Leucojum
Rodger Whitlock (Wed, 31 Mar 2004 13:02:13 PST)
On 28 Mar 04 at 12:11, johngrimshaw@tiscali.co.uk wrote:
AYcis or A cis ( a as in apple). A cis is probably more correct in
classical terms, but probably most people will use Aycis, as they do
when referring to Handel's opera, 'Acis and Galatea'. Acis was a
shepherd in Greek mythology.
Is that "c" a "k" or an "s"? Are we to say assis or akkis?
The work I am quoting from is an excellent, model study of a group
of closely related plants Galanthus and Leucojum, carried out at RBG
Kew by Dolores Lledo, Aaron Davis, Manuel Crespo, Mark Chase and
Michael Fay, entitled:
'Phylogenetic analysis of Leucojum and Galanthus (Amaryllidaceae)
based on plastid matK and nuclear ribosomal spacer (ITS) DNA
sequences and morphology.'
They used three different DNA sequences, plus an analysis of 46
physical characters to arrive at a cladogram (in effect a family
tree showing evolutionary relationships) that shows that Galanthus
is most closely related to Leucojum, and that Acis is a clearly
defined group of its own. In consequence their division follows
these groups, and makes total sense when one looks at the living
plants.
In saying that Acis is "a clearly defined group of its own", is the
implication that it is as distinct from Leucojum sensu strictu as
Galanthus? Or could Acis be a cousin of Leucojum?
Let me restate that: does the study conclude that Galanthus and
Leucoum sensu strictu are more closely related than either is to
Acis?
One thing: one must be cautious in accepting cladistic results. The
method is very popular, but it must be remembered that the algorithms
do not guarantee best fit, as it were, but only close-to-best.
The arguments over the phylogenetic tree behind genus Homo is an
example of the uncertainties implicit in cladistic analysis. I will
admit, however, that the study you refer to had a great deal more
data at hand than just a few fossilized bones.
To change the subject, slightly in anticipation of April first:
...Most good gardeners only refer to things by their specific name
anyway!
As do the bagged bulbs and perennials supplied by the wholesale
nursery industry. There are some amusing gaffes visible at this time
of year. Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis, is labelled "Canadensis"
for example. Jack in the pulpit, Arisaema triphyllum, is labelled
"Triphyllum".
The mind, she boggleth.
--
Rodger Whitlock
"Outside of dogs, books are man's best friend;
inside dogs, it's too dark to read."
-----Groucho Marx