A phylogenetic analysis of Rhamnaceae using rbcL and trnL‐F plastid DNA sequences

• DOI: 10.2307/2656724
• Publication Date: 2006-04-21T10:56:13Z
• Authors: James E. Richardson; Michael F. Fay; Quentin C. B. Cronk; Diane Bowman; Mark W. Chase
• Keywords: Rhamnaceae; Monophyly; Urticaceae; Monomorphism

Previous tribal classifications of Rhamnaceae have been based on fruit characters, resulting in the delimitation large and otherwise heterogeneous groups. We evaluated most recent classification with DNA sequences two regions plastid genome, rbcL trnL-F, from 42 genera representatives related families Elaeagnaceae, Barbeyaceae, Dirachmaceae, Urticaceae, Ulmaceae, Moraceae, Rosaceae. The trnL-F trees higher consistency retention indices than trees, patterns change are compared. closest relatives Dirachmaceae followed by urticalean families. support monophyly family provide basis for a new classification. Three strongly supported clades identified, but morphological characters could not be found to underpin formal taxonomic description these three as subfamilies. therefore only recognize groups that also defined characters. biogeography is discussed reference molecular trees.