Abstract Detail

Systematics Section

Fraga, Naomi [1].

Examining diversity in Western Mimulus (Phrymaceae): Evidence from morphological and molecular data reveals hidden species.

At least 66 species of Mimulus are currently listed by U.S. government agencies and native plant societies as sensitive, rare, or endangered, making Mimulus a group of conservation concern. However, species delimitation and taxonomic relationships in Mimulus remain unclear, with 90 to 150species recognized. In many recent regional treatments of the group, some previously recognized rare species with limited distributions have been lumped with more common species. Taxonomic confusion in Mimulus persists in part because diagnostic floral characters are often obscured when plants are pressed and dried. These easily obscured characters are informative in understanding species diversity and delimiting species boundaries within the genus. A primary objective of this study is to resolve taxonomic issues and identify taxa that are in need of conservation. Because previous taxonomic treatments in Mimulus have been based primarily on study of herbarium specimens, more field studies are needed. Over the course of my work I have conducted extensive field research, photographing and collecting data and plant material from more than 60 populations. As a result I have identified five undescribed species of Mimulus. In this study I expand previous sampling, and utilize sequences from three non-coding regions from the chloroplast genome (petA-psbJ, psbD-trnT, rpl32-trnL) to examine species limits and monophyly. Preliminary results and taxonomic implications of these data will be discussed.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, 1500 North College Avenue, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA

Keywords:
Mimulus
species phylogeny
conservation
Taxonomy
Phrymaceae
new species.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 36
Location: Lindell B/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Time: 3:30 PM
Number: 36009
Abstract ID:260