Historical biogeography of Breynia (Phyllanthaceae): what caused speciation?

Abstract

AbstractAimThe dated phylogeny of Breynia (including Sauropus) was used to analyse historical biogeographical patterns and to compare the speciation events with tectonic occurrences and biotic and abiotic aspects.LocationSoutheast Asia, Malesia and Australia.MethodsExisting molecular markers (trnS–trnG, accD–psaI, PHYC and ITS) were used in beast to make a Bayesian age estimate with an exponential relaxed molecular clock. The resulting cladograms and maximum clade credibility (MCC) tree were used as input in statistical dispersal–vicariance analysis (S‐DIVA option in the rasp package).ResultsBreynia originated 25–20 Ma in Thailand (western part of northern to southern Thailand) up to peninsular Malaysia. Dispersal occurred in various directions (India+Sri Lanka, China+Indochina, Malesia+Australia) establishing widespread species. Most species evolved locally in the area of origin and a relatively high number of species form limestone endemics.Main conclusionsThere is little correlation between tectonic movements and dispersal patterns in Breynia. Only the dispersal over Wallace's Line occurred when stepping stones were in place. Speciation, especially in the area of origin seems to be linked to soil (limestone endemics) and pollination, as indicated by the presence of deviating inflorescences in B. subgen. Sauropus (no pollinators are known yet) and the obligate moth pollination in B. sect. Breynia. Moreover, B. sect. Breynia and three widespread species of B. subgen. Sauropus have (more) fleshy fruits and all these taxa generally have wide distributions, probably because of bird dispersal.