The Blakeeae (Melastomataceae) are large-flowered, mainly epiphytic, components of neotropical forests with diverse pollination syndromes (including rodents) and mutualistic associations with ants and mites. The goals of this study are to infer phylogeny using morphology and five molecular regions; to use the phylogeny to track the evolution of mite and ant plant associations; examine patterns of character change, particularly anther morphology and other floral modifications; and explore speciation and biogeography.
Broader impacts. Undergraduates will be trained in scanning electron microscopy, molecular, and anatomical techniques. This project is fostering collaborations between North and South American botanists. Results will be disseminated through scientific journals, meetings, and classroom lectures. Blakeeae are mostly limited to highly diverse and endangered montane, neotropical forests--understanding them will aid conservation.
Intellectual merit. WSJ has broad expertise in plant systematics and morphology. DSP has training in morphological, anatomical, and molecular techniques. Both are involved in international collaborative investigations into melastome phylogenetics, are active in the scientific community, and are winners of competitive teaching awards. This will be among the first morphological analyses to provide access to all metadata, will contribute considerably to understanding melastome phylogenetics, mite- and ant-plant relationships, and form the foundation for a monograph.
