| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section / ASPT Hertweck, Kate L. [1], Pires, J. Chris [2]. Identifying species, defining genera, pinpointing hybridization: Phylogenetics of Tradescantia and related genera (Commelinaceae). Tradescantia is a New World genus of 60-70 species, 30 of which are native to the United States. This genus is though to be one of the more derived members of a group of New World Commelinaceae that includes many ornamentals (spiderworts, widow’s tears, wandering jews). Despite the presence of problematic invasive species in this group, as well as the widespread use of some species as model systems for cytogenetics, no comprehensive phylogeny of Tradescantia and related genera (Gibasis, Callisia, Tripogandra, Elasis, Thyrsanthemum, Weldenia, Tinantia) is available. A molecular phylogeny of Tradescantia and related genera reveals that the majority of Tradescantia native to the United States are very closely related and have diverged fairly recently. Additionally, cultivars from this group seem to have been developed through hybridization, perhaps between species in different genera. Finally, while some genera have been fairly well-defined based on morphology (i.e., Tradescantia, Callisia), the taxonomy of species in other genera (i.e., Gibasis, Tripogandra) should be re-evaluated. This phylogeny can be used to infer evolutionary patterns within this clade regarding many different types of processes in plant evolution, including hybridization, polyploidy, invasiveness, chromosomal evolution, and the effects of artificial selection. Analyses of this type provide an invaluable foundation for other ecological and evolutionary studies in Tradescantia.
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1 - University of Missouri Columbia, Biological Sciences, 1201 Rollins Road, Life Sciences Center 311, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
2 - University of Missouri Columbia, Biological Sciences, 1201 Rollins Road, Life Sciences Center 311, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
Keywords:
Tradescantia
phylogenetics
Commelinaceae
hybridization.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: CP16
Location: Stevens 3/Hilton
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2007
Time: 3:00 PM
Number: CP16007
Abstract ID:958 |
