World Classification and Phylogeny of Salicaceae sensu stricto

Salix serissima. Photo: Irina Belyaeva

Despite the importance of Salicaceae sensu stricto as valuable resources for bioremediation and a potential biofuel there is no universally accepted classification. The species of this family are notoriously difficult to identify because of the great intraspecific variability and the supposed ease with which they hybridise. The aim of the project, funded privately, is to create a definitive classification of the family.

Morphological analysis will be used to characterise all described taxa and hybrids of both genera, Salix L. and Populus L. of Salicaceae sensu stricto, comprising approximately 620 species worldwide. Outputs will include a comprehensive DELTA database of characters, taxonomically validated names, synonyms, bibliographic details, geographical distribution, illustrations and taxonomic comments. The database will be used to create a checklist and an interactive key to be published on the internet. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using plastid and nuclear genetic markers will also be used to establish phylogenetic relationships within these two genera.