Abstract Detail

Systematics Section / ASPT

Islam, Melissa B. [1], Simmons, Mark P. [1], Archer, Robert H. [2].

Phylogeny of the Elaeodendron group (Celastraceae) inferred from morphological characters and nuclear and plastid genes.

The phylogeny of the Elaeodendron group was inferred in a simultaneous analysis of morphological characters together with nuclear (ITS and 26S rDNA) and plastid (trnL-F spacer) genes. The circumscription of genera in this group has long been controversial, particularly with respect to Cassine and Elaeodendron. Cassine, narrowly defined so as to include three species native to southern Africa, is strongly supported as distinct from Elaeodendron. Preliminary species sampling supports the widely distributed genus Elaeodendron as a natural group. Mystroxylon is supported as distinct from both Cassine and Elaeodendron. Catha edulis (source of the narcotic “kat”) and Catha abbottii are resolved as a paraphyletic group, supporting the transfer of C. abbottii to Lydenburgia. Allocassine laurifolia and Lauridia tetragona are resolved as closely related to one another, supporting their previously inferred relationship.

1 - Colorado State University, Department of Biology, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523-1878, U.S.A.
2 - National Botanical Institute, National Herbarium, Private Bag X101, Pretoria, 0001, Republic of South Africa

Keywords:
Celastraceae
Cassine
Elaeodendron
26S rDNA
ITS
trnL-F.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 32-95
Location: Special Event Center (Cliff Lodge)
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2004
Time: 12:30 PM
Abstract ID:465