Phylogeny, character evolution, and biogeography of <i>Cuscuta</i> (dodders; Convolvulaceae) inferred from coding plastid and nuclear sequences

Abstract

Hybridization may play an important yet underestimated role in the evolution of Cuscuta. Our results disagree with scenarios of evolution (polarity) previously proposed for several taxonomically important morphological characters, and with their usage and significance. While several cases of long-distance dispersal are inferred, vicariance or dispersal to adjacent areas emerges as the dominant biogeographical pattern.