A phylogeny of the evening primrose family (Onagraceae) using a target enrichment approach with 303 nuclear loci

BackgroundThe evening primrose family (Onagraceae) includes 664 species (803 taxa) with a center of diversity in the Americas, especially western North America. Ongoing research in Onagraceae includes exploring striking variation in floral morphology, scent composition, and breeding system, as well as the role of these traits in driving diversity among plants and their interacting pollinators and herbivores. However, these efforts are limited by the lack of a comprehensive, well-resolved phylogeny. Previous phylogenetic studies based on a few loci strongly support the monophyly of the family and the sister relationship of the two largest tribes but fail to resolve several key relationships.ResultsWe used a target enrichment approach to reconstruct the phylogeny of Onagraceae using 303 highly conserved, low-copy nuclear loci. We present a phylogeny for Onagraceae with 169 individuals representing 152 taxa sampled across the family, including extensive sampling within the largest tribe, Onagreae. Deep splits within the family are strongly supported, whereas relationships among closely related genera and species are characterized by extensive conflict among individual gene trees.ConclusionsThis phylogenetic resource will augment current research projects focused throughout the family in genomics, ecology, coevolutionary dynamics, biogeography, and the evolution of characters driving diversification in the family.

Automated summary

The evening primrose family (Onagraceae), one of the most diverse plant families in the Americas, has been studied using a target enrichment approach to reconstruct its phylogeny. This phylogenetic resource will provide valuable information for research in genomics, ecology, coevolutionary dynamics, biogeography, and character evolution driving diversification in this plant family.