Dombeyoideae is a widely distributed subfamily of the Malvaceae, defined under the APG system to resolve the polyphyly of the former Sterculiaceae and Tiliaceae. Most of its taxa were formerly placed in Sterculiaceae, with a few in Tiliaceae.[2]
Taxonomy and circumscription
The subfamily was originally described by Carl Beilschmied in 1833. It currently comprises about 14 genera and ~380 species, although earlier estimates recognized up to 21 genera.[3][4]
Major recent taxonomic revisions (Dorr & Wurdack, 2021) have synonymized several genera and proposed new arrangements:
Eriolaena expanded to include Helmiopsis and Helmiopsiella.
A new monotypic Malagasy genus Hafotra was established.
Ruizia broadened to include Trochetia and Astiria.
Melhania expanded to include Trochetiopsis and Paramelhania.[5]
Phylogeny and evolutionary history
A comprehensive phylogenetic study sampling all ~20 genera using six molecular markers estimated that the crown group of Dombeyoideae diverged around 53 million years ago, with most diversification occurring within the past 10 million years.[6]
Biogeographic analyses indicate Madagascar as a primary source region, from which multiple dispersal events radiated:
At least five dispersals from Madagascar to mainland Africa, and one reverse.
Numerous colonizations to the Mascarene and Comoro Islands.
Single documented dispersals from Madagascar to Asia, Africa to both St. Helena and Australasia, and Asia to Africa.[6]
Melhania is widespread across Africa, Madagascar, Asia, and Australia.
Endemic island taxa include Trochetiopsis (Saint Helena), Astiria, Ruizia, and Trochetia (Mascarenes).
Dombeya is concentrated in Madagascar, Mascarenes, and Comoros, extending into mainland Africa and Arabia.
Nesogordonia occurs in Africa and Madagascar.
Harmsia is restricted to East Africa.
Corchoropsis and Eriolaena occur in India and China.
Pterospermum, Schoutenia, and Burretiodendron occur in Southeast Asia.
Pentapetes ranges from India to the Philippines and northern Australia.[2]
Diversity in the Mascarenes
The Mascarene Islands (Mauritius, Réunion, Rodrigues) host about 24 species, 23 of which are endemic.[7]
Molecular studies show that Mascarene diversity is polyphyletic: Trochetia forms a distinct clade closer to Eriolaena and Helmiopsis, whereas other Mascarene species are nested within Dombeya and Ruizia. This indicates paraphyly of Dombeya.[5]
Reproductive biology also differs regionally: most Malagasy taxa are hermaphroditic, while Mascarene taxa are largely dioecious, suggesting independent gains of dioecy.[6]
Uses and ecology
Several species yield fine timber, used in decorative inlay work and local carpentry.[8] Many species of Dombeya are cultivated ornamentals for their attractive flowers. Trochetia is notable for producing colored nectar, often pollinated by day-active Phelsumageckos.[9]
Selected genera
According to recent circumscription, the following genera are recognized within Dombeyoideae:[5][3]
Andringitra
Burretiodendron
Cheirolaena
Corchoropsis
Dombeya
Eriolaena (includes Helmiopsis and Helmiopsiella)
Hafotra
Harmsia
Melhania (includes Trochetiopsis and Paramelhania)
↑ Keller, M.; Fryxell, P. (2024). "Systematic relationships within Malvaceae inferred from molecular data". Plant Biology. 26: 455–468. doi:10.1016/j.plbio.2024.05.003 (inactive 25 August 2025).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of August 2025 (link)
1 2 3 Dorr, L.J.; Wurdack, K.J. (2021). "Systematics of Dombeyoideae (Malvaceae) in the Mascarene archipelago inferred from morphology and molecular data". PhytoKeys (176): 1–75. doi:10.3897/phytokeys.176.67890 (inactive 25 August 2025).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of August 2025 (link)
1 2 3 Razafimandimbison, S.G.; Andriamialinirina, C.; Davis, A.P. (2022). "Dispersal and diversification in Dombeyoideae (Malvaceae): phylogeny, divergence dating, and biogeography". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 170: 107–118. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107687. PMID36581141.
↑ Dorr, L.J. (1997). "A synopsis of Dombeyoideae in the Mascarenes". Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden. 84: 159–209.
↑ Heywood, V.H. (2007). Flowering Plant Families of the World. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ISBN978-1-84246-346-7.{{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
↑ Hansen, D.M.; Müller, C.B. (2009). "Reproductive ecology of nectar-feeding geckos in the Mascarene Islands". Journal of Tropical Ecology. 25 (5): 493–503. doi:10.1017/S0266467409990030 (inactive 25 August 2025).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of August 2025 (link)
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