Phylogenetic relationships of Asimina and Deeringothamnus (Annonaceae) based on morphology, floral scent chemistry, and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat data1

• Published in: The journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 2016-01, Vol.143 (1), p.58-68
• Main Authors: Mercer, Elizabeth, Griffin, Brandi, Steele, Joshua, Goodrich, Katherine R, Bush, Catherine M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Annonaceae; Asimina; Deeringothamnus; floral phenotype; ISSR; pawpaw
• ISSN: 1095-5674; 1940-0616
• DOI: 10.3159/TORREY-D-14-00045.1

The phylogenetics of the North American genera Asimina and Deeringothamnus (Annonaceae) have never been determined with strong support or resolution. In this analysis, Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) DNA fingerprinting techniques were used alone and in combination with morphological and floral scent chemical data to elucidate the phylogeny of the group. DNA was extracted from accessions from both the field and herbarium. Five ISSR primers were used with 13 taxa, including nine of Asimina, two of Deeringothamnus, one Annona, and one Disepalum (17 total accessions). The ISSR band presence/absence data were analyzed using maximum parsimony. Phenotypic characters (including morphology and floral scent chemistry) were included in addition to the molecular data. In the molecular analysis, Deeringothamnus was imbedded within Asimina, with Deeringothamnus pulchellus Small being sister to two accessions of Asimina triloba Dunal (79% bootstrap [bt] support]. In the combined molecular, morphological, and chemical analysis, the four accessions of Deeringothamnus formed a monophyletic clade (85% bt) as did the white-flowered and maroon-flowered species of Asimina, albeit each with less than 50% bt support.