A phylogenomic approach for a new infrageneric classification of Bulbostylis (Abildgaardieae, Cyperaceae)

Abstract

Bulbostylis is the second‐most species‐rich genus in Abildgaardieae, comprising c. 221 species with a pantropical to warm‐temperate distribution and a remarkable ecological and morphological diversity. Despite advances in molecular phylogenetics confirming its monophyly, relationships within Bulbostylis remain poorly resolved, and previous attempts at creating infrageneric classifications are either geographically restricted or unsupported by phylogenetic evidence. Previous molecular studies have sampled fewer than 20% of the species of the genus, limiting our understanding of its evolutionary history. Here, we investigate relationships among 149 species and 3 subspecies of Bulbostylis , representing 69% of global diversity, using a universal probe kit for targeted genomic sequencing of flowering plants (Angiosperms353 probe kit). Our sampling also includes the genus Nelmesia , which we found to fall within Bulbostylis . We propose a new infrageneric classification and suggest a set of diagnostic morphological characters. Our revised infrageneric classification for Bulbostylis includes 18 sections and 8 subsections, providing a foundation for future taxonomic and evolutionary studies of this ecologically important genus.