Molecular phylogenetics of the giant genus Croton and tribe Crotoneae (Euphorbiaceae sensu stricto) using ITS and TRNL‐TRNF DNA sequence data

• DOI: 10.3732/ajb.92.9.1520
• Publication Date: 2008-02-29T22:42:44Z
• Authors: Paul E. Berry; Andrew L. Hipp; Kenneth J. Wurdack; Benjamin Van Ee; Ricarda Riina
• Keywords: Sensu stricto; Tribe; Croton; Euphorbiaceae

Parsimony, likelihood, and Bayesian analyses of nuclear ITS plastid trnL-F DNA sequence data are presented for the giant genus Croton (Euphorbiaceae s.s.) related taxa. Sampling comprises 88 taxa, including 78 estimated 1223 species 29 40 sections previously recognized Croton. It also includes satellite Moacroton genera formerly placed in tribe Crotoneae. all sampled segregate form a monophyletic group sister to Brasiliocroton, with exception sect. Astraea, which is reinstated Astraea. A small clade Moacroton, alabamensis, C. olivaceus other sampled. The remaining fall into three major clades. One these entirely New World, corresponding Cyclostigma, Cascarilla, Velamea sensu Webster. second Old World third, clade, composed at least 13 Webster's This study establishes phylogenetic framework future studies hyper-diverse Croton, indicates origin genus, will soon be used evaluate wood anatomical, cytological, morphological Crotoneae tribe.