The genetic relationships, phylogeny and conspecificity of Irish Eriocaulon aquaticum populations with those from Scotland and North America
Maximilian von Sternburg
Supervisor: Prof. John Parnell
Plant Systematics, Molecular Evolution, Amphi-Atlantic Distribution
Eriocaulon aquaticum belongs to a group of plants whose distribution spans the Atlantic, termed the “Amphi-Atlantic Plants”. Little research has been carried out on this group and even less is known about the differentiation between the American and European populations of E. aquaticum. While abundant on the North American continent E. aquaticum is found in Europe only in Western Ireland and a few locations in the Scottish Hebrides. This study tries to determine the taxonomic status of the European E. aquaticum populations and their phylogenetic relationships with the American populations. Extensive sampling covering the whole distribution area has been undertaken. Morphological and anatomical characters will be studied as well as cytological and molecular properties of the sampled specimens employing flow-cytometry, sequencing of nuclear and chloroplast markers and AFLP genotyping. Should the European E. aquaticum gain separate taxonomic status as a result of this study, measures have to be devised in order to protect this plant and its habitat in Ireland.
Publications:
Albach, D. C., von Sternburg, M., Scalone, R. and Bardy, K. (2009). Phylogenetics and differentiation of Veronica subgenus Stenocarpon on the Balkan Peninsula. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 159 (4): 616-636. DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8339.2009.00958.x