Phylogenetic relationships in Anthemis (Compositae, Anthemideae) based on nrDNA ITS sequence variation

Abstract

Sequences of the nrDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region were analysed for 29 representatives of Anthemis L. and six outgroup taxa of Anthemideae (Compositae) to study the delimitation and the infrageneric taxonomy of this large and widespread Eurasian and African genus. Species of Anthemis included all subgenera and sections traditionally used in supraspecific classifications of the genus. Maximum parsimony (MP), maximum likelihood (ML), and distance (neighbor joining, NJ) analyses were carried out for phylogenetic reconstructions. The results suggest that the genus, in its traditional circumscription, is not monophyletic due to the consistent placement of a member of Tripleurospermum amidst the Anthemis representatives. Subdivision of Anthemis into two subgenera (A. subg. Anthemis, A. subg. Cota) is supported, with the exception of the placement of A. sect. Chiae and sect. Odontostephanae which fall outside A. subg. Anthemis. Within A. subg. Anthemis, life form dependent delimitation of A. sect. Anthemis (annuals) against A. sect. Hiorthia (perennials) is not supported, whereas the monophyly of other sections (A. sect. Maruta, A. sect. Rascheyanae) is confirmed including the placement of Ammanthus Boiss. & Heldr. into Anthemis subg. Anthemis.