Molecular phylogenetics of Thymelaeaceae with particular reference to African and Australian genera

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Abstract
Phylogenetic relationships of the African and Australian Thymelaeaceae were investigated by parsimony analysis of 41rbcLnucleotide sequences, including 27 genera and several outgroup taxa. In a second analysis, plastidtrnLintron andtrnL-Fintergenic spacer sequences for the same taxa were included as well. The results from the separate analyses produced highly congruent, although not identical, results. Lastly we combined both sequence regions in one analysis to improve resolution and support. Thymelaeaceae are monophyletic with Thymelaeoideae, Aquilarioideae, Gonystyloideae and Gilgiodaphnoideae clearly recognised.GonystylusandLethedonare grouped together, contrary to previous studies that placedLethedonin Aquilarioideae. The molecular evidence does not support monophyly of the largely African genusGnidia; at least four major lineages could be identified.Pimelea(Australian) is embedded within one of these lineages, and the others are more closely related toDrapetes(New Zealand and South America),Struthiola, PasserinaandLachnaea(all African).