Taxonomic studies of the Cape endemic genera Glia, Itasina and Stenosemis (Apiaceae).

VAN WYK, B.-E., TILNEY, P. M., CALVIÑO, C. I., AND DOWNIE, S. R.

University of Cape Town, South Africa

Congreso; Annual Conference of the South African Association of Botanists; 2006

South African Association of Botanists

The vegetative and reproductive morphology, fruit structure, geographical distribution and possible phylogenetic relationships of three poorly known Cape genera of the family Apiaceae are explored in this paper. The genus Itasina is a monotypic but variable plant with hysteranthous, filiform leaves and peculiar spiny sepals. Recent (as yet unpublished) DNA studies have shown a close relationship with the genera Annesorhiza and Chamarea. Stenosemis comprises two species of suffrutices with strongly ribbed fruits (S. angustifolia and S. caffra). This genus appears to be closely related to Cape Peucedanum species. Glia comprises the widely distributed and well known G. prolifera and an undescribed species with smaller fruits and a less woody habit. Genetic evidence from DNA sequencing suggests that Glia is very closely related to the genus Anginon, despite distinct differences in the fruit structure. The remarkable diversity of the southern African genera of Apiaceae and their importance in understanding the early evolution of the subfamily Apioideae are becoming more evident.