Insights into phylogenetic divergence of Dalbergia (Leguminosae: Dalbergiae) from Mexico and Central America

The pantropical genus Dalbergia includes more than 250 species. Phylogenetic studies of the group are scarce and have only included two or three species distributed in Mexico. We obtained herbarium samples Mexican, Central American, South American (sourced from MEXU). In addition, sequences GenBank accessions were used to complement study. Using internal transcribed spacer ( ITS ), matK rbcL 384 comprising America, Asia, Africa sampled evaluate phylogenetic relationships Mexican infrageneric classifications based on morphological data. analyses suggest that is monophyletic originated America. Mexico not a clade but divided into four clades with affinities Asian clades. There no correlation between geography large-scale phylogeny. estimated ages ranged 11.32 Ma granadillo clade) 1.88 ecastaphyllum clade). Multiple long-distance dispersal events should be explain current distribution.