Eocene Loranthaceae pollen pushes back divergence ages for major splits in the family.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We revisit the palaeopalynological record of Loranthaceae, using pollen ornamentation to discriminate lineages and to test molecular dating estimates for the diversification of major lineages.

Methods

Fossil Loranthaceae pollen from the Eocene and Oligocene are analysed and documented using scanning-electron microscopy. These fossils were associated with molecular-defined clades and used as minimum age constraints for Bayesian node dating using different topological scenarios.

Results

The fossil Loranthaceae pollen document the presence of at least one extant root-parasitic lineage (Nuytsieae) and two currently aerial parasitic lineages (Psittacanthinae and Loranthinae) by the end of the Eocene in the Northern Hemisphere. Phases of increased lineage diversi

SUBMITTER: Grimsson F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5466002 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature