A natural infrageneric classification for Cicer (Leguminosae, Cicereae)

A comprehensive morphological survey and analysis of all taxonomically recognised wild species of Cicer L. (Leguminosae, Cicereae) is presented. The data (104 characters from 152 herbarium specimens representing 34 of the 44 recognised taxa in the genus Cicer with supplementary data for the remaining taxa taken from the literature) were analysed using multivariate statistics (cluster analysis, factor analysis and ordination techniques). The results are discussed in the context of extant classifications and the re-organisation of a novel infrageneric classification also incorporating information from published genetic data. A revised classification with 3 subgenera, 5 sections and 2 series is proposed.