Species delimitation and phylogenetic relationships of Silene villosa s.l. (Caryophyllaceae, sect. Silene s.l.) using nrDNA ITS and cpDNA rps16

Background and aims – Species delimitation is a necessary investigation for widely distributed species. Examination of herbarium specimens descriptions in local floras revealed that two forms Silene villosa were recognized. Form B S. has been identified as separate species named wendelboi . However, the latter was not treated floras. By using molecular tools, we investigated if these should be distinct or retained Material methods We created datasets containing 84 46 accessions nrDNA ITS cpDNA rps16 regions, respectively, which extracted mainly from GenBank. Phylogenies reconstructed Maximum Likelihood Bayesian analyses. Key results propose are species, morphologically phylogenetically. first recognized SW Iran but show Persian Gulf E Mediterranean region well. In most cases, erroneously regions. The distribution much wider, also occurring Asia North Africa, Egypt, Algeria. differs calyx texture, length, ratio length to pedicel, shape apex coronal scale, seed morphology, data, i.e. sequences. Based on those markers, closely related ayachica , while shows affinity arabica