Abstract Detail

Systematics

Byng, James W. [1], Ahmad, Berhaman [2], Baider, Cláudia [3], Bernardini, Benedetta [1], Biffin, Edward [4], Brambach, Fabian [5], Burslem, David [6], Chantaranothai, Pranom [7], Christenhusz, Maaten [1], Florens, Vincent [8], Lucas, Eve [9], Rahajoe, Joeni [10], Ray, Avid [11], Ray, Rajasri [12], Smets, Erik [13], Snow, Neil [14], Soh, Wuu Kuang [15], Strijk, Joeri [16], Sunarti, Siti [10], Widodo, Pudji [17], Wilson, Peter [18].

Syzygium (Myrtaceae): Monographing a taxonomic giant via 22 coordinated regional revisions.

Syzygium Gaertn. is the largest woody genus of flowering plants in the world. Unpublished but extensive recent herbarium surveys suggest 1200 to 1800 species distributed throughout the Old World tropics and subtropics. Until recently, Syzygium exemplified a recurring taxonomic impediment among megadiverse genera, wherein few taxonomists worked on the group in any sustained manner, a majority of the herbarium specimens remained undetermined or misidentified, few if any attempts were made to look at the genus globally, and limited or no molecular studies were available to provide a predictive phylogenetic context of the genus. Taxonomic outputs on Syzygium also have been increasing across its range with the description of new species, resolution of nomenclatural and typification issues, and some regional revisions being initiated or updated. However, virtually all regional treatments (which some areas lack) need urgent revision because they are severely outdated, have limited molecular sampling and are error-ridden. We are coordinating a genus-wide taxonomic update of Syzygium through a series of 22 regional revisions, including 9 in the Flora Malesiana region. Each treatment will include a phylogenetic framework with species descriptions, type information, synonymy, distributions, ecological notes, and keys. Field images and/or line drawings will be included with the goal of every species being illustrated. This paper outlines our progress to date, with a particular emphasis on the Malesian region, and recent biogeographic and phylogenetic insights into the genus.

1 - Plant Gateway, 5 Talbot Street, Hertford, SG13 7BX, UK
2 - Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan, Malaysia
3 - Mauritius Herbarium, Reduit, Mauritius
4 - University of Adelaide, School of Biological Sciences, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
5 - Georg-August-University Gottingen, Gottingen, 37073, Germany
6 - University of Aberdeen, School of Biological Sciences, Aberdeen, UK
7 - Khon Kaen University, Department of Biology, Khon Kaen, Thailand
8 - University of Mauritius, Department of Biosciences, Reduit, Mauritius
9 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, UK
10 - Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Research Center for Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia
11 - Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bengaluru, India
12 - Indian Institute of Sciences, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Bengaluru, India
13 - Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, Netherlands
14 - Pittsburg State University, Department of Biology, 1701 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS, 66762, USA
15 - Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
16 - Guangxi University, Guangxi, China
17 - Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia
18 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, Australia

Keywords:
Syzygium
Myrtaceae
monograph
phylogeny.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 12, Rosids II/Basal Asterids & Asterids I part A
Location: 102/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 1:45 PM
Number: 12002
Abstract ID:518
Candidate for Awards:None