This National Science Foundation funded project examines phylogenetic relationships among three closely-related genera (Grabowskia, Lycium, and Phrodus) in Tribe Lycieae in the tomato plant family (Solanaceae). This research will contribute to understanding evolutionary relationships among members of Lycieae and particularly within the largest genus Lycium (wolfberry; ca. 80 species worldwide).

An understanding of phylogenetic relationships within Lycieae will guide revised taxonomic classifications and result in a new systematic treatment of the group.  The merits of this project also extend outside the traditional realm of systematics; the proposed work will permit determination of the number of times that dimorphic breeding systems (i.e., separate male and female plants) have evolved from hermaphroditic ancestors in Lycium, and existing hypotheses concerning the association of polyploidy, loss of self-incompatibility, and gender and sexual dimorphism will be tested.

For more information contact PI's Dr. JS Miller and Dr. RA Levin

Material on this website is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0343735. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.