The phylogeny of the Asteridae sensu late based on chloroplast ndhF gene sequences

A phylogenetic study of Asteridae sensu late was conducted based on chlorop last ndhF gene sequences for 116 ingroup and 13 outgroup species. Prior mol ecular studies based on rbcL sequences identified terminal groups correspon ding to families, but were unable to resolve relationships among them. Thes e results are largely consistent with earlier rbcL studies, but provide muc h greater resolution and stronger bootstrap support throughout the tree. Th e parsimony analysis found eight equally parsimonious trees, all of which r ecognize four major clades with the following relationship: (Cornales (Eric ales (Euasterids I, Euasterids II))). Euasterids I includes (Garryales ((So lanales, Borasnaceae) (Gentianales, Lamiales))), although with weak support for relationships among the named clades. Euasterids II includes (Aquifoli ales (Asterales (Apiales, Dipsacales))) with strong support for these relat ionships. Relationships within Ericales are weakly supported and merit furt her attention. (C) 2000 Academic Press.