Phylogenetic relationships in Australasian Gnaphalieae (Compositae) inferred from ITS sequences

Analyses of ITS sequences of Australasian Gnaphalieae reveal at least six distinct lineages of Gnaphalieae in New Zealand. Our results suggest that the New Zealand species of Craspedia form a monophyletic group, which originated in Australia. The stoloniferous species of Euchiton are clearly separated from the non-stoloniferous species. They are not closely related to any other New Zealand gnaphalioid taxon. The Australian species of Ewartia are a polyphyletic group and are not closely related to the sole New Zealand species, Ewartia sinclairii. An almost endemic New Zealand clade consists of species currently included in Anaphalioides, Ewartia, Helichrysum, Leucogenes, Rachelia, and Raoulia. It appears that the New Zealand clade diversified rapidly soon after the arrival of its ancestor in New Zealand. The relationships of Ozothamnus leptophyllus are poorly resolved. Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum emerges with mainly Asian and South American Gnaphalieae.