Allopolyploidisation in a geological collision zone: on the origin of the tetraploid Anthemis cupaniana Nyman (Compositae, Anthemideae) in Sicily

Abstract The genus Anthemis has a circum-Mediterranean distribution and comprises c. 175 annual, biennial, perennial species with polyploid complexes found in its section A. sect. Hiorthia . In Sicily, the is represented by 13 species, one of these being tetraploid cupaniana , which endemic to island distributed throughout limestone mountains at elevations between 500 1800 m a.s.l. Discordant positions phylogenetic trees based on two plastid regions ( psb A -trn H trn C -pet N) nuclear marker (nrDNA ITS1 + 5.8S ITS2) reveal that allopolyploid origin, maternal parent from group around cretica paternal monophyletic comprising mostly N African representatives pedunculata Owing fact latter also Sicilian diploid ismelia been populations Madonie Mts, are considered most probable parental diploids cupaniana. close relationship supports biogeographical interpretation result ‘collision’ southern (African) northern (Eurasian) platforms after dispersal along Pleistocene corridor channel.