Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Michelangeli, Fabian [1], Nicolas, Antoine [2], Reginato, Marcelo [3], Kriebel, Ricardo [4], Ocampo, Gilberto [5], Almeda, Frank [6], Judd, Walter [7], Goldenberg, Renato [8].

Biogeography of the tribe Miconieae (Melastomataceae) reveals a complex pattern of dispersal and repetitive colonization of new environments.

The tribe Miconieae comprises over 1800 species in 18-20 genera of Neotropical trees, shrubs, and in smaller numbers, climbers, epiphytes and herbs. Members of the tribe are found from sea level to above the tree line in the Andes and other tropical mountains, in all humid environments. A phylogeny of the tribe, based on over 700 species and four loci (nrITS, nrETS, accD-psaI, psbK-psbL) was used to study biogeographical patterns within the tribe. Each species was coded for absence presence in 12 biogeographical areas: Amazonia, Eastern Brazil, Brazilian Planalto, Guayana shield, Northern Andes, Southern Andes, Chocó, Venezuelan Coastal Cordillera, SE Central America, NW Central America and Mexico, Greater Antilles, and Lesser Antilles. For some analyses some of these areas were further merged (i.e. Central America and Mexico, Guiana Shield and Amazonia, or Planalto and Eastern Brazil). Because most basal species are widespread the center of origin of the tribe is ambiguous. Andean species (about 500 species) could be the product of one or two main radiations from with Miconia sections Cremanium, Chaenopleura and most sect. Amblyarrhena, derived from the Amazon. The origin of the second group of Andean species, (Miconia sections Hartigia and Octomeris) is unresolved. Eastern Brazilian taxa (ca 270 species; Miconia sections Hypoxanthus and Glossocentrum p.p. and Leandra sensu stricto) are the product of three different radiations from the Amazon. In the Greater Antilles (ca 300 species) one group is clearly related to Andean taxa (Miconia section Chaenopleura) while three others are either related to Central American or Amazonian taxa. One small group of six species (Charianthus) has further expanded into the Lesser Antilles. Additionally, two other small radiations from the Amazon are also present in the Lesser Antilles. Lowland Central American taxa are derived from Amazonian or Chocó relatives, while high elevation species are embedded within the larger Andean clade. A large group of ca. 70 species, mostly from Central America and the Chocó (Conostegia and related species) is unresolved as derived from the Antilles or the Amazon basin. Regardless of absolute dates, it seems that all three dispersal events into Mata Atlantica occurred relatively close in time to each other and are most likely due to the same geologic or climatic event. Andean and Caribbean dispersals have occurred in a more staggered fashion, probably a reflection of the complex geological and climatic history of these areas.

Broader Impacts:

1 - The New York Botanical Garden, Institute of Systematic Botany, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
2 - New York Botanical Garden, Institute of Systematic Botany, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY, 10458-5126, USA
3 - The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY, 10458, United States
4 - New York Botanical Garden, 357 East 201 St Apt. 3f, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
5 - California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr., Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA
6 - California Academy of Sciences, Department of Botany, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA
7 - University of Florida, Department of Botany, 220 Bartram Hall, PO Box 118525, Gainesville, FL, 32611-8525, USA
8 - Universidade Federal do Parana, Departamento de Botânica, Caixa Postal 19031, Curitiba, PR, Brazil

Keywords:
Miconieae
Melastomataceae
Andes
Mata Atlantica
biogeography
Caribbean
Amazonia.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 39
Location: Elmwood/Riverside Hilton
Date: Wednesday, July 31st, 2013
Time: 9:15 AM
Number: 39004
Abstract ID:694
Candidate for Awards:None