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The Science Seminar Series: November 18, 2010
Rare Herbarium Specimens Reveal the Phylogeny of Schoenocaulon (Melanthiaceae)
Dr. Wendy Zomlefer
Department of Plant Biology
University of Georgia
Student Union Theater
Time: 4:00 -5:00pm
Schoenocaulon is an odd plant, characterized by bulbs covered with dark scales, long wand-like flower clusters, and winged seeds. The 24 species in the genus are mainly endemic to Mexico, often restricted to a single mountain range. Species delimitations have been problematic. Analyses of ITS sequence data support recognition of several new species, and some resolution of relationships. The phylogeny, correlated with geography and morphology, allows insight into the evolution of unusual morphological characters. This series of studies would not have been possible without careful sampling of properly vouchered herbarium specimens of these rarely collected species.