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A framework infrageneric classification of Carex (Cyperaceae) and its organizing principles
Author(s) -
Roalson Eric H.,
JiménezMejías Pedro,
Hipp Andrew L.,
BenítezBenítez Carmen,
Bruederle Leo P.,
Chung KyongSook,
Escudero Marcial,
Ford Bruce A.,
Ford Kerry,
Gebauer Sebastian,
Gehrke Berit,
Hahn Marlene,
Hayat Muhammad Qasim,
Hoffmann Mathias H.,
Jin XiaoFeng,
Kim Sangtae,
Larridon Isabel,
LéveilléBourret Étienne,
Lu YiFei,
Luceño Modesto,
Maguilla Enrique,
MárquezCorro Jose Ignacio,
MartínBravo Santiago,
Masaki Tomomi,
Míguez Mónica,
Naczi Robert F. C.,
Reznicek Anton A.,
Spalink Daniel,
Starr Julian R.,
Villaverde Tamara,
Waterway Marcia J.,
Wilson Karen L.,
Zhang ShuRen
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of systematics and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.249
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 1759-6831
pISSN - 1674-4918
DOI - 10.1111/jse.12722
Subject(s) - carex , subgenus , cyperaceae , polyphyly , clade , biology , phylogenetics , phylogenetic tree , systematics , evolutionary biology , botany , genus , taxonomy (biology) , zoology , genetics , poaceae , gene
Phylogenetic studies of Carex L. (Cyperaceae) have consistently demonstrated that most subgenera and sections are para‐ or polyphyletic. Yet, taxonomists continue to use subgenera and sections in Carex classification. Why? The Global Carex Group (GCG) here takes the position that the historical and continued use of subgenera and sections serves to (i) organize our understanding of lineages in Carex , (ii) create an identification mechanism to break the ~2000 species of Carex into manageable groups and stimulate its study, and (iii) provide a framework to recognize morphologically diagnosable lineages within Carex . Unfortunately, the current understanding of phylogenetic relationships in Carex is not yet sufficient for a global reclassification of the genus within a Linnean infrageneric (sectional) framework. Rather than leaving Carex classification in its current state, which is misleading and confusing, we here take the intermediate steps of implementing the recently revised subgeneric classification and using a combination of informally named clades and formally named sections to reflect the current state of our knowledge. This hybrid classification framework is presented in an order corresponding to a linear arrangement of the clades on a ladderized phylogeny, largely based on the recent phylogenies published by the GCG. It organizes Carex into six subgenera, which are, in turn, subdivided into 62 formally named Linnean sections plus 49 informal groups. This framework will serve as a roadmap for research on Carex phylogeny, enabling further development of a complete reclassification by presenting relevant morphological and geographical information on clades where possible and standardizing the use of formal sectional names.