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Major clades of Australasian Rutoideae (Rutaceae) based on rbcL and atpB sequences
Michael J Bayly1, Gareth D Holmes, Paul I Forster
1School of Botany, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. mbayly@unimelb.edu.au
Plos One
|August 23, 2013
Summary
This study reveals new insights into the evolutionary history of Australasian Rutoideae using molecular phylogenetics. The findings challenge existing classifications and highlight complex dispersal and vicariance events shaping plant diversity.
Area of Science:
- Plant evolutionary biology
- Molecular phylogenetics
- Biogeography
Background:
- Rutaceae subfamily Rutoideae in Australasia exhibits significant diversity across rainforest and sclerophyll ecosystems.
- Australia and New Caledonia are key centers of endemism, with disjunct species distributions between these regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a high-level molecular phylogeny for Australasian Rutoideae.
- To identify major clades within the group.
- To provide a framework for understanding morphological, biogeographic, and taxonomic patterns.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analyses utilized chloroplast genes (rbcL and atpB) from 108 samples, including 38 Australasian genera.
- Results were integrated with existing molecular studies to create a global Rutaceae supertree.
- Phylogenetic analyses were based on chloroplast genes, rbcL and atpB, for 108 samples (78 new here), including 38 of 46 Australasian genera.
Main Results:
- Australasian Rutoideae clades do not align well with current tribal classifications; Philotheca and Boronia are polyphyletic.
- Sclerophyll lineages in Australia stem from two clades with early rainforest/sclerophyll divergence.
- Ancestral traits include dehiscent fruits with ejected seeds; derived traits involve winged seeds, drupes, and bird dispersal adaptations, indicating multiple origins.
Conclusions:
- The molecular phylogeny offers a comprehensive view of Australasian Rutoideae evolution and biogeography.
- Results underscore deficiencies in current Rutoideae classifications, providing a foundation for taxonomic revision.
- This study establishes a necessary framework for future research on genera and species within the subfamily.
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