Phylogeny of the genusBryoria

Abstract

AbstractThe phylogenetic relationships of the genusBryoriawere examined using ITS, partial glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and mitochondrial SSU rDNA sequence data in addition to 20 chemical and morphological characters. This first comprehensive molecular study to assessBryoriaphylogeny includes representatives from all the traditionally recognized four sections. Combined cladistic analyses of 88Bryoriaspecimens representing at least 25 species resulted in highly resolved phylogenies. Based on the results, a new infrageneric classification for the genus is proposed. Five sections are recognized, largely corresponding to the existing classification, with the addition of sectionAmericanae. The study shows that while most species with an erect growth-form are clearly monophyletic, current species status of many pendent taxa can be questioned.