Data from: Morphological evolution in the mullberry family (Moraceae)

The mulberry family Moraceae comprises 37 genera and approximately 1,100
species distributed throughout tropical and temperate regions worldwide.
Moraceae exhibit a complex array of inflorescence architectures, breeding
systems, and pollination syndromes, which forms the basis of traditional
taxonomic classification. However, morphologically based classification
conflicts with evolutionary relationships proposed by molecular
phylogenetics. In this study we assembled a morphological character matrix
for analysis separately and in combination with existing molecular data.
We evaluated 81 vegetative, reproductive, and wood anatomical characters
for 94 species representing nearly all Moraceae genera. Using parsimony
and Bayesian methods, these characters were evaluated with respect to ndhF
chloroplast and 26S nuclear DNA sequences. Topological comparisons tested
whether opposing classification schemes are more or less supported by the
data. Results did not support any classification of Moraceae based on
morphology. We present a revised tribal classification and describe a new
tribe, Maclureae, revise the membership of tribe Castilleae and describe
two subtribes, Castillineae and Antiaropsineae, and reinstate the genera
Malaisia (including Malaisia scandens) and Sloetia (including Sloetia
elongata). Lastly we discuss the evolution of inflorescence architecture
in relation to other floral features.