Sapindaceae and the biogeography of eastern Australia

Abstract

The biogeographic relations within eastern Australia and of this region to surrounding areas in New Guinea, West Malesia and the western Pacific are analysed using eight monophyletic groups of Sapindaceae. The results show that areas within eastern Australia are related (Cape York (Atherton Plateau + South East Queensland)), confirming similar results obtained by revious authors. The relationship between eastern Australia and surrounding areas is shown to be complex, involving both vicariance and dispersal events. There are at least two patterns connecting Australia to the West Pacific: an old vicariance (or dispersal) pattern involving the eastern end of the Inner Melanesian Arc and a more recent dispersal pattern via New Guinea involving the Outer Melanesian Arc. West Malesia is also probably connected to eastern Australia by numerous dispersal events via New Guinea. At least two patterns relate eastern Australia to New Guinea: an old vicariance pattern and a younger dispersal pattern from New Guinea back to Australia. These results are compared briefly with those obtained in earlier studies.