UHINK, CHRISTIAN H. Botanisches Institut und Botanischer Garten, Christian-Albrechts-Universität , D-24098 Kiel, Germany. - Molecular phylogeny and evolutionary trends in Plumbaginaceae JUSS.
The Plumbaginaceae are commonly divided into two subfamilies, the
Staticioideae and the Plumbaginoideae. These groups are sometimes
treated as two separate families. Recent molecular studies confirm
this assumption. Based on this molecular phylogeny more genera will
be analyzed. In addition other molecular marker systems will be
included for further investigations within the family. With the
background of the molecular data sets the families variety in
morphological and physiological characters, especially in adaptation
to the mostly dry or salt-influenced habitats, can be investigated in
an evolutionary context. Plumbaginaceae are nearly worldwide
distributed. Molecular data can also be helpful to explain their
biogeography.
Key words: biodiversity, biogeography, molecular evolution, molecular systematics, Plumbaginaceae