| Abstract Detail
The Evolution of Ericales: Recent Insights using both Morphology and Molecules Pedraza, Paola [1]. Phylogenetic Studies of Disterigma, an Andean Blueberry. SEVENTY-THREE percent of neotropical Ericaceae are found in the Tropical Andes, where they are an important component of the Andean highland flora, not only in terms of species richness, but ecologically as well. Within the inferior-ovaried tribe Vaccinieae, Disterigma is a genus of 35-40 species found primarily in cloud forest from southern Mexico to Bolivia.
Since Disterigma was first described as a subgenus of Vaccinium, its phylogenetic relationships have been questioned and some species have been transferred back and forth between genera, making an examination of its generic delimitation necessary. Furthermore, previous molecular analyses of Andean blueberries indicated that Disterigma is likely polyphyletic with affinities to the MesoAmerican/Caribbean and Andean clades.
A phylogenetic analysis to better understand the relationships of Disterigma within Andean blueberries and its generic circumscription are being conducted, combining morphological data with molecular data from the ITS and ndhF regions. A “Core Disterigma” clade including more than two thirds of the species has been recovered, and the segregation of some species from Disterigma is supported by all data sets and the combined analyses; however, the exact placement of the segregated taxa remains ambiguous. Disterigma is characterized by having a pair bracteoles well differentiated from the bracts, apical in position and clasping the calyx; its flowers are mostly 4-merous, with stamens all equal and twice the number of floral parts.
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1 - New York Botanical Garden, Institute of Systematic Botany, 200Th Street & Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York, 10458-5126, USA
Keywords:
Ericaceae
Vaccinieae
Disterigma
Andes
phylogeny
Morphology
Molecular.
Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: 13-9
Location: 201/Ayres
Date: Monday, July 31st, 2006
Time: 2:30 PM
Abstract ID:339 |
