On the Evolution and Distribution of the Trichosanthes

This paper studied the species of Trichosanthes L. worldwide, and also discussed the phylogeny and formation of the modern distribution of the Trichosanthes L., integrated with research data on morphology, palynology, cytology and phylogeny. The Sect. Trichosanthes is in the original position of Trichosanthes, and the Sect. Involucraria and Sect. Foliobracteola belong to more evolutionary taxa. Some taxa in this genus are based on the diploid level, and formed through polyploidization. Trichosanthes was widely distributed in Europe, North American, Asia, and Oceania in the Tertiary. The process of evolution was accelerated in the late tertiary, and South Asia and the southwest mountains of China became the origin and distribution centers. Following the Quaternary ice-age, species disappeared in Europe, and East Asia became the modern distribution center. Trichosanthes, as part of the flora of China, is the local origin genus.