| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section/ASPT Hasenstab-Lehman, Kristen [1]. Inflorescence evolution in the genus Varronia (Cordiaceae). Varronia is a large genus of neotropical woody Cordiaceae (ca 120 species), recently recognized at the genus level sister to the diverse genus Cordia. Varronia has a continuous distribution from Mexico to Brazil but species diversity is highest in marginal tropical habitats such as Caatinga in Brazil or Acacia scrub in Mexico. Most species of Varronia have heteromorphic self-incompatibility and are thus dependent on attracting pollinators to move pollen between flowers. Inflorescence architecture is a key factor in floral display and attraction of pollinators, essential components of reproduction in this genus. In the typical cymose inflorescence, the apical meristem becomes a single, terminal flower, and branching occurs via lateral meristems. In the genus Varronia, the cymose inflorescence has undergone several evolutionary changes to form spikes,globose, capitulate heads or syndesmia.
Questions addressed in this study include: (Q1) What is the phylogenetic status of taxonomic groups delimited based on inflorescence structure? (Q2)What are species level relationships in the genus? The phylogenetic results will in turn be used to address hypothesis (H1) Inflorescences evolved by a gradual reduction series to culminate in syndesmia
A molecular phylogeny has been generated and used to study morphological, structural, and developmental components of inflorescence architecture within the context of hypothesized evolutionary relationships. Based upon these results, I will contribute a proposed classification for species and also for inflorescence types within the genus. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Research, 1500 N College Ave, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
Keywords:
none specified
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 4
Location: Magnolia/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: 4011
Abstract ID:890
Candidate for Awards:None |
