Phylogeny of Elatostema (Urticaceae) using chloroplast DNA data

Abstract

Phylogenetic analyses of the Urticales, based on chloroplast DNA data, support the monophyly of the Urticaceae, Boehmeria, Pilea and Procris, but not of Elatostema. Our result suggests that the circumscription of Procris is to be extended or included within Elatostema. At the tribal level, both Boehmerieae and Lecantheae appear paraphyletic, although this may be an artefact of the low taxon sampling. Preliminary analyses of relationships within Elatostema do not support the recognition of the subgenus Pellionia.