Next SOL Seminar Online will be presented by Andres Orejuela on Roots in the clouds: Evolution of epiphytism in Solanaceae
Abstract. Epiphytes are non-parasitic plants that live above the ground without a connection to the soil. Epiphytes show a variety of adaptations to living without access to soil water, including aerial roots, tank life form, CAM photosynthesis, tubers, and ant associations. Details of the evolution of epiphytes and their adaptations remain poorly understood. This talk will focus on exploring the evolution of epiphytes in Solanaceae, where c. 80 epiphytes are found in the tribe Solandreae across 11 genera, and a few epiphytic species in Solanum and Lycianthes. Results based on a densely sampled full plastome phylogeny of Solandreae show that the epiphytic life form has evolved at least three times in the tribe itself, and at least two times in other parts of the family. Several morphological traits are associated with the evolution of epiphytic life form, including tubers, ant associations, and diversity of corolla forms and colourations linked to pollination syndrome switching. A total of 20 species remains to be described in this poorly known group and much more remains to be learnt from these silent kings and queens of the cloud forest canopies.
When? Friday 12th February 3 pm (GMT+1)
The zoom link to join the meeting is https://cuboulder.zoom.us/j/94333146166 Meeting ID: 943 3314 6166, password: Solanaceae
Watch this talk here: https://youtu.be/jZqQu4LG9Qo
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