Phylogenetic relationships in Helichrysum (Compositae: Gnaphalieae) and related genera: Incongruence between nuclear and plastid phylogenies, biogeographic and morphological patterns, and implications for generic delimitation

• DOI: 10.12705/633.8
• Publication Date: 2014-06-27T22:08:44Z
• Authors: Mercè Galbany-Casals; Matthew Unwin; Núria Garcia-Jacas; Rob D. Smissen; Alfonso Susanna; Randall J. Bayer
• Keywords: Lineage (genetic)

Abstract The Helichrysum‐Anaphalis‐Pseudognaphalium (HAP) clade is a major component of the tribe Gnaphalieae (Compositae) and includes genera Helichrysum, Anaphalis, Achyrocline Pseudognaphalium . Allopolyploid origins for at least two clades within HAP have previously been suggested, one involving genus Anaphalis Mediterranean‐Asian Helichrysum species, second part In present paper, with use nuclear ribosomal plastid DNA markers an extensive sampling clade, further evidence relevant to origin, composition closest relatives these provided, additional cases incongruence are discussed. superposition distribution areas on phylogeny suggests that originated in Cape region southern Africa subsequently dispersed diversified Afromontane regions east Africa, mainly Drakensberg, before spreading northward giving rise several lineages Afroalpine central tropical Madagascar. Allopolyploidy may preceded dispersal diversification lineage out Mediterranean area, Americas Asia. Finally, discussion morphological characters their taxonomic relevance also views need new generic delimitation.