XVI International Botanical Congess

The matK gene of cpDNA and ITS regions of nrDNA were sequenced from ten species representing six genera of the family Rhizophoraceae in China. The phylogenetic trees were constructed based on sequences of the matK gene and ITS regions respectively, and a combined analysis of the matK and ITS data was also conducted to better estimate the molecular phylogeny of the family. The results showed that ten species formed a monophyletic group, however, there were high sequence divergences within the tribe Rhizophoreae. The molecular phylogenies suggested that the taxonomic positions of two species of the inland genus Carallia should be reconsidered. A corresponding analysis, between morphological characters and molecular phylogenies of Rhizophoraceae, indicated the concerted evolution of peculiar adaptive features in the family. The biogeography of Rhizophoraceae was discussed based on molecular phylogenetic information.