Phylogenetic relationships of Coronidium, Xerochrysum and several neglected Australian species of “Helichrysum” (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae)

Abstract

AbstractA molecular phylogeny of selected Australian native Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae) is inferred from nuclear ribosomal ETS and ITS and chloroplast matK‐psbA, psbA‐trnH and ycf6‐psbM sequences to test the reciprocal monophyly of the genera Coronidium and Xerochrysum and to taxonomically place several species currently treated as part of Helichrysum. Ribosomal and chloroplast phylogenies are topologically incongruent, but the latter are poorly resolved and poorly supported. Ribosomal and total evidence data suggest that the C. scorpioides group makes Coronidium in its current circumscription polyphyletic. Even without this species group, remaining Coronidium is inferred to be paraphyletic to Xerochrysum. Helichrysum macranthum and H. milligani are shown to be part of Xerochrysum and formally transferred to that genus. A lectotype is designated for H. milliganii. Helichrysum leucopsideum is shown to be affiliated with C. adenophorum and C. waddelliae while H. rutidolepis is confirmed to be part of the C. scorpioides group. In contrast, the affiliations of H. calvertianum, H. oligochaetum and H. pumilum cannot currently be resolved with confidence.