Abstract Detail

Systematics Section

Arevalo, Rafael E. [1], Cameron, Kenneth M. [2].

Who’s a Mormolyca? A first look at the recircumscription of this orchid genus.

Based on phylogenetic analyses of molecular data, a new classification for the Neotropical orchid subtribe Maxillariinae has been proposed by Blanco et al. (2007). New realignments recognize 17 genera, including a recircumscribed Mormolyca Fenzl. Species of Chrysocycnis, Cyrtoglottis, and Maxillaria section Rufescens are now embedded within Mormolyca, expanding the genus from eight to approximately 25 species. However, morphological characterization of this new concept of Mormolyca is challenging, and not only were few species included in the original analyses, but new species have been described recently. For these reasons, a thorough taxonomic revision of the genus is mandated. We are testing the monophyly of this expanded concept of Mormolyca by reconstructing the phylogeny of the group using data derived from DNA sequences, together with morphological and anatomical characters. In this first part of the study, the phylogenetic relationships among species of Mormolyca have been examined using 20 ingroup samples and seven outgroup taxa, and using sequence data from four DNA regions: the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS), plastid matK gene and flanking trnK intron, atpB-rbcL intergeneric spacer and ycf1. The monophyly of the genus, intraspecific relationships, and distribution of morphological and ecological characters is discussed. Future studies will take advantage of these phylogenetic hypotheses to address questions concerning the evolution of vegetative characters, floral fragrance profiles, and pollination mechanisms within the genus.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Botany, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
2 - University of Wisconsin, Madison, Herbarium and Department of Botany, Birge Hall, 430 Lincoln Dr., Madison, WI, 53706, USA

Keywords:
systematics
Orchidaceae
Neotropics
taxonomy.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PSY042
Abstract ID:105