XVI International Botanical Congess

Chloroplast DNA sequence data have shown that the family Scrophulariaceae in its traditional sense is a polyphyletic assemblage of several monophyletic groups scattered over the order Lamiales. Based on data from the rps16 and ndhF genes, we show that Buddlejaceae p.p., the Scrophulariaceae tribes Manuleae and Selagineae, and several other genera of various previous taxonomic assignment form a strongly supported monophyletic group together with Scrophularia. With less confidence, Myoporaceae s.l., and the Scrophulariaceae tribe Hemimerideae joins the group. The taxonomic consequences of different circumscriptions of the family are discussed. The homology of morphological and phytochemical characters that have been considered in previous classifications are viewed in light of the current phylogenetic hypothesis.