Multiple lines of evidence supports the two varieties of Halenia elliptica (Gentianaceae) as two species.

ABSTRACT: Delimiting species requires multiple sources of evidence. Here, we delimited two varieties of Halenia elliptica (Gentianaceae) using several lines of evidence, including morphological traits and mating system in a sympatric population, phylogenetic relationships based on nrITS and cpDNA (rpl16) data, and complete chloroplast genome sequences. Comparative analysis of 21 morphological traits clearly separates the two varieties of H. elliptica. Examination of the flowering process and pollination treatments indicate that H. elliptica var. grandiflora produces seeds via outcrossing, whereas H. elliptica var. elliptica produces seeds via mixed mating. Furthermore, hand-pollinated hybridization of the two varieties produced no seeds. Observations of poll

SUBMITTER: Wu JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9209875 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature