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Genera of Cyperaceae

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  will build on the recent but contrasting morphological classifications of Bruhl (1995) and Goetghebeur (1998) by utilizing molecular sequence data. The first molecular phylogeny for the family, using rbcL sequences, was resolved by Kew scientists (1998) and has been followed up by several more comprehensive phylogenies, again based on rbcL.  A two-gene phylogeny (rbcL and trnL-F) was completed in 2005 for publication later in 2006 or 2007. 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.

Future work will, subject to funding, stabilize 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. We aim to complete the account within the next ten years.

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