Molecular phylogenetic relationships among Lachenalia, Massonia and Polyxena (Liliaceae) on the basis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region

Abstract

A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences in 31 species, four varieties and four cultivars of Lachenalia, two species of Massonia and three species of Polyxena was made. These three genera have been considered as closely related with each other. The ITS sequence data confirmed that Massonia was clearly different from Lachenalia and Polyxena. Polyxena constructed one clade distinguished from Lachenalia. The species of Lachenalia used showed a correlationship between ITS sequence data and karyotypes, excepting the species with the basic chromosome numbers x=7 and x=8 did not show any correlationship with those with the other basic chromosome numbers. Similarities of their arrays of ITS sequence data among species with x=8 were greater than those among the species with x=7. Lachenalia pusilla and L. muirii which had x=7 formed a clade with the species with x=8. Differences in The species with the basic chromosome numbers of X=7 and 8 showed less differences in correlationship between ITS sequence data and karyotypes than those with other basic chromosome numbers It was suggested that the species of Lachenalia with the basic chromosome numbers of x=7 and 8 might be originated from a common ancestor, while the other species of the genus with basic chromosome numbers other than x=7 and 8 might be originated from other ancestor-else.