XVI International Botanical Congess

Molecular sequence data indicate that Vochysiaceae are related to Myrtaceae, a conclusion morphological data had not indicated. Flowers of the former are zygomorphic with a single fertile stamen, whereas those of Myrtaceae are actinomorphic with numerous stamens. Nonetheless, a study of Vochysiaceae floral morphology and development turned up features that, in addition to some vegetative and anatomical characters, support the placement in Myrtales. These same studies resulted in a reevaluation of several characters that have been important in defining genera and tribes within Vochysiaceae, such as stamen position and ovary position. Phylogenetic analyses of the family based on morphological and molecular data suggest that the distribution and history of some of these characters may be simpler than previously thought, and that some generic and tribal boundaries within Vochysiaceae must be redrawn.