XVI International Botanical Congess

Malesherbiaceae, a desert family, have a number of Andean and pre-Andean species in Chile, Peru, and Argentina. The Andes greatly influenced the evolution of the family, severing it from its progenitor, Turneraceae, and offering new habitats. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequence data shows strong correlations between species' relationships and distributions, generally, close relatives are found in one geographic region. From Chilean origins, the family spread to Peru. One lineage of Peruvian taxa seems to be radiating into Andean valleys, where genetic isolation likely fosters speciation. The most speciose Chilean lineage inhabits the foothills and Andes in northern Chile, and the family is likely actively colonizing the mountains there also. The most widespread Andean species' varieties are isolated from each other, again suggesting that the Andes promote genetic isolation.