| 1A. Inflorescence spicate | 2 |
| 1B. Inflorescence capitate | 13. S. pennata subsp. insuavis |
| 2A. Flowers creamy-white in colour | 3 |
| 2B. Flowers red in colour | 14. S. pervillei var. pervillei |
| 3A. Pods deep red to purplish red, semi-translucent, straight | 11. S. ataxacantha |
| 3B. Pods light brown, papery, twisted | 12. S. greggii |