TAXONOMY AND PHYLOGENY OF THE TRIBE PLUCHEEAE (ASTERACEAE)

The tribe Plucheeae (BENTH.) A. ANDERB., has been analysed cladistically by means of a computerized parsimony program (Henning 86), using the Arctotideae as outgroup. The results of the analysis are presented in a consensus tree and one cladogram. Four major monophyletic subgroups can be recognized: The Coleocoma group (3 genera), the Pterocaulon group (3 genera), the Laggera group (6 genera), and the Pluchea group (12 genera). All recognized genera are described and most genera are supplied with taxonomical notes including comments on their taxonomic status. Genera such as Blumea, Pluchea, and Epaltes are demonstrated to be unnatural assemblages. Monarrhenus and Tessaria are both closely related to the Pluchea complex. The old generic name Litogyne HARV. has been taken up for one species of Epaltes, the genus Rhodogeron is reduced to a synonym of Sachsia, and the following new combinations are made; Litogyne gariepina (DC.) A. ANDERB., and Sachsia coronopifolia (GRISEB.) A. ANDERB.