Talking Solanaceae at Evolution 2015

Julia presented a poster showing our collaborative research with Nick Matzke, Sandy Knapp, Lynn Bohs, Dick Olmstead and Tiina Sarkinen on the biogeographic history of the Solanaceae.  Her stochastic mapping results show many range expansions and dispersals from South America into North and Central America, especially in the last 5MYA.  Stacey discussed Julienne's studies of pigment chemistry in red-flowered Solanaceae.  Only red-flowered taxa make red pelargonidin-derived anthocyanins, but some red-flowered species, particularly those with dual production of carotenoids, also make blue and purple delphinidin and cyanidin pigments.