Heller et al. 2015 (Conference Paper) Bromelioideae

Molecular contribution to the taxonomical reorganization of the eu-Bromelioideae

Author(s):—S. Heller, E. Leme, R.C. Forrza, J. Paule & G. Zizka in Benko-Iseppon, A.M.; Alves, M. & Louzada, R. (2015) An overview and abstracts of the First World Congress on Bromeliaceae Evolution. Rodriguésia 66(2): A1-A66.

Publication:— (2015).

Abstract:—The Bromelioideae is the second largest subfamily with more than 900 species in 33 genera within the family Bromeliaceae. Based on molecular and morphological evidence the species are divided into the early diverginglineages and the eu-Bromelioideae. The genera in the early diverging lineages are well defined with good phylogenetic support. On the contrary, many eu-bromelioid genera, originally defined on the basis of morphological characters, are para- or polyphyletic. Furthermore, patterns and processes behind the bromelioid diversity are only poorly understood. We present phylogenetic trees based on a taxonomically comprehensivesampling with up to 650 accessions representing more than 550 bromelioid species out of 32 genera. The phylogenetic analysis (maximum likelihood performed with RAxML) is based on nuclear (Agt1, ETS, PHYC)and plastid (matK, ycf1) data. The para- and polyphyly of currently recognized genera, with emphasis on the species rich and highly polyphyletic genus Aechmea, are presented. Aechmea species were found to be scattered all over the eu-bromeliod diversity. We identified 30 monophyletic groups and discussed them from the biogeographic and morphological point of view in order to contribute to a new generic circumscription. For instance, so called Portea-Gravisia-group is composed by Aechmea, Canistrum and Portea species, but thephylogenetic support and biological features such as facultative epiphytism, restiction to the Atlantic Forest and polyporate pollen grains suggest a separate taxonomic rank. Furthermore, the highly variable nuclear maker Agt1 is presented as a potential genetic barcode for identification of eu-bromelioid genera and species.

Keywords:—Genome Size; Morphotype; Geographical Distribution.