Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Sanz Sancho, Ernesto [1], Krosnick, Shawn [2].

New insights into the evolution of the Austral-Pacific Passiflora (Passifloraceae: supersection Disemma, section Disemma).

The genus Passiflora (Passifloraceae), more commonly known as passion fruit, consists of about 550 species of vines, lianas, and small trees. Most species are found in Mexico, Central, and South America, but 24 species are native to Asia, Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand. In the Austral-Pacific region, there are three native species: Passiflora herbertiana, P. cinnabarina, and P. aurantia. Passiflora aurantia is found in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Samoa, Fiji, and New Caledonia on forest margins and openings within primary and secondary rainforest. Three varieties of this species have been described: P. aurantia var. aurantia, P. aurantia var. pubescens, and P. aurantia var. samoensis. Recently, at least two additional forms have been identified in New Caledonia and Vanuatu. The number of infraspecific taxa is unclear, as are their relationships to one another. The overlapping floral and vegetative morphology that exists across the island forms require further investigation. In addition, P. herbertiana and P. cinnabarina have not been examined extensively throughout their entire ranges, and both have island populations. This project uses DNA sequence data (CRC and nrITS gene regions) to examine phylogenetic relationships among the Australian taxa. Several nomenclatural issues remain unresolved for P. aurantia and P. herbertiana will be addressed as part of this work. The evolutionary relationships reconstructed from the sequence data will help to clarify which taxa should be recognized, and will inform the taxonomic revision of the lineage as a whole. Furthermore, it will provide a phylogenetic framework to examine the biogeographical diversification of this group across the Austral-Pacific region.

1 - Tennessee Technological University, Biology, 1100 North Dixie, Pennebaker Hall 207, Cookeville, TN, 38501, USA
2 - Tennessee Technological University, Biology, 1100 North Dixie, Pennebaker Hall 207, Cookeville, TN, 38501, United States

Keywords:
Disemma
molecular phylogeny
Passiflora aurantia
P. herbertiana
P. cinnabarina
evolutionary biogeography.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PSY024
Abstract ID:425
Candidate for Awards:Genetics Section Poster Award