A CLADISTIC ANALYSIS OF MAGNOLIACEAE

Abstract:

This paper presents the results of a cladistic analysis and the evaluation of intergeneric phylogenetic relationships within the Magnoliaceae based on morphological, anatomical, and cytological data. In the cladistic analysis, the genus Degeneria is chosen as outgroup. The outgroup comparison method and the fossil evidences are used in polarizing the characters. A data matrix consisting of 23 taxa and 32 characters is analyzed using PAUP 3.1.1 in Macintosh computer and Hennig 86 v. 1.5 in IBM computer, and 44 equally most parsimonious cladograms are produced. The strict consensus cladogram shows that：(1) the genus Magnolia is a polyphyletic group，in which sect．Maingola has a sister-group relationship with the genus Manglietia，and sect．Theorhodon has a close relationship with the genus Talauma；(2) the genus Alcimandra and the tribe Michelia form a monophyletic group；(3) it supports that the genus Liriodendron is isolated in Magnoliaceae and has been branched off from the ancestor of the family in an early stage and it developed in its own pattern．

Key words:Magnoliaceae; Cladistic analysis