A biogeographical analysis of <i>Muhlenbergia</i> (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Cynodonteae: Muhlenbergiinae)

Abstract A phylogeny based on the analysis of six DNA sequence markers (ITS, ndhA intron, rpl32‐trnL , rps3, rps16 and rps16‐trnK ) is used to infer ancestral areas divergence times, reconstruct biogeographical history evolution 150 183 (82%) species Muhlenbergia . Our results suggest that genus originated 9.3 mya in Sierra Madre (Occidental Oriental) Mexico, splitting into lineages: M. ramulosa diverging 8.2 mya, M subg. at 5.9 Pseudosporobolus Clomena 5.4 Bealia 4.3 Trichochloa 1 each these with a high probability Madrean origin. further founder‐event speciation from South America occurred independently multiple times all five subgenera during Pleistocene late Pliocene. One long‐distance dispersal event most likely originating Central or Eastern North East Asia 1.6–1 In our cladogram, members show little genetic resolution, suggesting very low levels among species, this may be consequence rapid radiation.