From southern Africa and beyond: Historical biogeography of the Ledebouriinae (Scilloideae, Asparagaceae)

Abstract

Within sub-Saharan Africa, plants inhabiting more seasonal and arid landscapes showcase unique distributional patterns that hint at fascinating evolutionary histories. Research on plants in these habitats have highlighted a complex interplay between climate and orogenic activities. However, despite a steady improvement in our understanding of evolution within these diverse and widespread habitats, many taxa within these regions remain understudied. The Ledebouriinae (Scilloideae, Asparagaceae) are widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and can also be found in Madagascar, the Middle East, India, and Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, this widespread distribution coupled with taxonomic uncertainties have made uncovering the evolutionary history of the Ledebouriinae very difficult. Here, using the most comprehensive sampling of the lineage to date, we investigate the timing and historical biogeography of these bulbous monocots within and outside of Africa.