Systematics and Evolution (HA)

Mimosoideae

Program Leader: Joe Miller

This research project has two major elements. The first investigates molecular systematics of the genus Acacias.l. and related genera of the Mimosoideae, and the second entails species and population level molecular genetic research on the Mulga species complex, Acacia aneura and relatives. The aim of this work is to produce both scientific articles describing the genetic relationships of the taxa and also to produce web-based plant identification keys and factsheets.

Molecular Systematics of Acacia

The CANBR Acacia research program is an integrated research program that integrates an evolutionary aspect in the stud of the largest plant genus in Australia. This project has several goals:

• Develop a species level phylogeny (evolutionary relationships) of all 1,000 species of Acacia that will eventually lead to a revised phylogenetic classification of the genus.
• Apply the phylogeny to address evolutionary questions such as:
• How do important morphological traits evolve?
• What is the biogeographic history of Acacia?
• How does Acacia interact with other species, including insects, bacteria and mistletoes?
• What are the ecological niches of Acacia species?
• Apply these data to inform environmental decisions.
• Where are areas of genetic importance in Acacia?
• Are these areas currently in reserve systems?
• Are they under threat?

2011 Report

I Great gains have been made over the past year in our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships of Acacia. We have now sequenced six DNA regions for over 600 species and most species have duplicate samples. We now have detailed resolution of most species groups. We will continue to add samples throughout the year with a goal of having a phylogeny of 800 species soon. With this data we are now mapping on various morphological, environmental and insect association data. This data analysis method approach allows us insight into how and when Acacia changed in response to past environmental changes. This data is especially rich in the GIS environmental data described here (insert link to Carlos’ page).

For Wattle Day and Biodiversity Month, September 2010, a display portraying a phylogenetic tree of Acacia was set up in the ANBG using over 100 live Acacia plants:

www.anbg.gov.au/gardens/whatson/events/2010-tree-of-trees/index.html

A new section of the Atlas of Living Australia has a detailed Acacia section:

www.ala.org.au/explore/themes/wattles/

Our Acacia 'Tree of Trees' is summarised there.

www.ala.org.au/explore/themes/wattles/joe-miller/

Acacia publications in 2011:

Miller, J.T ., D. M. Murphy, G. K. Brown, D. M. Richardson and C. E. González-Orozco. 2011. The evolution and phylogenetic placement of invasive Acacia species Diversity and Distribution .

Miller, J.T . and C. Miller. 2011. Acacia seedling morphology: Correlation of juvenile leaf forms and seed weight. Australian Journal of Botany. 59: 185-196 .

Richardson, D.M., Carruthers, J., Hui, C., Impson, F.A.C., Miller, J.T., Robertson, M.P., Rouget, M., Le Roux, J.J. & Wilson, J.R.U. 2011. Human-mediated introductions of Australian Acacia species—a global experiment in biogeography. Diversity and Distributions .

Gallagher, R., M.R. Leishman, J.T. Miller, C. Hui, D.M. Richardson, J. Suda and P. Trávníček . 2011. Genome size as a predictor of invasion success and trait variation in Australian acacias. Diversity and Distributions .

Gibson M.R., D.M. Richardson, E. Marchante, H. Marchante,, J.G. Rodger, G.N. Stone, M. Byrne, A. Fuentes-Ramírez, N. George, C. Harris, S.D. Johnson, J.J. Le Roux, J.T. Miller, D.J. Murphy, A. Pauw, M.N. Prescott, E.M. Wandrag, and J.R.U Wilson. 2011. Reproductive biology of Australian Acacia species: important mediator of invasiveness? Diversity and Distributions .

Scientific and Technical Staff

PROGRAM LEADER

Miller, Joe ^

STAFF, HONORARY ASSOCIATES & STUDENTS

Gonzalez-Orozco, Carlos (PDF)
Miller, Cathy ^