Phylogenetic and biogeographical patterns in Erythrina (Leguminosae: Phaseoleae) as inferred from morphological and chloroplast DNA characters

A cladistic analysis is presented for a subset of 51 species of Erythrina (Leguminosae: Phaseoleae) representing the morphological, ecological and geographical diversity of the genus. The results are similar to a previously published cladistic analysis of chloroplast DNA restriction site characters. The combined analysis supports as monophyletic subg. Erythraster, but suggests that subg. Micropteryx, Erythrina and Chirocalyx are paraphyletic. At the sectional level, several of the traditionally recognized groups are supported as monophyletic. A paraphyletic assemblage of South American elements are basal in the genus. From this group are derived two main clades. One comprises South American and Mexican taxa. The other includes Asian species from which are derived a New World group and a primarily African clade, with derived Asian and South American species. Biogeographical patterns, fossil evidence, and the probable age of avian pollinators suggest a possible Early Tertiary occurrence in North America, with subsequent diversification in South America, Africa, and Asia.