A revised subtribal classification of Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae)

Abstract

Gnaphalieae are one of the larger tribes of the daisy family Asteraceae (Compositae) with c. 2100 species in 178 genera, occurring globally across a wide range of temperate habitats. Recent years have seen considerable advances in our understanding of their phylogenetics and evolution, but there is no widely accepted, stable subtribal classification. The present paper summarises the taxonomic history and presents the various major clades that have been named informally in phylogenetic studies. We also provide the most comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence data to date, including over 1000 species. Based on published studies and our new phylogenetic analyses, we suggest a subdivision of the tribe into two subtribes. These are a largely African-endemic Relhaniinae (124 species in 11 genera) and a much enlarged Gnaphaliinae, the latter accounting for more than 90% of the species diversity (c. 2000 species in 167 genera). Although a finer division of Gnaphaliinae sensu amplo may be desirable, there are at present several obstacles to such a classification, in particular contradictory or ambiguous inferences of relationships.