Publication | Open Access
A yellowwood by any other name : molecular systematics and the taxonomy of Podocarpus and the Podocarpaceae in southern Africa
21
Citations
0
References
2004
Year
Molecular SystematicsBotanyGeneticsSouthern AfricaForestryAfrican PodocarpusGenomicsPhylogenetic AnalysisNumerous Segregate GeneraPhylogeneticsMolecular EcologyBiogeographyTaxonomic HistoryPhytogeographyPhylogeny ComparisonBiodiversityPlant PhylogenyGenetic VariationPhylogenomicsPlant BiodiversityPlant TaxonomyBiologyNatural SciencesEvolutionary BiologyPhylogenetic MethodTaxonomy (Biology)MedicineOther Name
We briefly review the taxonomic history of the Podocarpaceae, with an emphasis on the recognition of numerous segregate genera out of Podocarpus sensu lato. Despite some controversy over the recognition of these genera, molecular data (DNA sequences) provide evidence that supports this taxonomy. The implications for African Podocarpaceae are discussed. In particular, molecular data support the recognition of lIgAfrocarpusl/Ig as distinct from Podocarpus. Additional taxonomic problems concerning the possible segregation of Podocarpus milanjianusl/Ig from P. latifoliusl/Ig are addressed using DNA sequence data from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region. Results of this are inconclusive, and suggest that alternative DNA-based evidence, such as from AFLPs or microsatellites, may be more informative in resolving such species complexes in African Podocarpus.