A classification of Selaginella (Selaginellaceae) based on molecular (chloroplast and nuclear), macromorphological, and spore features

Abstract

The largest genus of seed‐free vascular plants Selaginella alone constitutes t he family Selaginellaceae, the largest of the lycophyte families. The genus is estimated to contain ca. 800 species distributed on all continents except Antarctica, with the highest species diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. The monophyly of Selaginella has rarely been doubted, in contrast its infrageneric classification has been contentious. In the present study, based on chloroplast and nuclear DNA evidence, macromorphology, spore features, and/or distribution information, Selaginella is classified into six subgenera: S. subg. Selaginella, S. subg. Boreoselaginella, S. subg. Pulviniella, S. subg. Ericetorum, S. subg. Heterostachys, and S. subg. Stachygynandrum. The latter three subgenera are further classified into six, five, and seven sections, respectively. All of these infrageneric divisions, identified with molecular data, are supported by non‐molecular features. A key to infrageneric taxa is given. Thirty‐seven infrageneric taxa published in earlier literature are lectotypified and classified into those infrageneric taxa here recognized. A nomenclatural account of each infrageneric taxon is given.

Historical biogeography of the ancient lycophyte genus Selaginella: early adaptation to xeric habitats on Pangea

“…(). We confirmed monophyly for all subgenera and sections defined by Zhou and Zhang (). Phylogenetic reconstructions based on maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference yielded identical trees regarding the topology of the six Selaginella subgenera (Fig.…”

“…Phylogenetically, only Selaginella sanguinolenta is classified as a member of this clade. Other recent species of this subgenus might be missing in our and previous phylogenies because they have hitherto not been sequenced (Zhou and Zhang, ; Zhou et al., ). The oldest known fossil with isophyllous stems, decussately arranged leaves and Selaginella ‐like appearance is Selaginella resimus (Rowe, ), which is known from the late Visean (Carboniferous) of Great Britain.…”

A community‐derived classification for extant lycophytes and ferns

“…Monophyletic (Korall et al, ; Korall & Kenrick, ; Zhou et al, ; Weststrand & Korall, ). Six (Zhou & Zhang, ) or seven (Weststrand & Korall, ) subgenera can be recognized. Perhaps 700 species.…”

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities and evaluation of cytotoxicity of the fractions obtained fromSelaginella convoluta(Arn.) Spring (Selaginellaceae)

“…A source of such extracts is the Selaginellaceae family, which includes the genus Selaginella, and comprises about 700-800 species [12][13][14][15]. Approximately 270 species of Selaginella are found in America, of which 61 occur in Brazil, and the genus is widely distributed throughout America, Africa and Europe [14,16].…”