Phylogeny and classification of the Ranunculaceae

Abstract

Some problems of the phylogenetic classification of Ranunculaceae are discussed. The family is delimited excluding Paeonia, Glaucidium and Circaeaster, and including Hydrastis and Kingdonia. It becomes difficult to subdivide the family into the R-type and T-type group by chromosome size. These two groups can be maintained by a difference in stainability of the interphase nuclei and the prophase chromosomes with the exception of Myosurus. Asteropyrum has fairly long chromosomes but contains benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in large quantity as the T-type group. The genus is placed at the top of the T-type group linking the T-type to the R-type group. Callianthemum and Adonis have achenes but are rather similar to Helleboreae with follicles in their mode of vascular supply to the ovule, and these two genera may be directly connected to Helleboreae phyletically.