Abstract Detail

Systematics Section

McClelland, Donald [1], Nee, M. [2].

A total evidence phylogenetic investigation of Solanum sections Irenosolanum and Dunaliana.

Solanum is the largest genus in the family Solanaceae and is the fifth largest genus of angiosperms. Currently, the genus is estimated to include about 1400 species. As would be expected within such a large group of species, there is considerable phylogenetic structure within Solanum, and this structure is reflected in an extensive infrageneric classification (still a work in progress). In this study, the phylogenetic positions of Solanum sections Irenosolanum and Dunaliana, both within Subgenus Leptostemonum, were investigated. To this end, a total evidence approach was taken. Morphological characters were scored from herbarium specimens, personal field observations, and the literature. For the molecular component, three gene regions ITS, waxy, and trnT-F were used. Though previously proposed to constitute a single section, a previous molecular analysis showed Sections Irenosolanum and Dunaliana falling into two distinct clades. The total evidence investigation supports the same phylogenetic pattern. Solanum section Dunalianum and Solanum section Irenosolanum are both exclusively paleotropical. Section Dunaliana is restricted to New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and northern Queensland, Australia. Section Irenosolanum extends east across the Pacific from New Caledonia to Hawaii. Their distribution patterns are considered in the context of the total evidence phylogeny. Selected morphological characters supporting clades on the strict consensus of all most parsimonious trees are discussed.

Broader Impacts:

1 - The New York Botanical Garden and the City University of New York, 200th St. and Kazimiroff Blvd., The Bronx, NY, 10458
2 - The New York Botanical Garden, Institute of Systematic Botany, 200th St. and Kazimiroff Blvd., The Bronx, NY, 10458, USA

Keywords:
Solanum
Solanaceae
phylogenetics
total evidence.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 37
Location: 556B/Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Time: 3:15 PM
Number: 37009
Abstract ID:597