Abstract Detail

Systematics

Comito, Robert [1], Darbyshire, Iain [2], McDade, Lucinda [3], Fisher, Amanda [4].

Decoding Molecular Evolutionary Signals in Barleria.

Barleria is a genus of approximately 300 species in the family Acanthaceae. Species of Barleria are widely distributed across the paleotropics, with variable habit, and vegetative and reproductive morphologies. Barleria are typically herbs and shrubs, and can be recognized by three synapomorphies: four sepals in the calyx, a small inner pair and larger outer pair; double cystoliths in epidermal cells; and globose, honeycombed pollen. Historically, natural groupings within the genus have proven elusive because so many morphological characters that are consistent in other Acanthaceae genera are highly variable in Barleria. Previous morphological studies have subdivided the genus into two subgenera and seven sections, but these groupings have come under scrutiny in light of molecular analyses based upon chloroplast loci and the nuclear locus nrITS. The aim of this study is to estimate relationships in the genus through a phylogenetic analysis that samples 142 Barleria taxa, representing all sections and the geographic range of the genus, as well as six outgroups from closely related genera Andrographis, Crabbea, Lepidagathis, and Whitfieldia. Single nucleotide polymorphism data were generated using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing, a next generation sequencing technique. Loci were assembled de novo and used in a maximum likelihood analysis to estimate phylogenetic trees. Our results support the monophyly of Barleria and more broadly inform our understanding of diversity and evolution in one of the largest genera in Acanthaceae.

1 - California State University, Long Beach, Biological Sciences, 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA, 90840, United States
2 - Kew Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AE, Richmond, UK
3 - 1500 N. College Avenue, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont, CA, 91711, United States
4 - California State University, Long Beach, Biological Sciences, Mail Stop 9502, 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA, 90840, United States

Keywords:
Systematics
RADseq
Barleria
Phylogenetics.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Systematics
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PSY025
Abstract ID:939
Candidate for Awards:None