Intergeneric relationships within the tribe Alsineae (Caryophyllaceae) as inferred from <scp>nrDNA ITS</scp> and <scp>cpDNA</scp> <i>rps16</i> sequences: A step toward a phylogenetically based generic system

The tribe Alsineae is a large monophyletic group in the family Caryophyllaceae especially found across Eurasia and Americas, but with center of diversity Mediterranean region. Several previous molecular phylogenetic studies have focused on delimitation genera tribes Caryophyllaceae, subfamily Alsinoideae or broader sense than now recognized. However, there are still many open questions regarding subdivision genus delimitation. In present study, we sampled 191 (148 species) 149 (125 accessions representing almost all (Adenonema Pseudocerastium were not available to us) recognized for nuclear DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) plastid marker rps16 sequences, respectively. A combined matrix 103 species was built taxa both sequences available. Maximum parsimony Bayesian inference analyses retrieved Cerastium Stellaria (including Myosoton) as largest genera, while other medium-sized (10–20 spp.) small (<10 spp.). Our expanded sampling Pseudostellaria its relatives suggests circumscription this genus. Major divergence morphology, particularly seeds, observed “Protostellaria”-clade, allows recognition some taxonomic changes. total 16 including Cerastium, Dichodon, Hartmaniella, Holosteum, Lepyrodiclis, Mesostemma, Moenchia, Nubelaria, Odontostemma, Pseudostellaria, Rabelera, Schizotechium, Shivparvatia, Stellaria, along Adenonema that could be analyzed are, therefore, kept distinct genera. diagnostic key these well notes their relationships, distribution, nomenclature, provided.