Phylogenetics of epiphytic cacti

DNA sequence analysis improves our understanding of the relationships between the epiphytic cacti.

31 Jan 2012

  •  
  • Close Thanks for liking this page. Tell us why by adding a comment at the bottom.
Hatiora cylindrica

Hatiora cylindrica (Image: A. Calvente)

The Tribe Rhipsalideae is composed of unusual epiphytic or lithophytic cacti that inhabit humid tropical and subtropical forests. Collaboration between researchers at the University of São Paulo and Kew has recently resulted in the publication of two papers on the phylogenetics, evolution and biogeography of this cactus group, based on molecular data.

Four main clades

The first paper, published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, focuses on the relationships within the tribe and shows that this group comprises four main clades supporting the recognition of the genera Lepismium, Rhipsalis, Hatiora and Schlumbergera. It also presents evidence that the genus Schlumbergera should be expanded to include Hatiora subg. Rhipsalidopsis.

Exploring relationships

The second publication, in the International Journal of Plant Sciences, explores in more detail the relationships within the genus Rhipsalis, its biogeographical history and morphological evolution. The authors show that coastal Brazil is the ancestral home of several lineages within Rhipsalis and that these have recently dispersed to other tropical forests in South America, North America, Africa, and Asia.

Item from Dr Felix Forest (Head of Molecular Systematics, Kew)
Kew Scientist, issue 40

Article References:

Calvente, A., Zappi, D. C., Forest, F. & Lohmann, L. G. (2011). Molecular phylogeny of tribe Rhipsalideae (Cactaceae) and taxonomic implications for Schlumbergera and Hatiora. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 58: 456-468.

Calvente, A., Zappi, D. C., Forest, F., Lohmann, L. G. (2011). Molecular Phylogeny, Evolution, and biogeography of South American epiphytic cacti. International Journal of Plant Sciences 172: 902–914.

Help Kew break new ground and inspire new generations

By making a donation to Kew today you can help our scientists to find out more about the fascinating world of plants, break new ground and inspire generations of young people to get to know plants better.

Our scientific programmes are focused on understanding plants and conserving the world's plant life and habitats at risk. Plants are essential to life on earth. In a world where the sustainability of the planet’s rich biodiversity is becoming less certain, Kew’s science work is ever more critical. Find out how your donation can make a difference.

Give now and support Kew’s vital plant science work

Browse Kew news

No comments on 'Phylogenetics of epiphytic cacti'

Follow Kew

Keep up to date with events and news from Kew

Sign up to Kew News

Related Tags

  1. discovered
  2. around the world
  3. sustainable
  4. the UK
  5. at risk
  6. challenging
  7. together
  8. powerful
  9. ground breaking
  10. ancient
  11. ornamental
  12. of use
  13. english garden
  14. innovative
  15. rich
  16. medicinal
  17. weed
  18. edible
  19. tasty
  20. adventurous
  21. endangered
  22. rainforest
  23. uncharted
  24. irreplaceable
  25. needs help
  26. common
  27. flowering
  28. wild
  29. amazing
  30. beautiful
  31. interesting
  32. for kids
  33. inspiring
  34. passionate
  35. new
  36. newly discovered
  37. creative
  38. imaginative
  39. exotic
  40. fun
  41. popular
  42. extraordinary
  43. english heritage
  44. historical
  45. romantic
  46. rare
  47. valuable
  48. ancient
  49. scarce
  50. massive
  51. exploited
  52. fragile
  53. urgent
  54. useful
  55. rare
  56. active
  57. landscapes
  58. collectable
  59. unusual
  60. old
  61. Kew overseas
  62. high
  63. royal
  64. donate
  65. for family
  66. gifts that help
  67. money saving
  68. popular
  69. remember
  70. save
  71. give money
  72. in urgent need
  73. sponsor
  74. Kew at home
  75. collections
  76. surveying
  77. wet tropics
  78. systematics
  79. chemistry
  80. diversity
  81. verge of extinction
  82. big
  83. useful plants
  84. mysterious
  85. give time
  86. treasures
  87. events
  88. Africa
  89. conserving
  90. fieldwork
  91. partnerships
  92. successes
  93. pretty
  94. fragrant
  95. wet
  96. dangerous
  97. high up
  98. essential
  99. drylands
  100. spiky
  101. brand new
  102. hot
  103. friends & family
  104. dry
  105. hot spot
  106. garden plants
  107. woodland
  108. business
  109. South East Asia

Kew on twitter

Sourced from @KewGardens

News from the Gardens

RSS Feed for the blog Arboretum team blog

Visiting botanic gardens in the southern hemisphere

by: Anthony Hall, Arboretum team blog
22 May 2012
With the weather being so unseasonably cold in the UK recently, I thought I'd share with you some botanical warmth down under with the highlights of botanic gardens in Sydney, Perth and Singapore.

Kew News Alert

All Kew News

See your favourite reasons to visit