Phylogenetics of Asphodelaceae (Asparagales): An analysis of plastid rbcL and trnL-F DNA sequences

Phylogenetic relationships of Asphodelaceae were investigated by parsimony analysis of 57 monocot rbcL nucleotide sequences, including 17 genera that have at some time been assigned to the family. All genera of Asphodelaceae except for three (Hemiphylacus, Paradisea and Simethis) form a strongly sup ported monophyletic group with Hemerocallidaceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae as th eir immediate sister taxa. In a second analysis, we added 34 plastid trnL-F sequences tan intron and a spacer between two transfer RNA genes) for the Asphodelaceae clade and nearest outgroup families (Doryanthaceae, Hemerocal lidaceae, Iridaceae, Ixioliriaceae, Tecophilaeaceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae) i n an attempt to improve resolution and levels of internal support. The resu lts from the separate analyses produced highly similar although not identic al results. No strongly supported incongruent groups occurred, and we combi ned both sequence regions in one analysis, which demonstrated improved resu lts. Strong support exists for a monophyletic subfamily Alooideae, but this leaves a paraphyletic subfamily Asphodeloideae because Bulbine/ Jodrellia alone are strongly supported as the sister group of Alooideae. Characters t hat have been used to separate Alooideae as a distinct group (either as her e a subfamily or as a separate family by other authors), such as secondary growth and bimodal karyotypes, are found in at least some members of Asphod eloideae, particularly in Bulbine and Jodrellia for the karyotypes, making Alooideae less easily recognized. (C) 2000 Annals of Botany Company.