Evolution and classification of figs (Ficus, Moraceae) and their close relatives (Castilleae) united by involucral bracts

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  • Wendy Clement
  • Sam Bruun-Lund
  • Alanna Cohen
  • Finn Kjellberg
  • George D. Weiblen
  • Rønsted, Nina
Figs and fig wasps are a classic example of an obligate pollination mutualism. Decades of work untangling the ecology and evolution of these organisms has simultaneously contributed to development of the fields of mutualism, coevolution, and plant-insect interactions at large. With more than 800 species, figs (Ficus, Moraceae) are among some of the larger genera of angiosperms. Phylogenetic studies of Moraceae have supported the clade Castilleae as the sister lineage of figs. Compared to figs, Castilleae has many fewer species (60 species and 11 genera), suggesting changes in rates of diversification along these two branches. Relatively little is known about Castilleae compared to Ficus, and we argue that defining the clade comprising figs and Castilleae, hereafter Involucrata, focuses attention on opportunities for comparative studies of pollination mutualisms and diversification rates. In this study, we define Involucrata and propose a revised classification scheme that accounts for the phylogenetic reconstruction based on the most comprehensive sampling of this group to date. Moving forward, this classification will better guide and support evolutionary, ecological, and comparative pollination biology studies of this most notable group.
Original languageEnglish
JournalBotanical Journal of the Linnean Society
Volume193
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)316-339
ISSN0024-4074
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

ID: 236326832