Evolution and classification of palms: new perspectives

Abstract

All recent studies of the family and of its relationships with other monocotyledons seem to indicate or confirm that the family represents a discrete monophyletic line, apparently quite isolated from other families.

Modern studies have provided a wealth of information that has called into question some of the groupings in Genera Palmarum (UHL & DRANSFIELD, 1987) and the integrity of some of the genera recognised. The autor propose to discuss some of the more outstanding problem groupings and attempts to give some idea of the wealth of continuing studies that affect our perception of relationships within the palms and between them and other families of monocots.

Key Words:

• phylogenesis
• generic relationships
• formal classification