Molecular phylogenetics and generic assessment in the tribe Pavetteae (Rubiaceae)

• DOI: 10.12705/641.19
• Publication Date: 2015-03-03T23:16:54Z
• Authors: Petra De Block; Sylvain G. Razafi...; Steven Janssens; Helga Ochoterena; Elmar Robbrecht; Birgitta Bremer
• Keywords: Monophyly; Paraphyly; Tribe; Molecular Phylogenetics

Abstract This is the first phylogenetic study focused on Pavetteae, one of most species‐rich and morphologically diverse tribes within coffee family (Rubiaceae). Fifteen 17 currently recognized genera, represented by 85 taxa, were sequenced for rps16 , trnT ‐ F ITS analysed using Bayesian inference maximum likelihood methods. The monophyly Pavetteae confirmed. Four major lineages are identified, but their relationships not fully resolved. continental African genera Rutidea Nichallea Tennantia Madagascan Homollea Robbrechtia paleotropical genus Pavetta monophyletic. Other paraphyletic in current circumscriptions following changes made: Homolliella placed synonymy with Paracephaelis Coleactina Dictyandra Leptactina resulting four new combinations. large Tarenna shown to be In future, name should used species. Most these could transferred hitherto monospecific Cladoceras other species might constitute altogether genera. relationship between monophyletic Asian‐Pacific remains unclear. phylogeny largely unresolved largest Madagascar‐centred Coptosperma was recovered as low resolution taxa can considered an indication rapid radiation. Further molecular morphological studies necessary clarify especially regarding tribe.