Molecular phylogenetic support for a broader delimitation of Uvaria (Annonaceae), inclusive of Anomianthus, Cyathostemma, Ellipeia, Ellipeiopsis and Rauwenhoffia

Uvaria (Annonaceae), a large palaeotropical genus of woody climbers, closely resembles several other smaller genera, including Anomianthus, Cyathostemma, Ellipeia, Ellipeiopsis and Rauwenhoffia. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of this group was undertaken using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods based on four chloroplast DNA regions (matK, psbA-trnH spacer, rbcL and trnL-F). The resultant trees were moderately well resolved with significant statistical support for most nodes. Uvaria is shown unequivocally to be paraphyletic, with all representatives of the other five genera nested within it. The distinguishing morphological characteristics of the related genera are re-evaluated, and interpreted as no more than specialised adaptations of the basic Uvari structure. The generic names Anomianthus, Cyathostemma, Ellipeia, Ellipeiopsis and Rauwenhoffia are accordingly reduced to synonymy with Uvaria, necessitating 11 new nomenclatural combinations and four replacement names.