Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Yu, Chih-Chieh [1], Chung, Kuo-Fang [1].

Molecular Recircumscription of Berebris s.l. and Why Mahonia.

Taxonomic circumscription of genus Mahonia has long been controversial; however the idea that subsumes Mahonia under Berberis, forming a broadly-defined Berberis (Berberis s.l.), has gained popularity. Despite general agreement over the paraphyly of Mahonia, we argue that the issue is still unreolved, mainly due to problems of previous studies. To solve this historical taxonomic debate, we believe the unsampled species of Mahonia may hold the key. Berberis claireae, together with species of Mahonia sect. Horridae have been noted for its intermediate morphology between Berberis and Mahonia, but yet not been well phylogentically positioned. With expanding sampling of these taxa, we present a phylogenetic analysis based on three coding regions of chloroplast genome, accD, ndhF and rbcL. As a major result, the generic taxonomy of Berberis s.l. is revised toward a monophyletic classification. Of the four major clades revealed in this study, traditionally recognized Berberis (simple-leaved Berberis) is reconfirmed, and Mahonia is resurrected including species of sect. Aquifoliatae, Longibracteatae and Paniculatae. Given the deep stem divergences, and morphological and ecological differences, Mahonia sect. Horridae and the monotypic lineage B. claireae are proposed as twonew genera.

1 - National Taiwan University, School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan

Keywords:
Berberidaceae
Mahonia sect. Horridae
Berberis claireae
South California floristic province
Baja California.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 5
Location: Salon 9/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: 5001
Abstract ID:976
Candidate for Awards:None