Hylodesmum , Edinburgh J. Bot., 57(2): 178., 2000
Type: Hylodesmum podocarpum (DC.) H. Ohashi & R.R. Mill (Desmodium podocarpum DC.). Desmodium sect. Podocarpium Benth. in Miq., Pl. Jungh. 226. 1852. The generic is derived from hyle (Greek: forest) and desmos (Greek: Chain), referring to an abbreviated form of Desmodium. The genus consists of about 14 species from India, China to Eastern Asia, Eastern North America and Africa; 4 species, 1 subspecies and 1 variety in India with one of them cultivated as an ornamental.