Predictivity vs Useful

[Peter Stevens]

>Yes, of molecular data.


P.

>Peter,
>
>Were the new classifications (Plstyspermation to Alseuosmiaceae and
>Soyauxia to
>Peridiscaceae) based on phylogenetic analyses?  That is, were the
>groups formed
>by these (and related?) re-allocations hypothesized to be monophyletic?
>
>Best,
>
>Barry
>
>--- Peter Stevens <peter.stevens at MOBOT.ORG> wrote:
>
>>  Not specifically addressing any of the points made, but I thought a
>>  couple of (plant) examples might be of interest.  These concern the
>>  New Caledonian Platyspermation (previously very uncertain
>>  relationships) going to the SW Pacific Alseuosmiaceae (Asterales) -
>>  and when I went to look, distinctive indumentum, corolla margins,
>>  etc. were in full agreement with new position. At least some of the
>>  characters are synapomorphies for Alseuosmiaceae.
>>
>>  Two weeks ago during lab I looked at seed morphology/anatomy of a
>>  couple of species of the African Soyauxia (ex Medusandraceae:
>>  relationships unclear), but very recently (Davis and Chase) placed in
>>  Peridiscaceae (tropical American: previously Malpighiales, but now
>>  Saxifragales).  It was very distinctive, with tanniniferous coat, the
>>  cells being more or less collapsed, very tough endosperm with
>>  massively thickened cells, etc.  So I looked at a seed of Peridiscus
>>  yesterday - almost identical.  Unfortunately, there is no material of
>>  Whittonia, the third genus.
>>
>
>
>
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