Publication Date:
2016-12-21
Description:
The genusElatinecontainsca25 species, all of which are small, herbaceous annuals distributed in ephemeral waters on both hemispheres. However, due to a high degree of morphological variability (as a consequence of their amphibious life-style), the taxonomy of this genus remains controversial. Thus, to fill this gap in knowledge, we present a detailed molecular phylogenetic study of this genus based on nuclear (rITS) and plastid (accD-psaI,psbJ-petA,ycf6-psbM-trnD) sequences using 27 samples from 13 species. On the basis of this phylogenetic analysis, we provide a solid phylogenetic background for the modern taxonomy of the European members of the genus. Traditionally accepted sections of this tree (i.e., CryptaandElatinella) were found to be monophyletic; onlyE. borchoni—found to be a basal member of the genus—has to be excluded from the latter lineage to achieve monophyly. A number of taxonomic conclusions can also be drawn:E. hexandra, a high-ploid species, is most likely a stabilised hybrid between the main sections;E. campylospermamerits full species status based on both molecular and morphological evidence;E. gussoneiis a more widespread and genetically diverse species with two main lineages; and the presence of the AsianE. ambiguain the European flora is questionable. The main lineages recovered in this analysis are also supported by a number of synapomorphic morphological characters as well as uniform chromosome counts. Based on all the evidence presented here, two new subsections withinElatinellaare described: subsectionHydropiperaconsisting of the temperate species of the section, and subsectionMacropodaeincluding the Mediterranean species of the section.
Electronic ISSN:
2167-8359
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
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