TRIBAL INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF THE ASTERACEAE

Area of Science:

• Botany
• Phylogenetics
• Systematic Botany

Background:

• The classification of the Asteraceae (daisy family) has been historically complex.
• Previous studies have suggested various relationships, but a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis was needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reconstruct the evolutionary history of the Asteraceae family.
• To clarify tribal and subtribal relationships within the Asteraceae.

Main Methods:

• A cladistic analysis was performed using 81 characters.
• 27 tribes and subtribes of Asteraceae were included in the analysis.
• Lobeliaceae was used as an outgroup.

Main Results:

• A basal dichotomy was identified, with Mutisieae-Barnadesiinae forming a monophyletic sister group to the rest of the family.
• The subfamilies Cichorioideae and Asteroideae do not represent a basal dichotomy.
• The Asteroideae are monophyletic, with their sister group within the paraphyletic Cichorioideae.
• Mutisieae and Inuleae appear as paraphyletic grade groups at the base of the family and subfamily, respectively.
• Potential sister group relationships were suggested within the Asteroideae, such as Anthemideae and Heliantheae s.l., and Astereae and Eupatorieae.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a new phylogenetic framework for the Asteraceae.
• The traditional subfamilial classification needs revision based on these findings.
• Further research is needed to resolve interrelationships within the Cichorioideae and Asteroideae.