Phylogenetic Studies of Marattialean Ferns
Summary
The Marattialean ferns (order Marattiales) represent one of the earliest diverging lineages of eusporangiate ferns, characterised by robust underground rhizomes and large, complex fronds. Over recent decades, the integration of molecular phylogenetic techniques with classical morphology has transformed our understanding of their evolutionary relationships. Comparative analyses of chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences have resolved intergeneric relationships among Angiopteris, Danaea, Ptisana and Christensenia, while genome-scale studies of plastid coding regions and ribosomal DNA have clarified deep divergences within Marattiaceae. These findings suggest a Mesozoic origin for major lineages and highlight the importance of tropical refugia in their long-term persistence. Phylogenetic frameworks now underpin taxonomic revisions, inform conservation priorities for relictual species and guide investigations into the evolution of key morphological traits such as synangial architecture and frond venation. Ongoing synthesis of morphological, cytogenetic and genomic data promises further insight into speciation processes and biogeographic patterns across this ancient fern order.
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Phylogenetic Studies of Marattialean Ferns publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phylogenetic studies of marattialean ferns across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Marattialean ferns: An order of eusporangiate ferns (Marattiales) within the family Marattiaceae, noted for their large stature and fused sporangia.
Molecular phylogenetics: The analysis of DNA or RNA sequence data to infer evolutionary relationships among organisms.
Chloroplast markers: Specific DNA regions in the chloroplast genome widely used to reconstruct plant phylogenies.
Plastid genome: The complete set of genetic material contained within plastids (e.g. chloroplasts) of plant cells.
Monophyletic: A group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all its descendants, forming a single evolutionary clade.
References
- Danaea (Marattiaceae) keeps diversifying, part 2: phylogeny and identification key for 81 taxa. Willdenowia - Annals of the Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem (2024).
- Angiopteris nodosipetiolata (Marattiaceae), a new fern species from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys (2024).
- Rediscovery of Angiopteris tonkinensis (Marattiaceae) after 100 years, and its revision. PhytoKeys (2020).
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