Evolution
Several studies have attempted to date the evolution of the Asparagales, based on phylogenetic evidence. Earlier studies generally give younger dates than more recent studies, which have been preferred in the table below.
| Approx. date in Millions of Years Ago |
Event |
|---|---|
| 133-120 | Origin of Asparagales, i.e. first divergence from other monocots |
| 93 | Split between Xanthorrhoeaceae sensu lato and the 'core group' Asparagales |
| 91–89 | Origin of Alliodeae and Asparagoideae |
| 47 | Divergence of Agavoideae and Nolinoideae |
A 2009 study suggests that the Asparagales have the highest diversification rate in the monocots, about the same as the order Poales, although in both orders the rate is little over half that of the eudicot order Lamiales, the clade with the highest rate.
Read more about this topic: Asparagales
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