| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section / ASPT Ramdhani, Syd [1], Barker, Nigel [1], Baijnath, Himansu [2]. Phylogeographic studies in Kniphofia Moench (Asphodelaceae). The genus Kniphofia contains approximately 70 species with an African-Malagasy distribution, including one species from Yemen. The centre of diversity is the Drakensberg Mountain Range (South Africa). The genus is known for its complex taxonomy and species relationships are poorly understood. A number of species have considerable horticultural appeal. DNA sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the trnT-L spacer region of the chloroplast genome were used to investigate the evolutionary history of Kniphofia and determine biogeographic patterns. Conventional phylogenetic analyses showed that the nuclear marker failed to resolve relationships, as many taxa and samples had identical sequences. The chloroplast marker revealed that multiple sequences of several species delimited on the basis of morphology were not monophyletic, but resolved four clades. Furthermore, genetic lineages and geographic distributions showed a strong correlation. Thus a phylogeographic approach was adopted to explain the evolutionary history of the genus. Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Rhodes University, Department of Botany, Molecular Ecology & Systematics Group, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, 6140, South Africa 2 - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Department of Botany, Westville Campus, Durban, 4000, South Africa
Keywords: ITS region Kniphofia Phylogeography trnT-L spacer Kniphofia ITS region.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper Session: 3-5 Location: Salon J - Austin Grand Ballroom/Hilton Date: Monday, August 15th, 2005 Time: 9:15 AM Abstract ID:105 |