Molecular phylogenetics of Ruscaceae sensu lato and related families (Asparagales) based on plastid and nuclear DNA sequences

Abstract

The analyses here were largely conducted with new data collected for the same loci as in previous studies, but in this case from different species/DNA accessions and greater sampling in many cases than in previously published analyses; nonetheless, the results largely mirror those of previously conducted studies. This demonstrates the robustness of these results and answers questions often raised about reproducibility of DNA results, given the often sparse sampling of taxa in some studies, particularly the earliest ones. The results also provide a clear set of patterns on which to base a new classification of the subfamilies of Asparagaceae s.l., particularly Ruscaceae s.l. (= Nolinoideae of Asparagaceae s.l.), and examine other putatively important characters of Asparagales.

Molecular Phylogeny of <I>Ophiopogon</I> (Asparagaceae) Inferred from Nuclear and Plastid DNA Sequences

“…Dai and Liang (1991) and Liang and Dai (1992) retained the group in Liliaceae but classified Ophiopogon and Liriope in Ophiopogoneae and Peliosanthes in Peliosantheae on the basis of leaf epidermis and pollen characters, respectively. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the matK and rbcL chloroplast DNA regions by Tamura and Yamashita (2004) and Kim et al (2010) supported the monophyly of Ophiopogoneae. Ker-Gawler (1807) proposed the genus Ophiopogon based on Thunberg's species, which he recognized as misassigned to the genus Convallaria Linn., and designated O. japonicus as the type species.…”

Making the best of the worst of times: traits underlying combined shade and drought tolerance of Ruscus aculeatus and Ruscus microglossum (Asparagaceae)

“…Further, Ruscus is noteworthy as one of only a few stem photosynthetic plants that occupy a shaded habitat. Historically, it is likely that shade tolerance preceded drought tolerance given this species' ancestors were species of moist tropical forests (Kim et al 2010), and thus Ruscus or its ancestor apparently evolved drought tolerance while expanding its range into drier habitat or during past climate change. Considering its unique adaptations and trait values, Ruscus can serve as an excellent model for the basis of combined shade and drought tolerance.…”

The flower morphology in three Convallariaceae species with various attractive traits

“…The monocot family Convallariaceae (17/130) [1], with the Eurasian -North American distribution, is now placed within the heterogeneous family Asparagaceae s. l. as a part of Ruscaceae s. l. [2,3], basically on the ground of molecular data, and from this point of view, it is the object of morphological and phylogenetical studies [4][5][6]. The flower morphology of some Convallariaceae (Convallarieae: Aspidistra, Rohdea, Tupistra, Convallaria) reveals the absence of septal nectary -a characteristic structure of the gynoecium in most of Asparagaceae s. l. [5].…”