New Zealand Journal of Botany abstract

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B97045
Received 2 July 1997; accepted 17 December 1997

Evolution and biogeography of the Hebe complex (Scrophulariaceae) inferred from ITS sequences

STEVEN J. WAGSTAFF

Landcare Research
P. O. Box 69
Lincoln 8152, New Zealand

PHILIP J. GARNOCK-JONES

School of Biological Sciences and
 Island Biology Research Programme
Victoria University of Wellington
P. O. Box 600
Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract  The Hebe complex comprises a putatively monophyletic group distributed from eastern Australia and New Guinea to the Falkland Islands. Analysis of ITS sequences supports five distinct clades within the complex, corresponding to Derwentia plus Hebe formosa, Heliohebe, Chionohebe plus Parahebe trifida, Parahebe, and Hebe. Hebe cheesemanii and Hebe cupressoides form a weakly supported clade that is distinct from the Hebe clade. Relationships of Hebe macrantha are poorly resolved. The currently recognised infrageneric classification of Hebe is not supported by this study, and the newly described genus Leonohebe Heads is considered polyphyletic. These results suggest that the progenitor of the Hebe complex originated in Australia. A rapid and extensive radiation followed establishment of a founder population in New Zealand. The combined effects of inbreeding, genetic drift, and strong selection on small populations fragmented by mountain-building and glaciation have contributed to its rapid evolution. At least two recent instances of long-distance dispersal between New Zealand and South America are supported.

Keywords  Scrophulariaceae; Hebe complex; Chionohebe; Derwentia; Hebe; Heliohebe; Parahebe; Veronica; DNA sequencing; ITS region; rDNA; phylogeny; biogeography

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