| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section / ASPT Morris, Julie A. [1], Graham, Shirley A. [2], Schwarzbach, Andrea E. [1]. A preliminary phylogeny of the genus Lythrum. The genus Lythrum (Lythraceae) is comprised of 25-30 species of herbaceous perennials and annuals with a distribution almost entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. It is probably best known for its introduced and invasive members, including the notorious invasive, L. salicaria (Purple Loosestrife); however it also includes many rare and narrow endemics. Additionally, Lythrum is known for its heterostylous breeding systems. It is unusual among angiosperms in having monomorphic, distylous, and tristylous members. A more thorough understanding of the phylogenetic relationships in this genus will provide an important opportunity for studying the evolution of this interesting floral polymorphism. Clusters of species form complexes across Eurasia and North America and Mexico, and to date, relationships between and among the various groups remain unclear. The current classification of the genus includes two subgenera, five sections, and two subsections. In this study, we present preliminary results in an ongoing molecular phylogenic study that will test the validity of this treatment. Based on sequences from approximately one-half of the species and a number of proposed outgroups for both nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast (atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer) markers, we have obtained preliminary evidence that suggests that the North American endemic species are monophyletic but that some sections, and quite possibly the genus itself, may not be monophyletic. Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Kent State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 256 Cunningham Hall, Kent, Ohio, 44242, USA 2 - Kent State University, Missouri Botanical Garden, Po Box 299, St. Louis, Missouri, 63166-0299, USA
Keywords: Lythrum, Lythraceae, heterostyly.
Presentation Type: Poster Session: 33-95 Location: Salon C, D & E - Gov Ballroom/Hilton Date: Tuesday, August 16th, 2005 Time: 12:30 PM Abstract ID:329 |