, Seigler D. 2022. Dilemmas in generic delimitation of Senegalia and allies (Caesalpinioideae, mimosoid clade): How to reconcile phylogenomic evidence with morphology and taxonomy? In: Hughes CE, de Queiroz LP, Lewis GP (eds). Advances in Legume Systematics 14. Classification of Caesalpinioideae Part 1: New Generic Delimitations. PhytoKeys 205: 261-278. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.205.79378.
Thangthaisong T, Caichompoo W, Phadungkit M. 2011. The ethnobotanical survey of plants used for treatment of bone disorders in Amphur Muang, Mahasarakram Province. Thai Pharmaceut Health Sci J 6: 7-11.
Trisonthi C, Trisonthi P, Wangpakapattanawong P, Srisanga P. 2007. Research Project on Gathering of Highland Traditional Biodiversity and Ethnobiology-Based Knowledge. [Report]. Chiang Mai University and Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]
Turreira-García N, Vilkamaa AM, Byg A, Theilade I. 2017. Diversity, knowledge and use of leafy vegetables in northern Thailand-maintenance and transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge during urbanisation. Nat Hist Bull Siam Soc 62: 85-105.
Vassal J. 1972. Apport des recherches ontogéniques et séminologiques à l'étude morphologique, taxonomique et phylogénique du genre Acacia. Bull Soc d' Hist Nat Toulouse 108: 105-247. [France]
Winijchaiyanan P. 1995. Ethnobotany of Karen in Chiang Mai. [Master's Thesis] Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai [Thailand]
WorldWideWattle. 2025. World Wide Wattle. https://worldwidewattle.com/.
Wu D-L, Nielsen IC. 2010. Acacieae. In: Wu ZY, Raven PH, Hong DY (eds). Flora of China 10: 55-59. Science Press, Beijing and Missouri Botanical Garden Press, St. Louis.
Yaso T. 2000. Ethnobotany of the H'tin and Lua in Phuphaa Subdistrict, Baugleua District, Nan Province. [Thesis]. Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. [Thailand]