A molecular phylogenetic analysis of the bloodroot and kangaroo paw family, Haemodoraceae: taxonomic, biogeographic and conservation implications

Abstract

Abstract A phylogenetic analysis of plastid DNA sequences from the trn L-F region corroborates the hypothesis that Haemodoraceae, a small monocotyledonous family centred in southwestern Australia, are monophyletic with relationships to Philydraceae, Pontederiaceae and Commelinaceae. It also supports the long-standing recognition of two subfamilies. In Conostylidoideae Tribonanthes falls in an isolated position, thus supporting its segregation as a recently recognized monogeneric tribe. Tribal status for Phlebocarya is not supported as this taxon is unexpectedly placed in Conostylideae as sister to Conostylis–Blancoa. Macropidia falls as sister to Anigozanthos . The DNA tree permits continued recognition of Macropidia and Blancoa as distinct genera, contrary to a recent morphological cladistic analysis. Haemodoroideae fall into two clades: ( Dilatris(Lachnanthes+Haemodorum )) and ( Xiphidium(Schiekia+Wachendorfia )). It is unlikely that Haemodoraceae are of Gondwanan origin, and the phylogenetic pattern indicates a largely relictual distribution with a recent radiation in Western Australia.