Updated molecular phylogenetic analysis, dating and biogeographical history of the lily family (Liliaceae: Liliales)

Abstract

Liliaceae sensu APG IV include c. 600 species, and have been circumscribed into three subfamilies, Lilioideae, Calochortoideae and Streptopoideae. Molecular phylogenetic approaches to this family have produced dynamic changes in the generic circumscriptions. We conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses, time estimations and biogeographical analyses to confirm generic relationships, discuss their circumscription for classification and clarify the evolutionary history of the family. A phylogenetic analysis is presented as a combined data set of c 6.1 kb from four plastid coding gene sequences for 142 taxa representing all the genera of Liliaceae. Medeoloideae were newly defined as an independent subfamily from Lilioideae. Tricyrtis of Calochortoideae is embedded in Streptopoideae, despite its unique characteristics. The crown age of Liliaceae was calculated at c. 85 Mya, and Liliaceae are considered to have originated in temperate Asia in the late Cretaceous and to have expanded their distribution via dispersal with the occurrence of repetitive vicariance events during their evolution.