Systematics of Abelia and its relatives
This project aims to investigate the relationships between the genera, species and other taxa of the Caprifoliaceae s.l., tribe Linnaeeae Dumortier. It is part of a PhD, jointly co-ordinated by the Open University and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Abelia forrestii (Diels) W. W. Smith (Image: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
Two important scientific problems are raised:
1. The delimitation of genera in the tribe.
2. The delimitation of taxa in several of the species complexes.
In order to answer these questions four research experiments have been identified:
1. A nomenclature and morphological study.
2. DNA phylogenetics at species level.
3. An ontogenetic study of the inflorescence.
4. A horticultural taxonomy study of the species, cultivars and hybrids in the genus Abelia.
Progress:
The preliminary research conducted has shown that the tribe was very diverse in its phylogeny and morphology. The present research has already shown that the generic delimitations were inaccurate.
Publications:
- Yang, Q.; Landrein, S. (2011) LInnaeaceae. In Wu, Z. Y., P. H. Raven & D. Y. Hong, eds. Flora of China. Vol. 19 (Cucurbitaceae through Valerianaceae, with Annonaceae and Berberidaceae). Science Press, Beijing, and Missouri Botanical Garden Press, St. Louis. 642-648; http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=20472
- Landrein, S. (2010) Diabelia, a new genus of tribe Linnaeeae subtribe Linnaeinae (Caprifoliaceae) Phyototaxa 3: 34-38.
