Untangling New Guinea Cayratia (Vitaceae) using taxonomic and phylogenomic approaches

Summary The genus Cayratia consists of 39 accepted species, with eight species being native to New Guinea, three of which are endemic. With numerous revisions and reorganisations since the first publication of the genus, records for the genus remain inconsistent between sources. A key to the species of Cayratia was formed based on species descriptions created using 86 specimens. By using the coordinates from specimens and online resources, a preliminary IUCN Red List assessment was made to analyse the conservation status of the species. All eight species have conservation statuses of Least Concern. A phylogenetic tree of Cayratia of New Guinea was based on using 194 genes obtained through target capture sequencing of DNA extracted from 17 specimens , from New Guinea and neighbouring countries. Associations between phylogenetic placement, morphology and location can be seen throughout the phylogenetic tree. The genetic differences between specimens in the different geographical regions have led to the creation of a new species for Cayratia mollissima (Wall.) Gagnep. of New Guinea, C. novaeguineaensis G.Flanagan.