Chloroplast Genome-Based Molecular Baraminology Analysis of Proteales.

Proteales (or proteans) is an order of eudicot angiosperm plants that have economic and medicinal importance. The chloroplast genome of 18 Proteales species, together with four outgroup species from the genus Cucurbita were downloaded, aligned, and clustered. According to the results, the Hopkins clustering statistic was 0.801, which reflects decently good clustering. Five putative groups were found: Platanus, Sabia, Meliosma, Nelumbo, and the family Proteaceae (Macadamia+Grevillea+Helicia). Similarities based on pollen morphology also lend support to this division of Proteales species into these five tentative holobaramins. Hybridization data within the genera Platanus and Nelumbo and between Helicia and Macadamia also imply that these groups may be putative holobaramins. Further evidence from mitochondrial genomes, nuclear genes, or more hybridization data would strengthen these clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]