Delimitation of Epacridaceae: Preliminary Molecular Evidence

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Abstract
Comparative sequence data for the chloroplast encodedrbc L gene has been obtained for species representing the basal lineages in the proposed phylogeny of Powellet al. (Annals of Botany77: 305–315, 1996), with the aim of testing the delimitation of the family and the validity of the supra-generic taxa proposed, and estimating relationships within the family. Cladistic analyses indicate that EpacridaceaesensuPowellet al. (1996) is not monophyletic.Lebetanthus, a monotypic genus from South America commonly placed within the family, mostly near the Tasmanian endemicPrionotes, is shown to be closer toGaultheriaand other members of the ericaceous tribe Andromedeae. The hypothetical phylogeny of Powellet al. (1996) is evaluated in the light of this preliminary analysis of relationships within the family. The data do not support the recognition of the two subfamilies, Richeoideae and Epacridoideae, of Watson

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