Abstract Detail

Systematics

Fowler, Rachael M [1], Bayly, Michael J [1], Murphy, Daniel [2].

The genus Eremophila (Scrophulariaceae, Myoporeae) in Australia's arid zone: phylogeny and biogeography using the chloroplast genome.

Eremophila is a diverse Australian genus of plants with over 200 described species and a growing list of undescribed taxa. Commonly known as emu bushes, Eremophila species are significant, often dominant, components of the Australian arid and semi-arid zone flora, where they tolerate harsh, dry and saline conditions and provide food and shelter for a wide range of insect and bird species. Currently species relationships in Eremophila are unclear and classification is based on morphology alone. With next generation sequencing methods, we now have the opportunity to study evolution of this group using substantial genomic datasets.
The aims of this study are to discover the evolutionary relationships of Eremophila, in order to re-assess classification of the group using morphological and molecular data; to infer the biogeographic history of the group in arid Australia; and to investigate the relationships of Eremophila to other members of tribe Myoporeae, some of which are distributed outside Australia. To address these aims I have sampled ~ 95% of described Eremophila species from across the Australian continent, and sourced representatives from five of the six related genera including species of Myoporum from across the Pacific region and Bontia daphnoides from the Caribbean. Using whole genome shotgun sequencing, I have assembled and aligned entire chloroplast genomes to reconstruct a well-supported phylogeny of Eremophila and relatives.

1 - The University of Melbourne, School of BioSciences, Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
2 - Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Plant Sciences, Private Bag 2000, South Yarra, N/A, 3141, Australia

Keywords:
Scrophulariaceae
phylogeny
phylogenetics
Australia
Eremophila
Chloroplast Genome
Next generation sequencing.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 17, Asterids I part B
Location: 204/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016
Time: 10:15 AM
Number: 17009
Abstract ID:416
Candidate for Awards:None