XVI International Botanical Congess
The Malvaceae, sensu stricto, form the core of the Malvales. Recent studies have proposed expanding this core to include families traditionally recognized as separate from the core Malvaceae. We examine this core using traditional morphological data as our foundation and supplement these data with chromosomal and molecular data. We examine the level of support for maintaining the family as a monophyletic unit. Members of the tribe Malveae are those genera most easily recognized as Malvaceae and our data support their monophyly. The genera of other tribes that have occasionally been placed outside the Malvaceae are not always monophyletic in our studies and are usually basal to and grouped outside the Malveae. Key characters will be examined and support for retaining the family discussed.