Why Africa matters: evolution of Old World Salvia (Lamiaceae) in Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Salvia is the largest genus in Lamiaceae and it has recently been found to be non-monophyletic. Molecular data on Old World Salvia are largely lacking. In this study, we present data concerning Salvia in Africa. The focus is on the colonization of the continent, character evolution and the switch of pollination systems in the genus.

Methods

Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference were used for phylogenetic reconstruction. Analyses were based on two nuclear markers [internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and external transcribed spacer (ETS)] and one plastid marker (rpl32-trnL). Sequence data were generated for 41 of the 62 African taxa (66 %). Mesquite was used to reconstruct ancestral character states for distribution, life form, calyx shape, stamen type an

SUBMITTER: Will M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4071099 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature