| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section / ASPT Hinchliff, Cody [1], Roalson, Eric [1]. Biogeography and the evolution of stem architecture in Eleocharis subgenus Limnochloa (Cyperaceae): evidence for morphological convergence in a group of pantropical sedges. The cosmopolitan genus Eleocharis R.Br. (Cyperaceae) contains about 250 species and is common in most regions of the world, from sea level to higher than 5,000 m in elevation. Subgenus Limnochloa, which appears to be sister to the rest of Eleocharis, is a clade of relatively large, robust species that often dominate estuaries and wetlands throughout the lowland tropics. This subgenus is ecologically and economically important, containing Eleocharis dulcis, the Chinese water chestnut, which is the only agricultural crop species within Eleocharis. In this study, we seek to explore patterns of biogeography and the evolution of stem architecture within Eleocharis subgenus Limnochloa. Phylogenetic hypotheses based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnC-ycf6 and ycf6-psbM spacer regions indicate the existence of three main clades: one corresponding to E. dulcis and relatives, one to predominantly Old World species, and a third largely restricted to New World species. Stem morphological types show multiple independent origins, suggesting a dynamic pattern of stem arcitectural diversification in subgenus Limnochloa.
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1 - Washington State University, School of Biological Sciences, Po Box 644236, Pullman, Washington, 99164-4236, USA
Keywords:
Eleocharis
Limnochloa
Biogeography
molecular phylogenetics
stem architecture evolution
Cyperaceae.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P59062
Abstract ID:1366 |
