Systematics and Conservation Genetics of Liliales
Tulipa sp.
Systematic studies of Liliales are an ongoing focus of monocot studies at Kew. As in the case of the closely-related lilioid order Asparagales, among the major advances of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification (APG II, 2003) were the resolution of which families belong in Liliales and how they are related to each other. These phylogenetic studies, many of which were done at Kew, have revolutionised concepts of Liliaceae and Liliales, with many groups previously thought to be related to the true lilies being transferred to other orders. Some of these relationships are supported by morpho-anatomical features in addition to data from DNA sequences.
Order-wide studies based on a collaboration with groups in the USA and Europe have provided a phylogenetic tree in which most branches are strongly supported. This is now being used as a framework for studies focusing on character evolution, floral development, genome evolution etc. At Kew, current work within the order is focused on phylogenetic studies in Liliaceae (including Calochortaceae and Tricyrtidaceae), with detailed studies being undertaken of Fritillaria, Gagea and Tulipa.
Project Team
Project Leader: Fay, Mike
Herbarium
Paul Wilkin
HPE
Richard Wilford
Jodrell Laboratory
Mark Chase, Mike Fay, Paula Rudall