A cladistic analysis of Boronia section Valvatae (Rutaceae)

Abstract

A phylogenetic analysis, using 55 morphological and anatomical characters, of all 58 species of Boronia section Valvatae was completed. On the basis of this analysis B. alata, B. algida and B. edwardsii are removed from section Valvatae and it is proposed that two new sections be erected to accommodate them. Boronia section Valvatae s. str., apart from valvate and persistent petals, is defined by the of presence stellate hairs, valvate sepals and axillary inflorescences. An infrageneric classification, based on the cladogram, of Boronia section Valvatae s. str. is proposed and includes four subsections, nine series and five subseries. Of the four subsections, Ternatatae is endemic to the south-west of Australia, Bowmaniae to Cape York, and Grandisepalae to the ‘Top End’ of the Northern Territory (including north-west Queensland) and the Kimberley Region. Subsection Valvatae is widespread but is predominantly found in the south-east of Australia