Phylogenomics, historical biogeography, and diversification of leaf traits in the Malagasy-endemic genus Uncarina (Pedaliaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Premise

Uncarina contains 14 species of woody plants endemic to Madagascar. Its occurrence across dryland biomes on the island make it an interesting system to study the diversification of the flora.

Methods

Using samples of all species and 512 nuclear loci, we reconstructed phylogenetic trees to examine species relationships and assess their monophyly. We also studied the historical biogeography of the genus and combined leaf trait data derived from SEM photography of trichomes and geometric morphometric analysis of leaf shape to better understand its diversification across dryland biomes.

Results

Uncarina is monophyletic, and major clades showed a clear biogeographical signal. Leaf traits also corroborated relationships among major clades. Although most species are

SUBMITTER: Rose JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12012797 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature