Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Garcia, Michelle [1], Moody, Michael [2].

Phylogeny of the angiosperm genus Gonocarpus (Haloragaceae) emphasizing species delimitation and biogeography in the southwest Australian Biodiversity Hotspot.

The Angiosperm genus Gonocarpus (Haloragaceae) is a relatively poorly known group with high levels of local endemism throughout its range. It occurs primarily in Australia (34/37 spp.) with six species ranging into New Zealand and/or Asia. Much of Gonocarpus diversity is found in the southwest Western Australia International Biodiversity hotspot where several species are considered rare or of priority concern. The current classification for the genus has been based on morphology and included few specimens of several species as collections from the genus had been limited until recently. This group also has a high level of morphological plasticity and several species are described as highly variable. Here we use a molecular phylogenetic approach to test hypotesized species limits, evolutionary relationships and biogeographic origins. DNA data was collected from the nrDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for 61 accessions and the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) intron region trnL – trnF for comparable data. Results from phylogenetic analysis of the ITS region has shown high molecular variability among species and has uncovered cryptic species in southwest Western Australia. Analyses support an origin of the genus in Western Australia with dispersal east and multiple events leading to dispersal into Asia. These results will be used to help define new species of Gonocarpus, inform conservation efforts and provide further evidence regarding phylogeographic patterns in Australia.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Biological Sciences, 500 W. University Ave, El Paso, Texas, 79968, United States
2 - University of Texas At El Paso, Department of Biology, 500 W. University Ave., Bioscience Bldg 2.120, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA

Keywords:
Australia
Gonocarpus
phylogeny.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PSY020
Abstract ID:386
Candidate for Awards:None