Phylogeny of the Polygalaceae and its taxonomic implications

Abstract

The phylogeny of the Polygalaceae is analysed cladistically. The two tribes Xanthophylleae and Moutabeae are maintained in their former circumscription while a new tribe, the Carpolobieae, comprising the African genera Carpolobia and Atroxima is detached from the Polygaleae. Within the Polygaleae, the genera Polygala and Monnina appears to be polyphyletic. It is concluded that Monnina subg. Monninopsis and M. subg. Pterocarya are better recognized as independent genera, here described as Ancylotropis and Pteromonnina, respectively. More work needs to be done before taxonomical decisions are made regarding Polygala. Bredemeyera and Comesperma, which are often joined in a single genus, are found to be only distantly related. © 1993 Springer-Verlag.