Comparison and delimitation of the Monopyle bilsaensis ined. complex within Ecuador

Abstract

KYLEE RADABAUGH, Dept. of Science & Mathematics, Glenville State College, Glenville, WV 26351, and JEREMY KEENE, Dept. of Science & Mathematics, Glenville State College, Glenville, WV 26351. Comparison and delimitation of the Monopyle bilsaensis ined. complex within Ecuador.

Monopyle is a genus of herbaceous plants in the family Gesneriaceae. The genus is distributed from Central into northern South America. Recent studies for a revision of the genus have revealed many species complexes that require more in-depth study. Monopyle bilsaensis ined. a new species discovered in northern Ecuador near the Bilsa Biological Station is part of a species complex that has been difficult to delimit. It appears that the species is hybridizing with two other nearby species Monopyle ecuadorensis and Monopyle communis ined. The extensive hybridization between the species has made morphological separation very tedious.  In order to separate these species, I am currently using a molecular phylogenetic approach that utilizes both nuclear and chloroplast gene regions to compare the species.  The objectives of this research are to study the morphological and molecular characteristics of Monopyle found in Ecuador with special emphasis given to the species complex.  A comparison of all the taxa will provide insight into the overall evolution of the group in the area.  Future studies of this complex will include a phenetic analysis of taxonomically useful characters to confirm morphological differences in the group.