| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section / ASPT Butterworth, Charles [1], Haberkorn, Matt A. [2]. Resolving phylogenetic relationships in the cactus genus Ariocarpus. OF all the genera in the cactus family, Ariocarpus with only six recognized species has garnered quite a reputation due to its taxonomic peculiarities, bizarre morphology and extremely slow growth rate. Distributed in northern Mexico and southern Texas, many species are geophytic, and unless in flower can be very difficult to spot in the substrate. In spite of, or maybe because of their morphological uniqueness and slow growth rates, members of Ariocarpus are very popular among cactus enthusiasts, many of whom harbor remarkable specimens, some of which attain great size and age. Yet, we are still unsure about many of the systematic relationships among species of the genus, all of which are considered rare and listed on CITES Appendix I. To date, there have been no phylogenetic assessments of the genus using molecular methods. Previous taxonomic treatments of Ariocarpus have divided species among the genera Roseocactus, Neogomesia, and Ariocarpus, although most modern treatments only recognize the latter genus. Presented here are results of a molecular systematic study of Ariocarpus utilizing DNA sequence data from the chloroplast (including the “reputedly” fast evolving rpl16 intron and psbA-trnH intergenic spacer) and low-copy nuclear data.
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1 - Desert Botanical Garden, Research, 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona, 85008, USA
2 - Prescott College, 220 Grove Avenue, Prescott, Arizona, 86301, USA
Keywords:
Cactaceae
Ariocarpus
Systematics
Phylogenetics.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 6-10
Location: 106/Ayres
Date: Monday, July 31st, 2006
Time: 11:00 AM
Abstract ID:686 |
