Preliminary molecular phylogenetics of Sobralia and relatives (Orchidaceae: Sobralieae)

Authors

  • Kurt Neubig Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-8526, U.S.A.
  • Mark Whitten Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, P. O. Box 117800, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7800, U.S.A.
  • Mario Blanco Jardín Botánico Lankester, Universidad de Costa Rica, Apdo. 1031–7050, Cartago, Costa Rica
  • Lorena Endara Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-8526, U.S.A.
  • Norris Williams Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, P. O. Box 117800, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7800, U.S.A.
  • Samantha Koehler Departamento Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, 09972-270, Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/lank.v11i3.18286

Keywords:

Orchidaceae, Sobralieae, Sobralia, phylogenetics

Abstract

With over 200 species, the orchid tribe Sobralieae is a major constituent of the Neotropical flora. As currently circumscribed, the tribe includes four genera: Elleanthus, Epilyna, Sertifera, and Sobralia. Most species of these four genera typically produce long, cane-like stems but differ drastically in flower size and inflorescence structure. DNA sequence data support the monophyly of Elleanthus, Epilyna, and Sertifera but not Sobralia, which is a polyphyletic assemblage traditionally placed together due to relatively large flower size. Details of inflorescence structure provide characters that can easily distinguish the different clades of Sobralia. The misleading characteristic of flower size is probably due to at least several shifts in pollination syndrome within the tribe. With few exceptions, species of Sobralia predominantly offer no reward and are pollinated by bees. Elleanthus and Sertifera are small-flowered and mostly pollinated by hummingbirds with legitimate rewards. Nothing is known of pollination in Epilyna. Understanding the evolution of shifts in pollination syndrome will require more empirical observations of pollination within Sobralieae. In addition, increased taxon sampling and improved phylogenetic resolution are needed before generic realignments are made. 

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Published

2011-11-20

How to Cite

Neubig, K., Whitten, M., Blanco, M., Endara, L., Williams, N., & Koehler, S. (2011). Preliminary molecular phylogenetics of Sobralia and relatives (Orchidaceae: Sobralieae). Lankesteriana: International Journal on Orchidology, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.15517/lank.v11i3.18286

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