Phylogeny of the Rubiaceae (Chiococceae) Based on Molecular and Morphological Data-Useful Approaches for Classification and Comparative Ecology

Abstract

Phylogenies reconstructed with molecular data may provide new hypotheses of relationships. These may serve as a basis For improved morphological analyses and comparative analyses of ecological features. In this study a new phylogenetic hypothesis based on a chloroplast DNA restriction site analysis of the Rubiaceae prompted a critical analysis of morphological characters. Several unique morphological characters were identified that support a large, previously unrecognized monophyletic group, including the tribe Chiococceae. Hence, the tribe Chiococceae is amended to include members of the former Condamineeae (subtribe Portlandiinae) and the genera Exostema and Coutarea (formerly in the Cinchoneae) (...)