@article {4067, title = {From open areas to forests? The evolutionary history of Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma (Araceae) using morphological data}, year = {2014}, abstract = {

Due to its wide distribution covering three of the largest Neotropical biomes, Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma is an interesting model to discuss the diversification of Neotropical plants. The aim of this study was to test a previous hypothesis that the Eastern and Southern species of P. subg. Meconostigma have plesiomorphic gynoecial structure while in Amazonian species they are apomorphic. To this end, we conducted an analysis of maximum parsimony with generalized frequency coding method using a matrix with 59 morphological characters and 90\% of the species of P. subg. Meconostigma. The phylogenetic reconstruction suggests that the subgenus is monophyletic and originates from open areas of Cerrado. Four morphological synapomorphies support the monophyly of the subgenus and seven synapomorphies support four minor clades within it. Our results also include characterization of three new gynoecial subtypes (A1, A2 and A3) within the subgenus. Subtype A2 (undeveloped stylar body with long stylar canals, absent central stylar dome, shallow compitum) is basal and represents the ancestral gynoecium in the group. These findings suggest that the balance between pollen uptake and accessibility of the locules were decisive to drive gynoecium evolution in the subgenus Meconostigma.

}, keywords = {Character analysis, Floral evolution, Gynoecium, Neotropics, phylogeny}, author = {Calazans, L.S.B. and Sakuragui, C.M. and Mayo, S.J.} } @article {4050, title = {Phylogeny and diversification history of the large Neotropical genus Philodendron (Araceae): Accelerated speciation in a lineage dominated by epiphytes }, year = {2018}, abstract = {

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Philodendron is a large genus of ~560 species and among the most conspicuous epiphytic components of Neotropical forests, yet its phylogenetic relationships, timing of divergence, and diversification history have remained unclear. We present a comprehensive phylogenetic study for Philodendron and investigate its diversification, including divergence-time estimates and diversification rate shift analyses.
METHODS: We performed the largest phylogenetic reconstruction for Philodendron to date, including 125 taxa with a combined dataset of three plastid regions (petD, rpl16, and trnK/ matK). We estimated divergence times using Bayesian evolutionary analysis sampling trees and inferred shifts in diversification rates using Bayesian analysis of macroevolutionary mixtures.
KEY RESULTS: We found that Philodendron, its three subgenera, and the closely related genus Adelonema are monophyletic. Within Philodendron subgenus Philodendron, 12 statistically well-supported clades are recognized. The genus Philodendron originated ~25 mya and a diversification rate upshift was detected at the origin of subgenus Philodendron ~12 mya.
CONCLUSIONS: Philodendron is a species-rich Neotropical lineage that diverged from Adelonema during the late Oligocene. Within Philodendron, the three subgenera currently accepted are recovered in two lineages: one contains the subgenera Meconostigma and Pteromischum and the other contains subgenus Philodendron. The lineage containing subgenera Meconostigma and Pteromischum underwent a consistent diversification rate. By contrast, a diversification rate upshift occurred within subgenus Philodendron ~12 mya. This diversification rate upshift is associated with the species radiation of the most speciose subgenus within Philodendron. The sections accepted within subgenus Philodendron are not congruent with the clades recovered. Instead, the clades are geographically defined.

}, keywords = {Araceae, divergence-time estimates, diversification rate shifts, museum and cradle models, Neotropics, Philodendron}, doi = {doi:10.1002/ajb2.1111}, author = {Canal, D. and K{\"o}ster, N. and Jones, K.E. and Korotkova, N. and Croat, T.B. and Borsch, T.} } @article {3791, title = {A Preliminary Taxonomic Revision of Heteropsis (Araceae)}, journal = {Systematic Botany; Quarterly Journal of the American Society of Plant Taxonomists}, volume = {38}, year = {2013}, pages = {974}, chapter = {925}, abstract = {

A preliminary taxonomic revision is presented of the Neotropical genus Heteropsis, widely known as the source of a regionally important non-timber forest product; a tough resistant root fiber used in craftware and furniture making. Eighteen species and one variety are recognized, including two new species, Heteropsis reticulata and Heteropsis vasquezii; Heteropsis melinonii is considered to be of doubtful status. Descriptions, illustrations, geographical distribution and taxonomic commentary for each species, and an identification key are provided. Lectotypes are designated for Heteropsis oblongifolia, Heteropsis rigidifolia and Heteropsis salicifolia. Short reviews are provided of taxonomic history, phylogeny, vegetative and reproductive morphology, growth cycle, uses, and conservation status.

}, keywords = {Amazonia, hemi-epiphytes, Neotropics, non-timber forest products, root fibers}, doi = {10.1600/036364413X674715}, author = {M. Lourdes Soares and Simon J. Mayo and Rog{\'e}rio Gribel} } @article {2737, title = {New Taxa of Homalomena (sect. Curmeria) from the Neotropics}, journal = {Aroideana; Journal of the International Aroid Society}, volume = {27}, year = {2004}, pages = {138}, chapter = {130}, abstract = {

Two new species and one new subspecies of Homalomena sect. Curmaria are described and characterized. These are Homalomena erythropus ssp. allenii Croat, H. kvistii Croat, and H. moffleriana Croat \& Grayum.

}, keywords = {Homalomena, Homalomena erythropus ssp. allenii, Homalomena kvistii, Homalomena moffleriana, Neotropics, new species}, author = {Thomas B. Croat and Richard P. Wunderlin} }