Relationships within Podocarpaceae based on DNA sequence, anatomical, morphological, and biogeographical data

Despite considerable recent progress in understanding intergeneric relationships, a comprehensive analysis of Podocarpaceae at the species level using molecular data, biogeography, anatomy, and morphology has not been previously attempted. Here we present sequence analyses of rbcL, nrITS1 and NEEDLY intron 2 for two-thirds (183 accessions of 145 taxa) of all Podocarpaceae species representing all genera except Parasitaxus. These analyses include many more species and accessions than previous studies and result in a more resolved phylogeny. The comprehensive anatomical and morphological study ensures that the identification of taxa is correct and also provides clade support. Bayesian and parsimony analyses were used to resolve 20 well-supported monophyletic groups including 11 groups of the formerly poorly resolved subgenera Podocarpus and Foliolatus. The well-resolved topology is supported by anatomical and morphological features and is highly congruent with geographical distribution. (C) The Willi Hennig Society 2011.