Abstract Detail

Systematics Section / ASPT

Cimino, M.T. [1].

Examining infrageneric relationships in the genus Hypericum (Clusiaceae).

The genus Hypericum (Clusiaceae) contains over 400 species that occur widely throughout temperate regions of the world. Many of these species have economic importance in horticulture, agriculture and as dietary supplements, but little is known about their phylogenetic relationships based on nucleotide sequence data. This project seeks to examine species-level relationships in Hypericum using nucleotide data from the chloroplast trnL-trnF intergenic spacer and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Geographic, morphological and cytological characters have been used in N.K.B. Robson’s monographic studies to describe species and establish an infrageneric classification that supports 30 sections. The DNA-based phylogeny developed in this project will be compared to the existing classification by mapping taxonomic characters onto the phylogeny. Evolutionary trends in these characters will be discussed, with particular attention devoted to biochemical evolution.

1 - Salisbury University, Department of Biology, 1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, Maryland, 21801-6860, USA

Keywords:
Hypericum
trnL-trnF
ITS
Clusiaceae.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 32-97
Location: Special Event Center (Cliff Lodge)
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2004
Time: 12:30 PM
Abstract ID:719