A robust phylogenomic framework supports a revised intrafamilial classification of Urticaceae

Area of Science:

• Plant systematics and evolution
• Phylogenomics
• Angiosperm classification

Background:

• Phylogenomic studies have advanced angiosperm lineage understanding.
• Comprehensive phylogenomic studies for the Urticaceae family are limited.
• Previous phylogenetic studies of Urticaceae had lower node support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reconstruct a robust phylogeny of the Urticaceae family using broad taxon and genomic sampling.
• To provide an updated classification for the Urticaceae family based on new phylogenetic insights.
• To establish a foundation for future evolutionary and ecological research within Urticaceae.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic reconstruction using concatenated and coalescent analyses.
• Integration of plastome and nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences.
• Combination of morphological, molecular, and distributional evidence for taxonomic revisions.

Main Results:

• A highly supported phylogenetic backbone for Urticaceae was established with 98% of nodes >90% bootstrap support.
• Plastid and nuclear phylogenies were largely congruent, with some exceptions noted.
• The study proposes dividing the family into seven tribes, including the new Sarcochlamydeae tribe, and identifies non-monophyletic genera (Debregeasia, Phenax).
• Taxonomic revisions include the description of a new genus (Chiajuia) and synonymization/recognition of several other genera.

Conclusions:

• The robust phylogenomic framework provides an updated classification for the Urticaceae family.
• The revised classification includes seven tribes and addresses issues of non-monophyly.
• This work serves as a foundation for future Urticaceae research and a reference for other angiosperm families.