Two cryptic species of California mustard within Caulanthus lasiophyllus.

ABSTRACT:

Premise

Cryptic species are evolutionarily distinct lineages lacking distinguishing morphological traits. Hidden diversity may be lurking in widespread species whose distributions cross phylogeographic barriers. This study investigates molecular and morphological variation in the widely distributed Caulanthus lasiophyllus (Brassicaceae) in comparison to its closest relatives.

Methods

Fifty-two individuals of C. lasiophyllus from across the species' range were sequenced for the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and the chloroplast trnL-F region. A subset of these samples were examined for the chloroplast ndhF gene. All 52 individuals were scored for 13 morphological traits, as well as monthly and annual climate conditions at the collection locality. M

SUBMITTER: Whittall JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7839454 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature