Native Plants
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
RESEARCH LITERATURE
The Research Literature database was created and funded by the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Use the search features below to find scientific articles on native wildflowers that are commercially available or used in restoration projects.
About Research Literature Frequently Asked Questions Related Links
A New Species of Trillium (Melanthiaceae) from Central Georgia and its Phylogenetic Position in subgenus Sessilium
Author(s): Schilling, Edward E., Aaron Floden, Jayne Lampley, Thomas S. Patrick, Susan B. Farmer
Month: Feb
Year: 2019
Publication Type: Journal Article
Journal: Systematic Botany
Volume: 44
Issue: 1
Pages: 107-114(8)
Article Topic(s): Systematics, Taxonomy
Research Setting(s): None specified
Location: Central Georgia
Species Referenced: Trillium delicatum (Ocmulgee trillium),
Abstract
Analysis of molecular phylogenetic data was used to reveal the existence of a novel species of Trillium subgen. Sessilium. Trillium delicatum sp. nov. differs from the two other low-growing species of the subgenus, T. decumbens and T. reliquum, in features such as straight stems and dung-scented flowers. It occurs in wet floodplain forests in the Oconee and Ocmulgee river drainages in central Georgia, and has a distinct floral scent compared to the wide spectrum in Trillium. The molecular phylogenetic results based on four markers (nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid trnH-psbA, trnL-trnF, and rpl32-trnL spacers) included samples of all species of the subgenus, and documented the distinctiveness of T. delicatum as a distinct taxon and also provided resolution of species relationships that suggested that the subgenus originated in southeastern North America with two migrations to western North America. The molecular results also suggested the need for closer examination of T. cuneatum and T. lancifolium, and also to assess whether T. decipiens and T. underwoodii are distinct species. Based on the few known populations and susceptibility to damage by hogs, Trillium delicatum is a rare species requiring protection.Suggested Citation
A New Species of Trillium (Melanthiaceae) from Central Georgia and its Phylogenetic Position in subgenus Sessilium. Schilling, Edward E., Aaron Floden, Jayne Lampley, Thomas S. Patrick, and Susan B. Farmer. Systematic Botany. Vol 44, Issue 1, February 2019. Pgs: 107-114.Go back