Tracking gypsophily across the phylogeny: 3 study cases

Abstract

To gain an evolutionary understanding of plant gypsophily, is essential to incorporate phylogeny in the analyses. Here we present an overview of three different approaches that we are currently undertaking to tackle this issue. (I) we have selected 5 Iberian genera with gysophite or gypsovag species in which a fairly complete and reliable phylogeny is published (Ononis, Helianthemum, Chaenorrhinum, Reseda and Teucrium). In each of these 5 lineages we plan to explore the events of gypsophily and to evaluate the existence of preadaptations along the clades in terms of ionome. (II) Within the Ononis tridentata-fruticosa-rotundifolia clade, we intend to carry out Hyb-Seq taking the leaf and soil chemical composition into account. Among other biogegraphic and phylogenetic inferences, we are particularly interested on the comparison of the ionome of O. fruticosa populations growing in and out gypsum. (III)We plan to reconstruct the phylogeny of the genus Frankenia based on HybSeq, which comprises a relevant amount of halophyte, gypso-halophyte and gypsum species, particularly in Australia. This worldwide distributed genus is crucial for the understanding of chemical adaptations of gypso-halophytes, a poorly described functional group, but requires a taxonomic and phylogenetic clarification before further analysis. Approaches II and III will use the Angiosperms-353 kit (myBaits), which will allow integrating the results in further studies beyond our current particular purposes