Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Johnson, Eden [1], Shepherd, Kelly [2], Jabaily, Rachel [3].

Phylogenetic analysis and species delimitation of Anthotium (Goodeniaceae), a charismatic clade of Australian wildflowers.

A molecular phylogenetic analysis of intra and inter-specific relationships within Anthotium (Goodeniaceae), a monophyletic genus of wildflowers endemic to the global biodiversity hotspot of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR), is presented. Species of this small genus are distinguished from representatives of the closely allied and much larger genus Dampiera in their flower color and form, the presence of numerous ovules and a distinct capsular fruit. Unlike related genera in the Goodeniaceae, Anthotium is confined to the SWAFR, a unique area that supports an extraordinarily diverse flora and fauna. This ancient and complex landscape has undergone significant fragmentation in the last 120 years due to extensive clearing for agriculture, and current vegetation remnants are under further threat from mining, urbanization, Phytophthora dieback, increased fire frequency and weed invasion. Two potentially new taxa have been identified in the genus from the Darling Range, a low escarpment on the Swan Coastal Plain east of Perth, and from the coastal region some 300 km to the south. Taxonomic delineation of closely related taxa can be difficult in regions such as the SWAFR where the flora often exhibit complex patterns of subtle morphological variation and genetic structuring. This molecular research was conducted, in part, to provide an independent data set that will complement morphological assessment of these taxa. The current study produced DNA extractions of multiple individuals from each of the four currently recognized species and two potentially new taxa from throughout their geographical range. PCR amplification of ca. 2500 basepairs of chloroplast spacer regions matK, psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF and nuclear ribosomal region ITS was sequenced, aligned with Geneious 6.0 and analyzed with maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Accessions of Anthotium divide into two major well-supported clades, and currently recognized species including the morphologically diverse A. humile may not be monophyletic. This research, in conjunction with ongoing morphological assessment of the genus, will result in a more robust taxonomy, which is essential in a region where conservation actions may be dependent on understanding the taxonomic status of potentially new but as yet undescribed taxa.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Rhodes College, 2000 N. Parkway, Memphis, TN, 38112, USA
2 - Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Environment And Conservation, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, Bentley, N/A, 6983, Australia
3 - Rhodes College, Botany, 2000 N. Parkway, Memphis, TN, 38112, USA

Keywords:
Goodeniaceae
Asterid
Australia
Phylogenetics
SWAFR
Taxonomy.

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: PSY008
Abstract ID:568
Candidate for Awards:None