Comprehensive Assessment of the Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Status of the Celeastralean Plexus

Abstract

The taxonomic and phylogenetic status of the celeastralean plexus is thoroughly evaluated and reported. A synthetic review has been attempted using the data from several disciplines disclosed by previous writers as well as the current author's alliance study. The taxonomic literature indicated that the Celeastrales (sensu lato) are a loose-knit assemblage. The tribal, subfamilial, familial and even ordinal boundaries are uncertain and even criss-cross each other. It appeared that the alliance can be grouped under two taxonomic entities viz., the Celastrales and the Rhamnales which appear evolved convergently.