Systematics of Ficinia clade (Cyperaceae)
Master Thesis
2012
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Cyperaceae is a cosmopolitan graminoid family comprising about 110 genera and over 5500 species, represented in Southern Africa by 30 genera and over 500 species. The family is an integral part of wetland and grassland vegetations, a number of species have various local uses, and several species are notorious weeds in agriculture. The Ficinia clade includes five genera, namely Isolepis, Ficinia, Scirpoides, Dracoscirpoides and Hellmuthia. The clade has a centre of diversity in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), where over 70% (113 species) of the species occur, with several taxa dispersed into alpine areas of Africa, and to Australasia, Europe and the Americas. This study aims to infer the phylogenetic relationships and patterns of macroevolution in Ficinia clade; to estimate the divergence dates and investigate the role of ecology the speciation of sister species of the genus Ficinia; and to revise the taxonomy of the species in the Ficinia indica complex (F. indica, F. dunensis, F. elatior, F. aff. indica R and F. aff. indica MF).
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Tshiila, A. A. 2012. Systematics of Ficinia clade (Cyperaceae). Masters’ Thesis. University of Cape Town.