Systematics of Dendrobiinae (Orchidaceae), with special reference to Australian taxa

Abstract

The systematics of subtribe Dendrobiinae, Dendrobium, and Australian dendrobiums in particular, are reviewed. Molecular approaches have delimited the subtribe, established Asian and Australasian clades and clarified relationships at some levels within them. At most lower taxonomic levels within Dendrobium s.l., resolution has been partial. Morphological and molecular phylogenetics indicate that Dendrocoryne, Rhizobium and some other sections are not monophyletic, with morphological analyses providing the greatest resolution into groups corresponding with biogeography. For most sections, sampling is too incomplete to determine relationships and monophyly. Distribution, pollination syndromes, breeding systems, fertility and specialized anatomical features contribute little to classification. Natural hybrids are more common than previously stated and may have played a role in the high level of homoplasy and evolution of Australian epiphytes. There is little support for splitting Dendrobium into many genera and species based on terminal clades. The evidence is interpreted as favouring recombination of Cadetia, Flickingeria and Diplocaulobium within the conserved broad genus Dendrobium. Nomenclatural stability is retained in continuing to use the long-held subgeneric sectional classification, including many of the sections of Schlechter, and infraspecific ranks of subspecies and varieties. In Dendrocoryne, Thelychiton, Tropilis and Tetrabaculum are rejected, as is Dockrillia in Rhizobium. Proposals to elevate infraspecific taxa to species level for variable species complexes are not supported by current morphological or molecular data based on slowly evolving DNA regions. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London.