Molecular phylogenetic and biogeographic evidence of Lepidagathis Willd. (Acanthaceae, Barlerieae) focusing on Indian endemics

By

Kadam, Suhas
Mane, Rohit
Tamboli, Asif
Jangam, Akshay
Choo, Yeon-Sik
Pak, Jae-Hong

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2024

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

248

Pages

223--236

Subjects

Barlerieae , Biogeography , ITS , Lepidagathis , molecular phylogeny , trnL-F , trnS-G

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.248.133776

 

Abstract

Lepidagathis Willd., a genus belonging to the Acanthaceae family, is primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, encompassing approximately 153 species. While considerable morphological research has been conducted on Lepidagathis, it has not completely dispelled taxonomic ambiguities and conflicting interpretations. Molecular analysis emerges as a valuable tool for resolving these taxonomic uncertainties, but the availability of nucleotide sequence data for Lepidagathis has been limited thus far. This study delivers a phylogenetic analysis of Lepidagathis species, utilizing both chloroplast and nuclear regions. The results of Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses consistently segregate the studied Lepidagathis species into two principal clades, denoted as Clade A and Clade B. Notably, this analysis firmly positions the Indian endemic Lepidagathis within Clade A, supported by robust statistical evidence. Furthermore, our biogeographical analysis strongly suggests that the origin of Lepidagathis might be traced back to Eurasia. This research establishes a foundational molecular phylogeny of Lepidagathis, offering valuable insights for future taxonomic investigations. Additionally, it sheds light on the evolutionary history and biogeographical origins of the Lepidagathis genus.