Molecular evidence shows that the tropical boxes (Eucalyptus subgenus minutifructus) are over-ranked

Abstract

Molecular evidence shows that the tropical boxes (Eucalyptus subgenus Minutifructus) are overranked. Trans. R. Soc. S. Aust. 127(1), 27-32, 31 May, 2003. Australia’s tropical boxes, Eucalyptus deglupta, E. brachyandra, E. howittiana and E. raveretiana have been classified as subgenus Minutifructus, a taxon described on the basis of a single morphological character, a terminal inflorescence. Molecular data indicate that these species emerge from within subgenus Symphyomyrtus. There is also some evidence to suggest that they may not form a monophyletic group. Consequently, we recommend that subgenus Minutifructus should not be maintained as a separate subgenus, and that the four species should be included in subgenus Symphyomyrtus.