| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section / ASPT Olmstead, Richard [1], Yuan, Yaowu [2], Marx, Hannah [3], Peralta, Iris Edith [4], Múlgara, María [5]. Verbenaceae: A phylogenetic travelogue through its Argentine center of diversity. Studies on the phylogeny and systematics of Verbenaceae have led the first author to its center of diversity in Argentina in 2004 and 2007. With its long north/south axis, Argentina reaches from tropical latitudes in the north to the southernmost continental point on earth (exclusive of Antarctica). From their phylogenetic origins in the wet tropics, Verbenaceae have radiated extensively in the arid temperate zone of South America, most of which is found in Argentina. Of the approximately 34 genera recognized, 23 occur in Argentina, including 4 endemic genera and 7 more that extend only to Chile or Bolivia. Verbenaceae are a minor component of the vegetation in other parts of the world, including the tropical regions of Argentina, but often form part of the dominant vegetation in many xeric habitats from fairly low elevations in Patagonia to the high Puna of northwestern Argentina. Community dominants are found in Junellia, Acantholippia, Neosparton, and Lippia, among others. A growing phylogenetic tree permits some inferences about the diversification of Verbenaceae in Argentina. Plants exhibit a diversity of growth forms in adapting to the arid habitats, including multiple origins of ephedroid habit and extreme mat-forming habit at high elevations, as well as the spiny shrubs that tend to dominate arid habitats in Argentina at mid-elevation and a species-rich herbaceous lineage that is particularly successful at colonizing disturbed habitats. Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - University of Washington, Department of Biology and Burke Museum, Box 355325, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA 2 - University of Washington, Department of Biology, PO Box 355325, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA 3 - University of Washington, Department of Biology, Box 355325, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA 4 - National University of Cuyo, Agronomy, Alte. Brown 500, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, 5505, Argentina 5 - Instituto de Botanica Darwinion, San Isidro, 22, Argentina
Keywords: Verbenaceae Argentina Junellia phylogeny.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections Session: CP29 Location: Stevens 2/Hilton Date: Tuesday, July 10th, 2007 Time: 11:30 AM Number: CP29011 Abstract ID:1288 |