A revised classification of subtribe helianthinae (Asteraceae: Heliantheae). I. Basal lineages

Abstract

Results for nuclear ITS sequences were combined with previously obtained data from cpDNA restriction site studies to provide a comprehensive molecular phylogeny for subtribe Helianthinae. Results from the two molecular data sets were mostly congruent for basally diverging branches of the subtribe. Based on the results, combined with morphological observations, the basally diverging branches are placed in six genera, including one newly described. Bahiopsis is resurrected to accommodate species previously placed in Viguiera subgenus Bahiopsis. Calantiearia is newly proposed for the five species of Viguiera ser. Brevifolieae. Heliomeris is retained for the group sometimes included within Viguiera as sect. Heliomeris. Hymenostephium is revived and enlarged to include a number of species of similar habit and involucre, including members of Viguiera sect. Diplostichis, Haplocalymma and Garcilassa. Although cpDNA results place the morphologically distinctive Sclerocarpus within the clade including species of Hymenostephium, the ITS data were consistent with morphology in suggesting it to be a distinctive lineage. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London.