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International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
e-Abstracts
Perak, Malaysia.
1International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
Symposium 1: Fundamentals of biodiversity
OP2018_001
Species Diversity and Abundance of Tropical Bats in Lenggong, Perak
Khairul Azri Nazari* and Nurul Ain Elias
School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia
Email: khairulazrinazari@gmail.com
Abstract
A study was conducted in Lenggong (5°06′N 100°58′E) Perak, Malaysia, to document the species diversity
and abundance of tropical bats in Lenggong, Perak. We presented an assessment of four caves in Bukit
Kepala Gajah, which are Gua Ular, Gua Teluk Kelawar, Gua Ngaum and Gua Kajang. A total of 366
individuals from 27 bat species from seven families were captured from September 2017 to December
2017, using a combination of harp traps and mist nets that were placed in forest trail and cave’s opening.
The most common species was Rhinolophus affinis (83 individuals), followed by Hipposideros bicolor (71
individuals). Our results suggested that Gua Ular showed dominancy of those species (H’=0.843), while Gua
Ngaum recorded the highest species richness (17 species). However Gua Kajang had equally abundance of
individuals among 10 species captured (E=0.843). Gua Ular and Gua Ngaum shared with seven species out
of 27 species indicating the highest faunal similarity in the community ( = 0.803). Tourism and other
activities in this area should be closely monitored to minimize the effect of human disturbance to the cave
ecosystem. Action on supporting government policies in providing a sustainable tourism development
must be done to preserve the habitat in order to conserve the bat population, as well as the cave faunal in
the future.
Keywords: Chiroptera, ecology, UNESCO`s World Heritage Sites, forest-roosting bats, cave-roosting bats
20International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_005
Thuniopsis: A new orchid genus and phylogeny of the tribe Arethuseae (Orchidaceae)
Lin Li1*, De-Ping Ye2, Miao Niu1,3, Hai-Fei Yan1, Tie-Long Wen1, Shi-Jin Li1
1Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization,
South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
2Forest Bureau of Pu’er, Pu’er, Yunnan, P.R. China
3University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
Email: lilin@scib.ac.cn
Abstract
An investigation of a questionable orchid led to the discovery of a new genus and species Thuniopsis
cleistogama, endemic to Yunnan province, China. It is characterized by having a subglobose corm, a spike-
like racemose inflorescence, half opened and spurless flowers, a collar-shaped stigma and subglobose
capsules. Based on DNA sequence data from three gene regions (nuclear ribosomal ITS, chloroplast matK
and trnL), we investigated its phylogenetic position within the tribe Arethuseae. Phylogenies using
maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference support the recognition of Thuniopsis as a distinct genus, and
suggest its close relationship to the genera Bletilla, Dilochia, and Thunia. The new genus is circumscribed
and a description and illustrations of the new species are provided. The phylogenetic relationships among
the genera in Arethuseae are accessed.
Keywords: new genus, new species, Orchidaceae, Thuniopsis cleistogama
21International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_007
Pollination mutualism between leafflowers (Phyllanthaceae) and leafflower moths
(Gracillariidae): phylogenetic approaches and ecological network
Shi-Xiao Luo1*, Lian-Jie Zhang1,2, Gang Yao3, You-Heng Wu1,2, David Hembry4
1Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden,
The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China;
2University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
3South China Limestone Plants Research Centre, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture,
South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
4 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
Email: luoshixiao@scbg.ac.cn
Abstract
Leafflower plant/leafflower moth brood pollination mutualisms are the third obligate seed-parasitized
mutualisms after the fig/fig wasp and Yucca/Yucca moths. Leafflowers and leafflower moths are highly
diverse in China and other subtropical and tropical regions of the world; most leafflower moths actively
pollinate leafflower flowers, and then lay eggs in the flowers, where their larvae consume some of the
developing seeds. In the last several years, we try to use this new symbiotic system to explore the
macroevolution and ecological interactions in Asia. Because of their high diversity and relative
specialization, plant-insect interactions are ideal model systems for understand these process. First, we
present work using ecological network analysis to quantitatively compare patterns of specialization in
communities of leafflowers trees (Glochidion) and their pollinator moths (Epicephala) in mainland of China
and islands (Hainan and Ryukyu Islands). We find very different patterns between continent and islands,
continent and Ryukyu Islands network are characterized by high reciprocal specialization and modularity,
properties which theory has suggested are promoted by highly intimate or symbiotic interactions. In
contrast, the Hainan networks lack reciprocal speciation and significant modularity. Second, we discuss
implication of these network results for ecological network theory and then discuss the macroevolution
with co-phylogenetic approach.
Keywords: Glochidion, Epicephala, coevolution, Asia, network
22International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_008
The taxonomy of Dalbergia in Asia
Shi-Jin Li*
Plant Science Center, South China Botanical Garden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences,
Guangzhou, China
Email: lisj@scib.ac.cn
Abstract
92 species were confirmed in the genus Dalbergia in Asia. 27 names were reduced as synonyms. The
lectotypes of the 26 names were designated. The information provided under each species includes correct
name, an elaborate description, detailed distribution data and phenology. These are again supplemented
with illustrations and distribution maps.
Keywords: Dalbergia, Leguminosae, taxonomy, systematic, Asia
23International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_009
Soil, hydrology, and biomass in a remnant tropical freshwater swamp forest
Kwek Yan Chong1*, Nur Estya binte Rahman1, Rie Chong1, Lorraine Wen Ai Tan1, Qian Yi Ho1,
Hao Ran Lai1, Yixiong Cai2
1Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
2National Biodiversity Centre, National Parks Board, Singapore
Email: kwek@nus.edu.sg
Abstract
Freshwater swamp forests are a unique vegetation type in the tropics, with distinct plant communities.
Many of the studies of tropical freshwater swamps have come from the Neotropics; in Southeast Asia,
much of the work on swamp forests have understandably focused on mangroves and peat swamp forests
because of their ecosystem services, such as coastal protection and carbon sequestration. In the Nee Soon
catchment in Singapore, a set of 40 vegetation plots each measuring 20 × 20 m, was established in a
previous project with the aim of improving our understanding of the role of hydrology and soil in
structuring the tree communities across the swamp and non-swamp parts of the catchment. We also
rediscovered a number of species thought to be locally extinct and uncovered new records for Singapore.
The next aim is to quantify the biomass, necromass, and soil carbon stocks, as well as the association of
these carbon components to soil and hydrological conditions in the catchment. Further investigations
would be made into tree recruitment, growth, mortality, and litter production and decomposition, in order
to understand the ecosystem-level processes of a species-rich, structurally complex swamp forest
ecosystem. While much of tropical ecology is understudied relative to its diversity, the non-peat freshwater
swamp forests of tropical Asia are especially so in terms of rigorously designed studies, but is rapidly
disappearing due to their underappreciated value.
Keywords: freshwater, swamp, forest, ecosystem, vegetation
24International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_010
Gaolejeunea (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta), a new and endangered genus from China
Wen Ye1*, Rui-Liang Zhu2, 3
1Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 723 Xingke Road, Guangzhou 510650, China
2Bryology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road,
Shanghai 200241, China
3Tiantong National Station of Forest Ecosystem, Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and
Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
Email: wenyescib@scbg.ac.cn
Abstract
Cheilolejeunea gaoi, a narrowly endemic species known only from Shangsi Co., Guangxi, has previously
been treated as a species of Cheilolejeunea. However, the presence of Allorgella-type denticulations
formed by two adjacent cells on leaf and underleaf margins, small ovate leaf lobules without distinct teeth,
ental hyaline papilla, and finely segmented oil bodies all suggest that as a peculiar member of the Chinese
Lejeuneaceae, its systematic position requires phylogenetic revision. Maximum likelihood, maximum
parsimony, and Bayesian analyses of a three-marker dataset (nrITS, cpDNA rbcL and trnLF) derived from
85 accessions of Lejeuneeae and 15 outgroup species revealed that C. gaoi belongs to subtribe
Echinolejeuneinae. This subtribe represents a rather morphologically heterogeneous assemblage of genera
that share characteristics such as bifid underleaves, Allorgella-type denticulations and pycnolejeuneoid
gynoecial innovations. Based on the phylogenetic and morphological evidence, we suggest that C. gaoi
should be established as a new genus, Gaolejeunea. The new tropical genus is restricted to heavily and
critically threatened lowland forests. Despite decades of intensive and throughout surveys conducted in
Guangxi and adjoining regions, there are still no records of G. gaoi outside its type locality. We therefore
strongly recommend in situ or ex situ conservation activity for this species based on the IUCN Red List
criteria.
Keywords: China, bryophyte, conservation, gen. nov., Hepaticae
25International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_011
Distribution and bioacoustic assessment of nocturnal arboreal mammals
in Peninsular Malaysia
Priscillia Miard1*, Lim Lee Sim2, Nadine Ruppert1
1School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
2School of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Email: priscillia.miard@gmail.com
Abstract
Data on the distribution and behaviour of nocturnal mammals are lacking for Peninsular Malaysia. We
studied the distribution of Sunda slow lorises (Nycticebus coucang), Sunda colugos (Galeopterus
variegatus), Horsfield’s flying squirrels (Iomys horsfieldii), and red giant flying squirrels (Petaurista
petaurista) in two sites: Penang Island and Segari Melintang. We conducted transect surveys following set
paths of 500 m to assess animal presence/ absence and population density. We surveyed one virgin forest
area in Segari with 20 transects and 15 areas consisting of 15 to20 transects each in Penang Island,
including virgin rain forests and rural areas. We used a red head torch and a Flir thermal device to detect
animals. Thermal imaging is an efficient tool to study nocturnal animals and we spotted a total of 22
different species during our transects. During transect walks (8 pm-1 am) we also recorded the calls of the
study species in the audible and ultrasound spectrum, which are first time records for most species.
Our results indicate that in Penang, the Sunda colugo is the most abundant target species (11.14 ind/ km2)
and Sunda slow lorises are least abundant (1.52 ind/km2) whereas in Segari, we have found the opposite.
This difference can be explained by habitat differences, whereas Penang forests are surrounded by fruit
orchards (mostly durian) whereas Segari forest fringes oil palm plantations. Diversity indexes across all
sites ranged from 0.29 and 1.65 (Shannon Wiener H’, N=20) with Hmax=2.08.
Our survey contributes important baseline data to the research and conservation of nocturnal mammals in
Peninsular Malaysia.
Keywords: nocturnal mammals, nocturnal primates, Nycticebus, Dermoptera, thermal camera
26International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_016
Effect of island attributes on diversity and composition of bird species on land-bridge
islands: A case study in Hulu Terengganu Hydroelectric Dam
Affan Nasruddin Roshidi*, Mohammad Saiful Mansor, Nor Adibah Ismail, Nurlyana Zaini,
Ummi Nur Syafiqah Daud, Shukor Md. Nor
School of Environment and Natural Resources Science, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Email: affanroshidi@gmail.com
Abstract
Habitat fragmentation causes extreme changes in biodiversity and it is important to understand these
alterations to reduce future losses. While studies on tropical birds have mainly conducted in terrestrial
habitat fragments, impacts of the bird community structure on land-bridge islands system remain relatively
unknown. We sampled and compared bird diversity on seven land-bridge islands created by the inundation
of the Puah Reservoir, 2-tier of Hulu Terengganu Hydroelectric Dam. Due to the presence of considerable
barrier of an open-water matrix surrounding the islands, we hypothesized that the island size and degree
of isolation influence the diversity and composition of bird species on land-bridge islands. The study was
conducted from March 2017 to February 2018, using both point count observation and mist-net. Island
attributes that accounted for present study include the island size, peak elevations, maximum reservoir
level, vegetation cover, and distance from mainland and nearby islands. We found that island size play a
major role that influence the bird species assemblages, followed by degree of isolation and vegetation
cover. Larger island support many species as it provides more foraging opportunities and nesting place.
Proximity to mainland contributes to the re-colonization by mainland birds as the vegetation regenerates.
We conclude that the effects of fragmentation on bird species diversity and composition depend not only
on the degree of habitat clearing but also on the design of the landscape.
Keywords: bird, island biogeography, lake, land-bridge, re-colonization
27International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_017
Next generation sequencing as a critical tool in avian phylogenetics:
DNA evidence sheds new light on polymorphism among white-bellied swiftlets of the
Collocalia esculenta group (Aves, Apodidae, Collocaliini)
Sian E.W. Davies
Micropathology Ltd., University of Warwick Science Park,
Coventry, United Kingdom
Email: s.davies@micropathology.com
Abstract
Next generation sequencing of the DNA of white-bellied glossy swiftlets, for which the oldest available
name is Collocalia esculenta L., has resolved long-standing anomalies in two phenotypic characters that
have been given weight as taxonomic indicators. One character, first recognised by A.R. Wallace (1864),
separates 'plain-tailed' species from 'spot-tailed' populations, all of which have a white spot of some form
on the concealed inner vane of all but the central tail feathers (rectrices). The second character is the base
colour of the glossed upperparts, green in some cases, blue in others. Plain-tailed populations are
recognized as occurring from the Andaman Islands, India, through Malaysia and the Sunda islands to
Lombok, Indonesia, and spot-tailed populations as occurring from Sulawesi through and beyond New
Guinea. Observations show that, at locations east of Wallace's Line, some glossy swiftlet populations are
polymorphic in these characters. New DNA evidence from next-generation sequencing places one
polymorphic population in the context of other swiftlets of the region and confirms that the use of these
characters for taxonomic separation is not reflected in the genome.
Keywords: swiftlet, polymorphism, genetics, sequencing, taxonomy
28International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_019
Comparison of the diet profiles of the house-farm swiftlets (Aves, Apodidae,
Aerodramus sp.) in three landscapes in Perak, Malaysia
Kok Sim Chan1*, Wei Lim Goh1, Earl of Cranbrook2
1Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia
2International Collaborative Partner, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Global Research Network,
and Honorary Research Fellow, Micropathology Ltd.
Email: kschan24@yahoo.com.my
Abstract
In this study, we compared the diet profiles of house-farm swiftlets, Aerodramus sp., of different
landscapes, i.e., urban, monocrop oil palm plantation and mixed-use landscape (which includes urban,
plantations and forests) in Perak. Total DNA was extracted from the faeces collected from six swiftlet farms,
i.e., Beruas (mixed), Beruas-OP1 (monocrop), Beruas-OP2 (monocrop), Gopeng (mixed), Ipoh (urban) and
Pantai Remis (mixed), in October 2017. Landscape profiles of the areas within 6 km radius were estimated
using Google Map. High throughput sequencing for the 218-bp mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I region
of these samples resulted in 4852 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), of which 79.7 % of the 329
arthropod OTUs were identified. The overall diet contains highest abundance of Diptera (62.74 %),
corroborating findings in previous studies. Other insect orders present were Hemiptera (18.87 %),
Coleoptera (12.26 %), Lepidoptera (2.36 %), Hymenoptera (1.89 %), Blattodea (0.94 %) and Odonata
(0.94 %). Ipoh recorded the highest diversity of dietary insects, suggesting that urban landscape, in the
presence of water bodies, can supply sufficient food for house-farm swiftlets. In Beruas-OP1 and Beruas-
OP2, Diptera was not the expected top-ranked diet item because other insect orders dominated these
monocrop landscapes at the time of study. The potential disadvantage of setting up swiftlet houses in the
monocrop landscape is that the local source of dietary insects can be affected by pesticide application and
other factors. By contrast, the variety of features in a mixed landscape serves to provide a continuous food
source for the swiftlets.
Keywords: arthropods, house-farm swiftlets, mitochondrial DNA marker, next-generation sequencing,
Malaysia
29International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_024
Comparison of two molecular markers for investigating the population genetic diversity
of Pomacea canaliculata from Peninsular Malaysia
Suganiya Rama Rao*, Vijayasakthi Gunalan, Shyamala Ratnayeke, Yoon-Yen Yow
Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology,
Sunway University Malaysia
Email: 12047114@imail.sunway.edu.my
Abstract
Invasive apple snails (Pomacea spp.) have generated mounting attention for their rapid spread with
consequent ecological and economic losses especially in Asia. Pomacea canaliculata is reported as one of
the world's 100 worst invasive alien species. Efforts to control invasive species in an area often begin
before the basics of its biology are understood. In this study, the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase
subunit I (COI) and the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) markers were used
to assess the population genetic diversity of 93 individuals of P. canaliculata collected from 12 localities in
Peninsular Malaysia. Five unique haplotypes were identified with the mitochondrial COI gene and sixteen
genotypes with the nuclear ITS gene. The results showed that the nuclear ITS gene is more variable
compared to the mitochondrial COI gene and suggesting to be a potential marker to infer the intraspecific
genetic variation in P. canaliculata. Arau (Kedah) may be the probable sites of introduction of P.
canaliculata as specimens from Arau contributing the highest intrapopulation diversity with the
identification of three haplotypes with the COI gene and six different genotypes with the ITS gene. This
fundamental knowledge may improve our understanding of the biology of this highly invasive species,
which in turn will assist with managing their spread.
Keywords: genetic diversity, Pomacea canaliculata, invasive species, COI marker, ITS marker
30International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_041
Potentially invasive and alien plant species around us: Are we aware?
Jamilah, M.S.1*, Nur-Hamizan, I.2
1Instituteof Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (ITBSD),
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia
2Institute of Marine Biotechnology (IMB), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia
Email: jamilah@umt.edu.my
Abstract
Plants are known to be immobile, however their distribution is largely influenced by humans and human
activities. Increase in human mobility and accessibility to many ecosystems, quality of life as well as change
in lifestyles somehow affect plant ecology and distribution across ecosystems. Human and their activities
also make ways to the entrance of potentially invasive and alien plant species into our environment, which
ultimately sometimes become naturalized in our ecosystem. To highlight this issue, we surveyed the extent
of distribution and abundance of the potentially invasive species Ageratum conyzoides and Mimosa pigra
and one alien species, Boerhavia diffusa in 15 sites, in a closed (fenced) and open area in Kuala Nerus and
Kuala Terengganu. A total 345 individuals of these species were found in 225 plots established in the study
sites. The seed properties of selected species also assisted in the distribution of those three species. This
paper also discusses other potential plant species that may change the ecology and biodiversity of our flora
and fauna.
Keywords: plants, human activities, invasive species, alien species, distribution
31International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_047
Different species or genetically divergent populations? Integrative species delimitation
of the Primulina hochiensis complex from isolated karst habitats
Lihua Yang1,3,a, Hanghui Kong1,a,*, Jen-Pan Huang2, Ming Kang1
1Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
2Integrative Research Center, The Field Museum, Chicago, IL 60605-2496, USA
3University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
E-mail: konghh@scbg.ac.cn
aThese authors contributed equally.
Abstract
To consistently and objectively delineate species-level divergence from population subdivision has been a
challenge in systematics. This is particularly evident in naturally fragmented and allopatric systems in
which small population size often leads to extreme population structuring. Here we evaluated the
robustness of the species delimitation methods implemented in BEAST, BPP, and iBPP in the Primulina
hochiensis complex comprising four described and one candidate species (five taxa in total) distributed in
karst landscapes of southern China. We analyzed levels of molecular and morphological divergence among
species using multilocus sequence data (nine chloroplast loci and 10 nuclear loci), and morphological data
(16 quantitative and 12 qualitative traits), for 124 individuals from 25 populations of the complex.
Independent analyses of cpDNA and nDNA sequence data revealed high levels of genetic differentiation
among the five taxa. Both BPP and iBPP delimited five candidate species, which correspond to the five
genetic clusters recovered with population structure analysis. In contrast, morphological differences
among populations were more limited, so that results from principal component analysis (PCA) recovered
only three distinct clusters. We ruled out the possibility of morphologically cryptic lineages/species
because reciprocally monophyletic groups were not supported among the morphologically un-
differentiated taxa. Our results represent a case where extreme population genetic structuring leads to
oversplit of species diversity by molecular data using the multispecies coalescent (MSC) methods. The
observed congruence across multiple analyses corroborates the recognition of a new species P.
lianpingensis and indicates its sister species relationship with P. yingdeensis. This study highlights the
dangers of violating model assumption and the importance of incorporating multiple evidence into species
delimitation of a particular system.
Keywords: BPP, multi-species coalescent, population structure, Primulina, species delimitation
32International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity 2018
Ipoh, Malaysia, Oct 8 – 11, 2018
OP2018_049
Phylogeny and diversification of the genus Phanera (Leguminosae)
Tieyao Tu*, Shiran Gu, Qiubiao Zeng, Dianxiang Zhang
South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
Email: tutieyao@scbg.ac.cn
Abstract
Phanera s.l., a genus of the legume family, contains ca. 150 species in both the paleo- and neotropics.
Previous studies either described Phanera as a subgenus of Bauhinia s.l., a single genus of itself, or
segregated it into several genera based on evidence either from morphology, geographic distribution, or
molecular analyses of limited species. Here we re-evaluated the phylogeny of Phanera s.l. using sequences
of plastid genome from 13 species of Cercidoideae and sequences of ITS, trnL-F and rps32 intron generated
from 72 species of the genus and c. 20 species from Bauhinia s.s. Brenierea, Griffonia and Cercis. Our
analysis resolves Phanera s.l., with 97% bootstrap, as a monophyletic group comprising five distinct clades,
of which three are robustly supported, and two are unsupported. Lysiphyllum (Benth.) de Wit, Schnella
Raddi and the recently created genus Cheniella R. Clark & Mackinder is resolved to be monophyletic with
strong bootstrap support, whereas Lasiobema is demonstrated to be polymorphic. More sequence data in
future studies could be helpful in the reconstruction of the phylogenetic positions of phylogenetic-
unresolved species/clades in this study, such as P. yunnanensis, P. bidentata-P. kockiana, P. bohiniana, P.
apertilobata, P. roxburghiana and P. bracteata. The pollination, geographic pattern and floral characters of
the Cheniella group suggested that instead of diversification on pollinators, geological isolation and
flowering time may played a more important role on the speciation of this group.
Keywords: Bauhinia, biogeography, plastid genome, speciation, taxonomy
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