The systematic position of the Cladrastis rafin. genus: history of research, synonyms, place in modern phylogenetic systems

The aim of the research was to find out generic phylogeny, systematic position and synonyms of the Cladrastis Rafin. genus. The history of the study of legumes taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships have been considered. It was found that the systematic studies of the position of the Leguminosae Juss. (Fabaceae Lindl.) family were carried out by scientists on the basis of comparative morphology, anatomy, biochemistry, embryology and molecular data. Leguminosae belongs to the Fabales order and includes into the Rosids according to the modern taxonomy in accordace of the APG III (2009). According to the classification of R. M. Polhill (1994) genus Cladrastis belongs to the Sophora group Sophoreae tribe Papilionoideae subfamily Leguminosae family. Genus Cladrastis has close family connections with the Styphnolobium and Pickeringia genera. C. kentukea has many synonyms, which were relevant in different historical periods. The correct and current, according to the rules of the International Code of the botanical nomenclature, is the name Cladrastis kentukea (Dum. - Cours.) Rudd, established by V. E. Rudd in 1972.