Table 2 Summary of cpDNA-based divergence time estimation results under a Bayesian approach using (a) a Yule speciation prior for the major clades of Ranunculales (see Fig. 4a) and (b) a coalescent prior for the crown group age of Euptelea and its phylogroups (Fig. 4b) as implemented in beast

 Node 1* (the stem age of Sabiaceae)

Fossil fruit

98.44–100.3

98

Knobloch & Mai (1986) [73]

 Node 2* (the crown age of Proteales)

Fossil leaves

98.44–100.3

98

Crane et al. (1993) [74]

 Node 3* (the stem age of Menispermeaceae)

Fossil fruit

91.44–93.28

91

Knobloch & Mai (1986) [73]

 Node 4* (Ranzania/Mahonia)

Fossil leaves

45.44–47.28

45

Manchester (1999) [5]

 Node A (crown age of Euptelea)

5.46 (1.23–10.87)

 Node B* (crown age of Euptelea)

6.04 (2.89–9.36)

 Node C (crown age of E. pleiosperma)

3.64 (1.38–6.46)

 Node C1 (crown age of C1 phylogroup)

1.66 (0.47–3.31)

 Node C2 (crown age of C2 phylogroup)

1.66 (0.42–3.50)

 Node C3 (crown age of C3 phylogroup)

1.15 (0.17–2.68)

 Node C4 (crown age of C4 phylogroup)

1.73 (0.48–3.47)

 Node D (crown age of E. polyandra)

3.20 (1.34–5.56)

 Node J1 (crown age of J1 phylogroup)

1.50 (0.36–3.07)

 Node J2 (crown age of J2 phylogroup)

2.31 (0.88–4.13)