MOTIVATION

Leguminosae (= Fabaceae) is the third largest family of flowering plants, comprising about 750 genera and 19500 species distributed worldwide. The diversity of species in the family represents nearly 10% of the overall biodiversity in flowering plants and includes many economically important species. Legumes play an important ecological role in ecosystems, mainly because of their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through the association of their roots with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Because it is such a relevant family, many global efforts have recently been developed, including research networks on legumes to improve relationships within the family. For instance, researchers in legume taxonomy and systematics from around the world have joined forces to advance and propose a new updated family classification. In this context, the Legume Morphology Working Group (LMWG) was created primarily to contribute to the identification of morphological characteristics that are taxonomically and phylogenetically useful. 

The international symposium and workshop “Legume Morphology: Current Knowledge and Future Directions” is an important step towards achieving the general objectives of the LMWG: i) to support the work of the Legume Phylogeny Working Group (LPWG) towards developing the new classification of Leguminosae; ii) to evaluate how comparative morphological studies may help to better understand species groups, and poorly-resolved molecular phylogenetic relationships; iii) to identify gaps in our knowledge about legume morphology and coordinate efforts to fill these gaps; and, finally, iv) to promote consistency in legume morphological terminology for effective communication in the legume community, through an illustrated glossary including definitions that can be used widely as a standard reference. 

This event represents the first time that legume researchers focusing on legume morphology in and beyond South America reunite to advance legume systematics in a coordinated way. Furthermore, this event would be hosted by one of the countries with the highest legume diversity worldwide (221 genera and 2.800 species listed in the Flora of Brasil) and a long tradition of legume research.