Fig. 2: Phylogenetic relationships among magnoliids, eudicots and monocots.

a, Liriodendron shows typical features of monocots in its reproductive organs (flower parts in multiples of three and monosulcate pollen grains) and of eudicots in its vegetative organs (two cotyledons, a taproot system, a eudicot-like stem cross-section and netted venation). These experiments were repeated independently at least ten times with similar results. Scale bar, 200 µm. b, Three topologies that coincided with three alternative phylogenetic hypotheses are plotted, and the results of a chi-squared test of the orthogroup numbers supporting each topology are shown below, revealing no statistically significant difference in topology preference. c, The eudicot- and monocot-specific gene families present in Liriodendron are statistically similar to those present in Amborella, whereas Spirodela polyrhiza has a bias towards monocot-specific gene families, and Macleaya cordata has a bias towards eudicot-specific gene families when compared with Amborella. d, Dated phylogeny for 11 plant species with Picea abies as an outgroup. A time scale is shown at the bottom, and red points in some nodes indicate fossil calibration points.