Phylogenetic relationships in Ranunculus species (Ranunculaceae) based on nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL-F sequences

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Alzahra University-P.H.D

Abstract

The genus Ranunculus L., with a worldwide distribution, is the largest member of the Ranunculaceae.
Here, nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence data and chloroplast trnLF
sequence data were used to analyze phylogenetic relationships among members of the annual
and perennial (Group Praemorsa, Group Rhizomatosa, Group Grumosa and Group non-Grumosa)
species of Ranunculus in Iran. In the strict consensus tree of nrDNA ITS sequence analyses, seven
sub-clades were described, based on morphological, karyological, palynological, and ecological
features. Within each clade, there were species belonging to more than one Group, and species of a
single Group may fall into different clades, revealing that a classification based on underground
system characters does not show natural interspecific relationships and must be revised. This is also
apparent from trnL-F sequence analyses. Based on our results, the Praemorsa and Rhizomatosa
Groups can be merged.

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