Phylogenetic relationships and classification in Marantaceae: insights from plastid DNA sequence data

The evolutionary distinctiveness and phylogenetic position of Marantaceae within the Zingiberales is strongly supported, yet relatively little phylogenetic research has been conducted on members of Marantaceae. Phylogenetic analyses of plastid DNA sequence data (matK and 3' intergenic spacer region, and the trnL-F intergenic spacer region) for 80 ingroup, taxa, representing 27 genera were conducted under parsimony criteria. Results identify five major clades and support significant realignments in tribal and group circumscriptions. Four non-monophyletic genera, Calathea, Marantochloa, Phrynium, and Schumannianthus are identified. Although significant work remains to identify relationships of the major lineages within Marantaceae and to redefine several problematic genera, we propose a working classification that better reflects the inferred evolutionary history of the family.