Phylogenomic and syntenic data demonstrate complex evolutionary
processes in early radiation of the rosids
Abstract
Some of the most vexing problems of deep level relationship that remain
in angiosperms involve the superrosids. The superrosid clade contains a
quarter of all angiosperm species, with 18 orders in three subclades
(Vitales, Saxifragales and core rosids) exhibiting remarkable
morphological and ecological diversity. To help resolve deep-level
relationships, we constructed a high-quality chromosome-level genome
assembly for Tiarella polyphylla (Saxifragaceae) thus providing broader
genomic representation of Saxifragales. Whole genome microsynteny
analysis of superrosids showed that Saxifragales shared more synteny
clusters with core rosids than Vitales, further supporting Saxifragales
as more closely related with core rosids. To resolve the ordinal
phylogeny of superrosids, we screened 122 single copy nuclear genes from
genomes of 36 species, representing all 18 superrosid orders. Vitales
were recovered as sister to all other superrosids (Saxifragales + core
rosids). Our data suggest dramatic differences in relationships compared
to earlier studies within core rosids. Fabids should be restricted to
the nitrogen-fixing clade, while Picramniales, the
Celastrales-Malpighiales (CM) clade, Huerteales, Oxalidales, Sapindales,
Malvales and Brassicales formed an “expanded” malvid clade. The
Celastrales-Oxalidales-Malpighiales (COM) clade (sensu APG IV) was not
monophyletic. Crossosomatales, Geraniales, Myrtales and Zygophyllales
did not belong to either of our well-supported malvids or fabids. There
is strong discordance between nuclear and plastid phylogenetic
hypotheses for superrosid relationships; we show that this is best
explained by a combination of incomplete lineage sorting and ancient
reticulation.