The 'Evil Tribe' spreads across the land: A dated molecular phylogeny provides insight into dispersal, expansion, and biogeographic relationships within one of the largest tribes of the sunflower family (Vernonieae: Compositae)

Premise: With over 1500 species, the globally distributed Vernonieae is one of the most successful members of the Compositae. However, due to its morphological complexity and limited geographic representation in previous studies, subtribal and biogeographic relationships are unclear. Here new DNA sequence data spanning the geographical range of the tribe provides a taxonomically robust time-calibrated phylogeny, an estimation of migration pathways and timing of important biogeographical events and allows inference of environmental factors that have contributed to the success of the Vernonieae worldwide.

Methods: Phylogenetic relationships were estimated for 368 taxa representing all Vernonieae subtribes. Molecular clock and ancestral range estimation analyses provide a framework for inference of the tribe's biogeographic history.

Results: Relationships among the subtribes were established. We confirmed that the Moquinieae are nested in Vernonieae, determined the correct placement ...