Phylogenetics, Morphology, and Evolution of the Large GenusMyrcias.l. (Myrtaceae)

• Published in: International journal of plant sciences Vol. 172; no. 7; pp. 915 - 934
• Main Authors: Lucas, Eve J., Matsumoto, Kazue, Harris, Stephen A., Nic Lughadha, Eimear M., Benardini, Benedetta, Chase, Mark W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Chicago Press 01-09-2011
• Subjects: Biological taxonomies; Bracts; Calyx; Genera; Inflorescences; Ovaries; Panicles; Parsimony; Synonyms; Tearing
• ISSN: 1058-5893; 1537-5315
• DOI: 10.1086/660913

Phylogenetic relationships ofMyrcias.l., the most species-rich tree genus in the Brazilian cerrado and Atlantic forests, are reconstructed by analysis, with parsimony and Bayesian inference, of four plastid regions (psbA-trnHintergenic spacer,trnLintron,trnL-Fintergenic spacer, andmatKexon) and the external and internal transcribed spacer regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The resulting phylogenetic hypothesis is evaluated in conjunction with key morphological characters and abiotic factors suggested to have influenced the group’s current distribution. Some lineages identified by previous classifications are supported; others with morphological and/or ecological correspondence are recognized for the first time. Sequence divergence levels provide good resolution of relationships within but not between the main clades ofMyrcias.l. The previously recognized generaCalyptranthesandGomidesiaare shown to be monophyletic, whereasMarliereais shown not to be; all are nested within paraphyleticMyrcia. A new subgeneric classification is required. An interpretation of the origins ofMyrcias.l. and potential causes of speciation in the group is made on the basis of recently published data and accepted geological events.