Morphological Similarity Analysis of Inga sp. Mill in Bedugul Area, Bali with Reference Inga Species

Abstract

The genus Inga (Fabaceae) represents a taxonomically complex group with over 300 Neotropical species exhibiting high morphological similarity. A population of Inga from Bedugul, Bali, Indonesia was systematically analyzed to determine its morphological affinity with five reference species: I. edulis, I. feuillei, I. spectabilis, I. oerstediana, and I. vera. Five diagnostic morphological parameters were examined: leaflet morphology, extrafloral nectary structure, rachis wing development, inflorescence characteristics, and fruit morphology. Field observations and measurements were conducted using standard botanical methods, with quantitative data obtained through digital calipers and qualitative characters described following established taxonomic conventions. Comparative analysis revealed that the Bedugul specimen shows strongest overall morphological correspondence with I. feuillei, particularly in rachis morphology, fruit form, and inflorescence structure, with secondary similarities to I. vera. However, extensive character overlap among closely related species indicates that morphology-based identification alone cannot provide definitive species determination. Given the documented limitations of vegetative characters in delimiting species within Inga, molecular phylogenetic analysis using chloroplast and nuclear markers is strongly recommended to confirm taxonomic identity and clarify evolutionary relationships