Sascha Heller

A phylogenomic analysis of the so far phylogenetically unresolved subfamily Bromelioideae (Bromeliaceae) was performed to infer species relationships as the basis for future taxonomic treatment, stabilization of generic concept, and further analyses of evolution and biogeography of the subfamily. A target-enrichment approach was chosen, using the A...

Generic status for the Amazonian Hylaeaicum is proposed within the Aechmea alliance, excluding it from the “Nidularioid complex” in general and from Neoregelia in particular. The monophyly of this new genus is supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses. The taxonomic circumscription of Hylaeaicum is based on the combination of geographical range...

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

The subfamily Bromelioideae is one of the most diverse groups among the neotropical Bromeliaceae. Previously, key innovations have been identified which account for the extraordinary radiation and species richness of this subfamily, especially in the so-called core Bromelioideae. However, in order to extend our understanding of the evolutionary mec...

Background The angiosperm family Bromeliaceae comprises over 3.500 species characterized by exceptionally high morphological and ecological diversity, but a very low genetic variation. In many genera, plants are vegetatively very similar which makes determination of non flowering bromeliads difficult. This is particularly problematic with living co...

Since the first description of the genus in 1754, the taxonomy of Ananas underwent many fundamental changes and it is still the subject of a vivid debate. We present a phylogeny comprising all seven known Ananas taxa, Pseudananas sagenarius as well as closely related members of Bromelioideae (Aechmea subg. Chevaliera) based on three nuclear markers...

Phylogenetic trouble unleashed The first part of my thesis deals with a comprehensive phylogeny of the Bromelioideae subfamily. The family Bromeliaceae is subdivided into eight subfamilies, one of them is the Bromelioideae. Phylogenetic relationships among the Bromelioideae are still poorly understood and many of the extant genera are suspected to...

The authors provide a new circumscription for genera of the “Cryptanthoid complex” of Bromeliaceae subfam. Bromelioideae, originally composed of Cryptanthus, Lapanthus, Orthophytum, and Sincoraea, on the basis of new or reevaluated ecological, geographical and morphological evidence, as well as molecular phylogenies. A new generic status is propose...

Abstract— Genetic concepts within the Bromelioideae are highly problematic, in particular within the tank-forming “core bromelioid” clade. Previous molecular studies showed that the largest genus, Aechmea, and allied genera are polyphyletic and require revision. Here we focus on one group within the Aechmea alliance, the Portea/Gravisia group. To a...

Tillandsia usneoides is the most widely distributed species of the family Bromeliaceae (Poales). It ranges from the southeastern United States to Argentina and Chile. Tillandsia usneoides grows as an epiphyte with missing aerial roots and is dispersed by seeds as well as by fragments of the plant. Within the species, striking morphological differen...

Almost 30 researchers attended that meeting and the wishes among the participants for a regular event was clear. The main inspiration for such an event was the regular schedule of workshops and congresses around the world which focus on families such as Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Rubiaceae and Poaceae. The final decision of the group was for an event to...

Bromeliaceae is an important Neotropical family mainly due to its distinctive biological and ecological features such as epiphytic life form and the presence of “tank habit”, which are considered key to the fast adaptive radiation of the family. However, evolutionary forces causing chromosomal speciation and adaptation are still enigmatic. Hence, B...

Almost 30 researchers attended that meeting and the wishes among the participants for a regular event was clear. The main inspiration for such an event was the regular schedule of workshops and congresses around the world which focus on families such as Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Rubiaceae and Poaceae. The final decision of the group was for an event to...