Diversity, endemism and conservation of California Monkeyflowers (Phrymaceae): a case study in Erythranthe section Paradantha
Naomi S. Fraga, Lucinda A. McDade (Degree supervisor), J. Travis Columbus (Degree supervisor), J. Mark Porter (Degree supervisor), Claremont Graduate University (Degree granting institution)
Plants placed in the genus Mimulas L. (Phrymaceae), as traditionally defined, are commonly known as monkeyflowers. These charismatic plants are exceedingly diverse in western North America with over 150 of the nearly 200 species worldwide occurring here. Nearly 60% (ca.100) of the species native to western North American occur in California. However, Mimulas has recently undergone significant changes in taxonomy leaving the name Mimulas virtually absent from the California flora. Two genera that have been resurrected; Erythranthe Spach and Diplacus Nutt., account for nearly all of the species diversity in western North American Phrymaceae. Erythranthe is the most diverse of the genera segregated from Mimulas s.1., with 120 species currently recognized. Erythranthe section Paradantha (Phrymaceae) has recently been a source of floristic novelt, with five new species described from California and Nevada. Erythranthe section Paradantha is a relatively species rich lineage within which species identification has been challenging resulting in disagreement among taxonomic authorities. In this study, I examine species boundaries and relationships in Erythranthe section Paradantha in a phylogenetic context using a dense sampling scheme that benefits from extensive fieldwork. Results of this study will inform a taxonomic revision that also incorporates evidence from morphology and ecology
Thesis, Dissertation, English, 2015
2015