Systematics of Caprifoliaceae

The Caprifoliaceae includes many genera of horticultural and economic importance, such as honey-suckles, snow berries and abelias. Some taxa are used medicinally, and Lonicera caerulea is cultivated for its edible fruits. This family also represents an important example in the evolution of the thyrsoid inflorescence.

Berry pairs in Lonicera ligustrina var. yunannensis, L. hispida, L. tangutica & L. litangensis (Images: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)

Following our successful field work in Yunnan (2010) and our subsequent publication of the Caprifoliaceae account for the Flora of China project (www.eFloras.org), we are in a position to build on Kew’s expertise and contribute to global knowledge of the Caprifoliaceae family.

The main purpose of this project is to collect herbarium specimens, DNA samples, digital images and distribution data to develop Kew’s Caprifoliaceae collections and provide current data for conservation assessments and taxonomic work. An important part will be to make all the data and results readily available online via a Scratch Pad site and the Temperate Team website.

This work will contribute towards a world checklist of Caprifoliaceae leading to a taxonomic monograph for this group. A monograph will provide an important tool for future conservation activities.

Publication:

• Yang, Q.; Landrein, S.; Osborne, J. & Borosova, R. (2011) Caprifoliaceae. 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. 616-641; http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=10159