Molecular phylogeny and character mapping support generic adjustments in the Tetrapteroid clade (Malpighiaceae)

Abstract

In the past two decades, Malpighiaceae has gone through unprecedented changes in classification due to molecular phylogenetic studies. However, some generic adjustments are still needed to make all genera monophyletic. In this study, we propose the new genus Glicophyllum to accommodate the species of Tetrapterys pro parte, a wellsupported lineage recovered by us and by the most recent phylogenetic studies of the family. Additionally, we propose the synonymy of Aenigmatanthera under Niedenzuella to finally render the latter monophyletic. Morphological characters related to inflorescence architecture, bract and bracteole size, presence of glands on the bracts and bracteoles, style size and thickness, and ratio length among superior and anterior lateral wings of mericarps are important for circumscribing these lineages.

Untargeted Metabolomics Sheds Light on the Diversity of Major Classes of Secondary Metabolites in the Malpighiaceae Botanical Family

“…Most plant samples were collected by R.F. Almeida on field expeditions throughout Brazil from 2013 to 2017, or were retrieved from discarded fragmented samples used for DNA extraction in molecular studies ( de Almeida et al, 2017 , 2018 ; de Almeida and van den Berg, 2020 , 2021 ). For information regarding all sampled specimens, see Supplementary Table 1 .…”

“…1,300 species, mostly confined to the American tropics, with Brazil being its most representative country. Few genera and species reach the tropics of Africa, Asia, and Oceania ( Davis and Anderson, 2010 ; de Almeida et al, 2021 ; de Almeida and van den Berg, 2021 ). Some Amazonian species of Malpighiaceae are traditionally known for their psychedelic or aphrodisiac properties, with several studies focusing on the chemical characterization of these species ( Samoylenko et al, 2010 ; Queiroz et al, 2014 ).…”

“…; Cameron et al, 2001 ; Davis et al, 2001 ; Davis and Anderson, 2010 ; de Almeida et al, 2017 ). Since then, different authors have gradually proposed new genera and combinations to accommodate these newly identified lineages ( Anderson, 2006 , 2011 ; Anderson and Davis, 2006 ; Davis et al, 2020 ; de Almeida and van den Berg, 2021 ). Even though some morphological characters were used to reconstruct the last generic phylogeny of Malpighiaceae, no morphological characters were ever recovered, circumscribed, or discussed for its major phylogenetic clades ( de Almeida and van den Berg, 2021 ).…”

“…Since then, different authors have gradually proposed new genera and combinations to accommodate these newly identified lineages ( Anderson, 2006 , 2011 ; Anderson and Davis, 2006 ; Davis et al, 2020 ; de Almeida and van den Berg, 2021 ). Even though some morphological characters were used to reconstruct the last generic phylogeny of Malpighiaceae, no morphological characters were ever recovered, circumscribed, or discussed for its major phylogenetic clades ( de Almeida and van den Berg, 2021 ). As a result, its traditional classification was rejected, and 10 informal clades, without any morphological circumscription, were recognized in the most recent generic phylogeny for Malpighiaceae ( Davis and Anderson, 2010 ).…”

Flora of Espírito Santo: Barnebyoid and Bunchosioid clades (Malpighiaceae)

“…Moving towards completing the taxonomic treatment of Malpighiaceae from the state of Espírito Santo, we present the taxonomic treatment for species of the Barnebyoid and Bunchosioid clades. These lineages were recently recovered by molecular studies in the family (Davis & Anderson 2010;Almeida & van den Berg 2021), being represented in this state by four genera [i.e., Barnebya (Barnebyoid clade), Bunchosia, Heladena, and Thryallis (Bunchosioid clade)] and six species. We present identification keys, morphological descriptions, examined specimens, comments on distribution and taxonomy, distribution maps, and photographic plates.…”