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Abstract Detail


Systematics Section/ASPT

Clark, John L. [1], Smith, James [2].

A Phylogeny of the Neotropical tribe Episcieae (Gesneriaceae): convergent evolution of reproductive and vegetative characters.

The Gesneriaceae are a family known for convergent evolution of complex floral forms. As a result, defining genera, and resolving evolutionary relationships among such genera using morphological data alone has been challenging and often does not accurately reflect monophyletic lineages. The tribe Episcieae is the most diverse within Neotropical Gesneriaceae in terms of its number of species and morphological diversity. As a result, defining genera using floral characters has been historically troublesome. Here we investigate relationships among genera of the tribe using an array of chloroplast DNA, nuclear ribosomal and low copy nuclear genes to provide resolution for the monophyly of the genera and relationships among the monophyletic groups. Our results strongly support an independent origin of fleshy fruits, which are defined here as fleshy display capsules or indehiscent berries. The convergence of indehiscent berries, fleshy capsules, and stolons are discussed. Four monospecific new genera are outlined to accommodate monophyletic lineages.

Broader Impacts:


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1 - University of Alabama, Biological Sciences, Box 870345, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
2 - BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY, Biology Department, 1910 UNIVERSITY DRIVE, Boise, ID, 83725-1515, USA

Keywords:
Gesneriaceae
Episcieae.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 43
Location: Delaware C/Hyatt
Date: Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Time: 8:45 AM
Number: 43004
Abstract ID:885


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