Molecular phylogenetics and molecular clock dating of Sapindales based on plastid rbcL, atpB and trnL-trnF DNA sequences

Abstract

This study focuses on reconstructing the time‐calibrated phylogeny of the nine families comprising the order Sapindales, representing a diverse and economically important group of eudicots including citrus, mahogany, tree‐of‐heaven, cashew, mango, pistachio, frankincense, myrrh, lychee, rambutan, maple, and buckeye. We sampled three molecular markers, plastid genes rbcL and atpB, and the trnL‐trnLF spacer region, and covered one‐third of the generic diversity of Sapindales. All three markers produced congruent phylogenies using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods for a set of taxa that included outgroups, i.e., members of the closely related orders Brassicales and Malvales, and the more distantly related Crossosomatales, Ranunculales, and Ceratophyllales. All results confirmed the current delimitation of the families within Sapindales, and the monophyly of the order. Concerning inter‐familial relationships, Biebersteiniaceae and Nitrariaceae formed a basal grade (or sister clade) to the rest of Sapindales with moderate support. The sister relationship of Kirkiaceae to Anacardiaceae and Burseraceae was strongly supported. The clade combining Anacardiaceae and Burseraceae as well as the clade combining Meliaceae, Simaroubaceae, and Rutaceae each received strong support. The sister relationship between Meliaceae and Simaroubaceae was moderately supported. The position of Sapindaceae could not be resolved with confidence. The Sapindales separated from their sister clade, comprising Brassicales and Malvales, in the Early Cretaceous at ca. 112 Ma, and diversified into the nine families from ca. 105 Ma until ca. 87 Ma during Early to Late Cretaceous times. Biebersteiniaceae and Nitrariaceae have the longest stem lineages observed in Sapindales, possibly indicating that extinction may have had a greater role in shaping their extant diversity than elsewhere within the order. Divergence within the larger families (Anacardiaceae, Burseraceae, Meliaceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae, Simaroubaceae) started during the Late Cretaceous, extending into the Paleogene and Neogene.

The influence of the Gondwanan breakup on the biogeographic history of the ziziphoids (Rhamnaceae)

“…As those are predominantly influenced by fossil attribution (Magallón, ; Pirie, Litsios, Bellstedt, Salamin, & Kissling, ; Shen et al., ), taxonomy and phylogeny of the study group are of crucial importance. Consequently, taxonomically resolved groups with a rich fossil record should constitute ideal model groups, because they are more likely to uncover accurate age estimates (e.g., Favre et al., ; Muellner‐Riehl et al., ).…”

Fruit Morphology and Anatomy of the Spondioid Anacardiaceae

“…The Anacardiaceae are a widely distributed family of the order Sapindales (Muellner-Riehl et al, 2016), particularly well represented in tropical regions of the world today. The family includes economically important members such as cashew, pistachio, and mango, various timber woods, and some dermatologically toxic plants like poison ivy (Pell et al, 2011).…”

Complete plastome sequencing fromToona(Meliaceae) and phylogenomic analyses within Sapindales

“…Meliaceae is strongly supported as monophyletic and consists of two subfamilies: Cedreloideae and Melioideae (Muellner et al., ). A recent phylogenetic study of Sapindales based on plastid rbcL , atpB , and trnL ‐ trnF sequences (Muellner‐Riehl et al., ) found that Simaroubaceae was sister to Meliaceae, with moderate support. Together, these two families formed a strongly supported clade with Rutaceae.…”