Geometric Morphometrics sheds light on the systematics affinities of two enigmatic dwarf Neotropical sedges (Carex, Cyperaceae).

ABSTRACT: Geometric morphometrics (GM) is a powerful analytical tool that enables complete quantification of shapes. Its use in Botany has a great potential for complementing plant evolutionary and ecological studies. Taxonomic delimitation in Carex has been complicated due to reduction of characters and frequent homoplasy. This problem is more marked in cases where the species exhibit dwarfism. South America is the continent with the least understood Carex flora. The systematic relationships of some bizarre-looking groups were not unraveled until molecular phylogenetic studies resolved their relationships. In particular, there are two species only known from their type material whose affinities remain uncertain: Carexherteri and C.hypsipedos. These two taxa are acaulesce

SUBMITTER: Morales-Alonso A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10540071 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature