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Question: Hi, I have noticed that the dogwood genus has changed, from Cornus to both Swida and Benthamidia, mostly. I assume …
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Question
Hi, I have noticed that the dogwood genus has changed, from Cornus to both Swida and Benthamidia, mostly. I assume this was due to some new knowledge from genetics work or something. Could you tell me more, or point me in a direction where I could learn more about this change? Thanks!
Answer
Dear Lena, the dogwood genus did not change (i.e., Cornus is still Cornus). What has happened is that botanists have recognized that it was comprised of four very distinct entities: (1) Cornus in the strict sense (Cornelian cherries), woody with precocious flowers, (2) Benthamidia (big-bracted dogwoods), woody with large petaloid bracts, (3) Swida, (blue- and white-fruited dogwoods), woody and without petaloid bracts, and (4) Chamaepericlymenum (dwarf dogwoods), herbaceous plants. Note: there are many other characters that distinguish these genera, I've only provided a brief synopsis here. There is morphological, phylogenetic, distributional, and physiological evidence that supports the splitting of Cornus into four genera. Patterns of hybridization also mirror these four genera (i.e., hybrids are known within the genera but not between them). You can begin reading more about this by following up on the references given in Flora Novae Angliae. If you have more questions, feel free to follow up at gobotany[at]newenglandwild.org.