The Caryophyllales constitute a major lineage of flowering plants with approximately 12500 species in 39 families. A taxonomic backbone at the genus level is provided that reflects the current state of knowledge and accepts 749 genera for the order. A detailed review of the literature of the past two decades shows that enormous progress has been made in understanding overall phylogenetic relationships in Caryophyllales. The process of re-circumscribing families in order to be monophyletic appears to be largely complete and has led to the recognition of eight new families (Anacampserotaceae, Kewaceae, Limeaceae, Lophiocarpaceae, Macarthuriaceae, Microteaceae, Montiaceae and Talinaceae), while the phylogenetic evaluation of generic concepts is still well underway. As a result of this, the number of genera has increased by more than ten percent in comparison to the last complete treatments in the Families and genera of vascular plants” series. A checklist with all currently accepted genus names in Caryophyllales, as well as nomenclatural references, type names and synonymy is presented. Notes indicate how extensively the respective genera have been studied in a phylogenetic context. The most diverse families at the generic level are Cactaceae and Aizoaceae, but 28 families comprise only one to six genera. This synopsis represents a first step towards the aim of creating a global synthesis of the species diversity in the angiosperm order Caryophyllales integrating the work of numerous specialists around the world.

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A taxonomic backbone for the global synthesis of species diversity in the angiosperm order Caryophyllales

SUMMARY

The chromosome number of 118 plants belonging to 108 species collected in the wild in Syria has been determined. Notes on some species are given.

Chromosome numbers in some syrian angiosperms

In order to examine the systematic application of seed-coat micro-morphology in Gypsophila and allied genera, seed surfaces of 30 species and two varieties representing four genera of tribe Caryophylleae were examined with scanning electron microscope. The seeds of examined species range between 0.5–2.1 mm in length and 0.3–2.4 mm in diameter. The exomorphology of the seed coat shows two distinctive cell patterns. The epidermis is constructed either of elongated polygonal or of broad polygonal cells. The elongated type is the most common among the studied species, but the variation in alignment of testa cells, their size and shape as well as the density of protuberances may provide further information and useful diagnostic characters at generic and specific rank. The testa cells in Gypsophila and Saponaria are shallowly undulate, deeply undulate, lobed and armed at anticlinal walls. Deeply undulate anticlinal walls were observed in both Gypsophila and Ankyropetalum and a few species of Saponaria. Non- or indistinctly grooved anticlinal walls is the more common type in Allochrusa. Seed-coat characters support the separation of Gypsophila and Saponaria to some extent but disagree with recognition of Ankyropetalum as a genus separate from Gypsophila.

Seed micro-morphology and its systematic significance in Gypsophila (Caryophyllaceae) and allied genera

Gypsophila paniculata L., a dicotyledonous, herbaceous member of the Caryophyllaceae, was introduced into North America from Eurasia as a garden ornamental and has escaped to become troublesome in some areas. A life history study has revealed that this species is spread entirely by seed, its tumbleweed character being an important factor. Germination occurs mainly in the spring in Saskatchewan stands, perhaps as a result of no dormancy in the seeds. Although seedling development is characterized by a rapid penetration of the root system, mortality in natural stands is high. Under favorable conditions, at least 2 yr are required for the production of floral primordia. The mature plant is characterized by a root system which penetrates to depths of 4 meters or more. Shoots arise each year from a thick woody caudex.

Life History of Gypsophila paniculata

Genetic diversity, genetic structure and phylogeography of the Iberian endemic Gypsophila struthium (Caryophyllaceae) as revealed by AFLP and plastid DNA sequences: connecting habitat fragmentation and diversification

This work was undertaken at the suggestion of Dr. J. Lanjouw and Dr. F. P. Jonker. The citation heading this paragraph indicates that the group of Caryophyllaceae with which it deals, presents unusual taxonomic difficulties. At first, it was intended to restrict the revision to the genus Gypsophila. However, in the course of the work it was realized that the small genera Bolanthus, Ankyropetalum and Phryna could not be left out of account as they had been regarded by some authors as subdivisions of Gypsophila and by others as near relatives of this genus. For this reason a complete revision of these genera too was included.
The only previous revision of Gypsophila is that published by Williams (1889). His study, largely based on data derived from the literature, includes 76 species i.e. about 3/5th of the number recognized here. His views on the generic limits were strongly influenced by those expressed by BENTHAM in BENTHAM and HOOKER’s Genera Plantarum 1 (1862). Later authors did not follow him in this respect, and generally preferred BOISSIER’s delimitation (1867), so e.g. PAX and HOFFMANN in the 2nd Edition of ENGLER und PRANTL, Planzenfam. (1934). PAX had already accepted this delimitation in the first edition (1889).

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Y.I. Barkoudah

Papers

A revision of gypsophila, bolanthus, ankyropetalum and phryna1