Aspects of the phylogeny, evolution and biogeography of the genus Leucadendron (proteaceae)

A very ancient, southern, temperate origin for the family in Africa is suggested as alternative to the generally accepted postulate of a more recent tropical origin. This supports the scenario postulated by Melville (1975) for Australian Proteaceae. Deductions made from the cladogram of areas support the model of Axelrod & Raven (1978) in part, but also suggests that certain regions in southern Africa which are at present centres of diversification for the genus, have acted through time as source areas continuously occupied by fynbos-like vegetation. Much speciation and divergence appears to have occurred in the Quaternary as a response to aridification and fire.