Cladistics of Cucurbitaceae

Abstract

A phytochemical study on 45 representative species of Cucurbitaceae is investigated. The chemical data, coupled with the data from anatomy. embryology and morphology of the families usually bracketed in most of the taxonomic treatments purporting the kinship, have been cladistically analysed. It is tentatively held that Bixaceae and Flacourtiaceae constitute the ancestral stock and Cucurbitaceae show early divergence reaching the top slot in the cladogram. It is considered that they are more advanced among the taxa in question. Their unorchestrated attainment, pre-empts any fraternal alliance. Therefore, their elevation to an independent ordinal status, is adduced.