Abstract Detail

Biogeography

Majure, Lucas [1], Judd, Walter S. [2], Ionta, Gretchen M. [3], Skean, J. Dan [4], Neubig , Kurt Maximillian [5], MICHELANGELI, FABIAN A. [6].

Diversification and endemism of Greater Antillean Melastomataceae in the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti.

The westernmost mountain range in southern Haiti, Massif de la Hotte, is well known as a biodiversity hotspot for a number of organismal groups, as well as a center of endemism in the Greater Antilles. Underlying biogeographic patterns for endemic plant species of that region have been little tested. Within the Massif de la Hotte, five primary radiations of the Melastomataceae are represented, i.e., Mecranium, Miconia sect. Chaenopleura, Miconia sect. Sagraea, the Caribbean clade of Miconia (all of tribe Miconieae), and Meriania (of Merianieae). Also one endemic species of Henriettea (Henriettieae) occurs there. We included 36 of the 43 endemic species from these groups into a larger phylogenetic framework (905 terminals), consisting of species from tribes Henrietteae, Merianieae, and Miconieae, and broadly representing the diversity in these clades throughout the Neotropics. We also included widespread species of these groups that occur in the Massif de la Hotte. Dispersals into La Hotte leading to the evolution of endemic species have occurred at least 13 times. According to our biogeographic reconstruction, most endemic taxa from Massif de la Hotte appear to have been derived from a very limited pool of regional geographic areas, including eastern Cuba, Haiti (the Massif de la Selle), and western Domincan Republic (Cordillera Central, Sierra de Bahoruco, Sierra de Neiba). These results indicate that at least certain elements of the flora of the Massif de la Hotte were only able to disperse into that region via restricted pathways. This is unlike the broader biogeographic pattern in some groups, such as other members of tribe Miconieae that suggests the dispersal of continental taxa directly into other parts of the Greater Antilles (e.g., Clidemia hirta). Comparisons of the biogeographic history of the melastomes of the Massif de la Hotte with that of other clades (e.g., Asteraceae, Urticaceae) showing high levels of endemism in the area would be useful in further elucidating the origin of the region’s highly diverse flora. 

1 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, P.O. Box 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
2 - University Of Florida, Department Of Biology, 220 Bartram Hall, PO Box 118525, Gainesville, FL, 32611-8525, USA
3 - Gordon State College, Department of Biology, Barnesville, GA, 30204, USA
4 - Albion College, Biology, 611 E Porter Street, Albion, MI, 49224, USA
5 - University of Florida, Florida Museum of Natural History, 385 Dickinson Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7800, USA
6 - The New York Botanical Garden, Institute Of Systematic Botany, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY, 10458, USA

Keywords:
Biogeography
endemism
Haiti
Melastomataceae
radiation
Phylogeny.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Eyrie/Boise Centre
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PBG020
Abstract ID:296
Candidate for Awards:None