Molecular phylogeny of the genus Dolichandra s.l. (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae)

Author(s)

Luiz Henrique Martins Fonseca

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB)
• Defense date: 2012-11-01

Examining board members

Lucia Garcez Lohmann; André Olmos Simões; Alberto Vicentini

• Advisor: Lucia Garcez Lohmann

Abstract

Dolichandra s.l. is a genus of lianas found in the Neotropics. It belongs to the family Bignoniaceae, tribe Bignonieae. The actual circumscription of the genus was based on a molecular phylogeny of the tribe and morphological synanpomorphies. Currently the genus comprises ten species, two of than proposed in this dissertation. Species of Dolichandra s.l. have great variation in geographic distribution, habitats occupied, as well as, morphological characters related to pollination and dispersal events. The goals of this study are: (1) Reconstruct the phylogeny of Dolichandra s.l. using the plastid markers ndhF e rps32-trnL and the nuclear marker PepC, and (2) use the phylogeny as base to infer process that acted in genus diversification. A sample from four outgroups and 20 individuals were obtained, accounting nine species of Dolichandra s.l. Well resolved phylogenies for the three markers revealed that the genus, and the multiple sampled species are monophyletic. Dolichandra unguiculata is the first species to diverge, being sister of a clade with the rest of the genus in all topologies. Dolichandra acuminate as sister of D. quadrivalvis is a well supported clade in all topologies. This clade emerged for all markers and criteria as sister of clade with D. dentata, D. hispida, D. uncata, and D. unguis-cati. In the latter clade, D. uncata emerged as sister of the other species in all topologies. On the other hand, the phylognetic position of D. chodatii, D. cynanchoides, D. dentate and D. hispida is not well supported in the combined analysis, revealing differences in topology between plastid and nuclear markers. All the nodes of the phylogeny have some degree of sympatry between lineages, indicating the importance of niche differences for the genus diversification and the prevalence of sympatric speciation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/12508-3 - Molecular phylogeny of the genus Dolichandra s.l.
• Grantee: Luiz Henrique Martins Fonseca
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master