Systematic position of two endemic species of Dipcadi (Asparagaceae) from northern Western Ghats of India using molecular markers

Abstract

Phylogenetic relationships of two endemic and critically endangered species viz. Dipcadi concanense (Dalzell) Baker and D. goaense Prabhug. et al., from northern Western Ghats, were investigated using sequences from a Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal region and a plastid gene (matK). Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analysis were carried out for that purpose. The phylogenetic tree resulting from ML as well as Bayesian analysis showed that D. concanense and D. goaense are closely related species. This analysis was significantly supported by bootstrap as well as posterior probability values. The resolution of Dipcadi clade is also explained by cytological data as well as distribution patterns.