A phylogenetic analysis of Harpullia (two incompletely-known species excluded, Conchopetalum and Majidea as outgroups) based on morphological characters resulted in five most parsimonious cladograms. These cladograms and the strict consensus cladogram show a few polytomies. Only a few branches have relatively high Decay Indices. The strict consensus cladogram indicates that Harpullia is monophyletic (five synapomorphies) and does not support the existing subgeneric classification. Thus, it is advisable to refrain from any subgeneric classification. The historical biogeographic pattern confirms the one already found for eight other genera of Sapindaceae. Harpullia originated on the New Guinean—Australian plate and from there dispersal and speciation occurred towards New Caledonia and Southeast Asia main land.

Communicating Editor: Matt Lavin