XVI International Botanical Congess

Cladistic analyses of morphological and DNA sequence data were used to determine: 1) a monophyletic circumscription of the Cunoniaceae, especially with respect to the placement of Aphanopetalum, Bauera, Brunellia, Davidsonia and Eucryphia, 2) relationships among genera, and 3) patterns of character evolution. Morphological studies helped identify putatively monophyletic terminal taxa and form hypotheses of homology and convergence. DNA sequences (chloroplast rbcL & trnL-trnF) produced a well-resolved and convincing cladogram. Bauera, Davidsonia and Eucryphia are nested within the Cunoniaceae. Brunellia is probably not part of the Cunoniaceae and may be most closely related to Cephalotus. A BLAST search of Aphanopetalum sequences aligns with the Saxifragales. Convergently derived features include free carpels, spherical-head inflorescence, and indehiscent fruits.