Phylogenetic analysis of Iridaceae with parsimony and distance methods using the plastid gene rps4

A molecular phylogeny of the family Iridaceae based on the plastid gene rps4 was obtained using both parsimony and distance methods. Thirty-four species were examined together with eight outgroup species. Results show that the Iridaceae are monophyletic, and that Isophysis is likely to be the earliest emerging genus. Subfamily Ixioideae plus the genera Aristea and Nivenia form a strongly supported clade. Within subfam. Iridoideae, the tribe Irideae includes the genus Bobartia (of disputed position), and the tribe Mariceae includes Cypella. The division of Iridoideae into tribes is consistent with their geographical distribution.