Phylogeny of Clusiaceae based on rbcL sequences

Phylogenetic models of the Clusiaceae have so far been based on morphological data only. As an additional source of phylogenetic information, the chloroplast gene rbcL was sequenced for 26 species, representing all available genera of Clusiaceae. The DNA data were analyzed cladistically together with previously published sequences. The results show that the aquatic family Podostemaceae is nested inside Clusiaceae as the sister group of subfamily Hypericoideae or tribe Hypericeae. The subfamilies Kielmeyeroideae and Clusioideae, as delimited in recent morphology-based classifications, are largely supported as monophyletic. The sole exception is Clusiella, which links with Kielmeyeroideae rather than with Clusioideae. We conclude that pollination by resin-collecting bees arose independently in Clusiella and the Clusioideae: Clusieae.