A preliminary phylogenetic study of Paraphlomis (Lamiaceae) based on molecular and morphological evidence

• Published in: Plant diversity 2021-06, Vol.43 (3), p.206-215
• Main Authors: Chen, Ya-Ping, Liu, Ang, Yu, Xun-Lin, Xiang, Chun-Lei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ajugoides; Infrageneric classification; Matsumurella; Nutlet; Paraphlomideae; Research Paper
• ISSN: 2468-2659; 2096-2703; 2468-2659
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2021.03.002

Paraphlomis is a genus of Lamiaceae with about 30 species distributed mainly in subtropical China. In this study, we carried out the first molecular phylogenetic analyses to elucidate the relationships within the genus based on two nuclear and four plastid DNA regions. Our results, which recovered a species of Matsumurella within Paraphlomis, indicate that the genus is not monophyletic. The two sections and most of the series previously described within the genus are also shown to be polyphyletic. Combining with morphological evidence, our study indicates that nutlet morphology rather than calyx morphology is of phylogenetic value for the infrageneric classification of Paraphlomis. Moreover, P. jiangyongensis, a new species from southern China, is here described, and P.coronata, formerly treated as a variety of P.javanica, is here resurrected as a distinct species within the genus. •We carried out the first molecular phylogenetic analysis of Paraphlomis based on two nuclear and four plastid DNA sequences.•Paraphlomis and the two sections and most of the series previously delimitated within the genus are not monophyletic.•Nutlet morphology rather than calyx morphology is of phylogenetic value for the infrageneric classification of Paraphlomis.•A new species, P. jiangyongensis, from southern China is described and the specific status of P. coronata is confirm.•The phylogenetic backbone of Paraphlomis recovered here will serve as a framework for future studies of the genus.