Genera of Cyperaceae

A new generic account of the large important monocot family Cyperaceae using a DNA-based classification to be published online and in hard copy.

Khaosokia caricoides D.A. Simpson, Chayam. & J.Parn., from Thailand. Photo: R. Pooma

This is a collaborative project with partners in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, South Africa and USA to prepare a new Genera of Cyperaceae account. It builds on the contrasting morphological classifications of Bruhl (1995) and Goetghebeur (1998) by utilising molecular sequence data as the basis for higher level classification in the family. The first molecular phylogeny for Cyperaceae, using rbcL sequences, was resolved by Kew scientists in 1998 and has been followed up by several more comprehensive phylogenies, again based on rbcL. Further phylogenies were published in 2007 and 2009. Detailed studies at tribal level and below, in which Kew is playing a lead or significant role, are being undertaken in tribes Abildgaardieae, Cariceae, Chrysitricheae, Cyperaeae, Hypolytreae, Rhynchosporeae and Sclerieae. These have established the subfamilial classification of Cyperaceae as comprising two groups, Mapanioideae and Cyperoideae. They are also clarifying tribal and generic relationships as well as contributing data to the overall phylogeny. In addition new genera are being discovered which are posing further questions about relationships in some groups.

Current work aims to stabilise the phylogeny of Cyperaceae by incorporating molecular sequence data from additional genes/gene regions and develop a better understanding of morphological character evolution in the family. The Genera of Cyperaceae account will be published online through emonocot and as hard copy. We aim to complete the account within the next five years.
 

Key papers published since 2006.
1. Smith, S.Y., Collinson, M.E., Simpson, D.A., Rudall, P.J., Marone, F. & Stampanoni, M. (2009). Elucidating the affinities and habitat of ancient, widespread Cyperaceae: Volkeria messelensis gen. et sp. nov., a fossil mapanioid sedge from the Eocene of Europe. American Journal of Botany 96: 1581–1593.
2. Muasya, A.M., Simpson, D.A., Verboom, G.A., Goetghebeur, P., Naczi, R.F.C., Chase, M.W. & Smets, E. (2009). Phylogeny of Cyperaceae based on DNA sequence data: current progress and future prospects. Botanical Review 75: 52-66.
3. Simpson, D. A., Muasya, A. M., Alves, M., Bruhl, J. J., Dhooge, S., Chase, M. W., Furness, C. A., Ghamkhar, K., Goetghebeur, P., Hodkinson, T. R., Marchant, A. D., Reznicek, A. A., Nieuwborg, R., Roalson, E. A., Smets, E., Starr, J. R., Thomas, W. W., Wilson, K. L., &  Zhang, X. (2007). Phylogeny of Cyperaceae based on DNA sequence data - a new rbcL analysis. Aliso 23: 72-83.
4. Jones, E., Simpson, D.A., Hodkinson, T., Chase, M.W. & Parnell, J.A.N. (2007). The Juncaceae-Cyperaceae interface: a multigene analysis. Aliso 23: 55-61.