Abstract Detail

Systematics Section

Simmons, Mark [1], McKenna, Miles J. [1], Bacon, Christine D. [1], Yakobson, Kendra [1], Cappa, Jennifer J. [1], Archer, Robert H. [2], Ford, Andrew J. [3].

Phylogeny of Celastraceae tribe Euonymeae inferred from morphological characters and nuclear and plastid genes.

The phylogeny of Celastraceae tribe Euonymeae (~230species in eight genera in both the Old and New Worlds) was inferred using morphological characters together with plastid (matK, trnL-F) and nuclear (ITS and 26S rDNA) genes. Tribe Euonymeae has been defined as those Celastraceae genera with generally opposite leaves, isomerous carpels, loculicidally dehiscent capsules, and arillate seeds (except Microtropis). Euonymus is the most diverse (129 species) and widely cultivated genus in the tribe. We infer that tribe Euonymeae consists of at least six separate lineages within Celastraceae and that a revised natural classification of the family is needed. Microtropis and Quetzalia are inferred to be distinct sister groups that together are sister to Zinowiewia. The endangered Monimopetalum chinense is an isolated and early derived lineage of Celastraceae that represents an important component of phylogenetic diversitywithin the family. Hedraianthera is sister to Brassiantha, and we describe a second species (Brassiantha hedraiantheroides A.J.Ford) that represents the first reported occurrence of this genus inAustralia. Euonymus globularis, from eastern Australia, is sister to Menepetalum, which is endemic to NewCaledonia, and we erect a new genus (Dinghoua R.H.Archer) for it. The Madagascan species of Euonymus are sister to Pleurostylia and recognized as a distinct genus (Astrocassine ined.). Glyptopetalum, Torralbasia, and Xylonymus are all closely related to Euonymus sensu stricto, and questionably distinct from it. Current intrageneric classifications of Euonymus are not completely natural and require revision.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Colorado State University, Department Of Biology, FORT COLLINS, CO, 80523-1878, USA
2 - South African National Biodiversity Institute, National Herbarium, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
3 - Csiro, Ecosystem Sciences, Atherton, Queensland, Australia

Keywords:
molecular phylogeneticsmolecular phylogenetics
Euonymus
Celastraceae
Euonymeae.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 28
Location: Lindell C/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Time: 8:30 AM
Number: 28001
Abstract ID:73