XVI International Botanical Congess

Nucleotide sequence data from both chloroplast and nuclear genes were used for phylogenetic analyses of representatives of most genera traditionally included in the Trifolieae and Vicieae, with representatives of Cicereae, Galegeae, and Hedysareae used as outgroups. Medicago, as defined by floral characters associated with an explosive pollination syndrome, forms a well-supported monophyletic group distinct from that formed by Melilotus nested within Trigonella. Relationships of two genera whose placement in Trifolieae have been questionable are clarified: Parochetus is sister to the clade composed of Cicer, Galega, and Trifolieae plus Vicieae, Ononis is sister to all other genera in Trifolieae. Hypotheses about evolution of floral and fruit characteristics are considered.