Integrative Taxonomy and Phylogenomics of the Neotropical Lasioideae (Araceae)

By: Oscar Lopez-Floriano

Location: Universidad del Valle — Colombia

Purpose:

To develop the first modern, integrative taxonomic and phylogenomic framework for the Neotropical Lasioideae, with a focus on Dracontium and Urospatha. These ancient and culturally significant aroid genera remain poorly understood, with Urospatha lacking a comprehensive revision since 1911 and several Dracontium species still affected by misidentification and unresolved synonymy. By combining field expeditions, herbarium research, detailed morphological documentation, and targeted sequencing of hundreds of nuclear genes, this project will clarify species boundaries, reconstruct evolutionary relationships, improve classifications, and document living plants across Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and French Guiana.

Impact:

This research will establish a much-needed scientific foundation for understanding and conserving two of the most distinctive genera within one of the oldest branches of the aroid family tree. By combining molecular, morphological, geographic, and ethnobotanical data, the project will identify poorly understood or potentially undescribed species, improve identification resources, and support conservation assessments using IUCN Red List criteria. The resulting DNA sequences, herbarium specimens, distribution maps, and photographic atlas will provide lasting resources for researchers, conservationists, local communities, and the global aroid community.